The documents you need depend on your business structure, but most banks want the same core set

Every bank will ask for proof of who you are, proof that your business exists, and proof that you have the right to open an account on its behalf. The exact list varies by bank and by how your business is set up — a sole proprietorship needs different paperwork than an LLC or corporation. Most banks also want to know who actually controls the account, which means they may ask for more documents if multiple owners are involved.

The fastest path is to call the bank's business banking line before you gather anything. Tell them your business structure and ask them to email or mail you their specific checklist. Banks update these lists, and what one bank requires may differ from another. Showing up with the wrong documents wastes a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID for the person opening the account, plus documentation proving your business exists — usually a business license, articles of incorporation, or an EIN letter from the IRS.
  • Sole proprietors often need only a personal ID and proof of business name registration; LLCs and corporations need formation documents filed with the state.
  • Banks require an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or your Social Security Number, and most want this in writing from the IRS rather than just your word.
  • If someone other than the owner will sign checks or make decisions, the bank will ask for documentation showing they have that authority.
  • Calling ahead to get the bank's exact checklist takes 10 minutes and prevents a second trip.

Personal identification for the account owner or authorized representative

Bring a current government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank needs to verify you are who you say you are, and they will check the ID against their fraud database. If your ID has expired, some banks will still accept it if it expired recently, but do not assume this. Call first.

If you are opening the account as the owner, this is straightforward. If someone else — a manager, accountant, or co-owner — will be the one physically opening the account on behalf of the business, they bring their ID, and you bring documentation showing they have the authority to do so. That documentation is usually a board resolution (for a corporation) or an operating agreement or written authorization (for an LLC or partnership).

Proof that your business exists

The bank needs to see that your business is real and registered with the state. What counts as proof depends on your structure:

  • Sole proprietorship: A business license from your city or county, or a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate filed with your state or county. Some states call this a fictitious name registration. If you operate under your own legal name with no registration, bring a recent utility bill or lease in your business name, or a business license if you have one.
  • LLC: A copy of your Articles of Organization filed with your state's Secretary of State office. This is the document you received when you formed the LLC. If you do not have the original, you can order a certified copy from the Secretary of State's office for a small fee, usually $5 to $15.
  • Corporation: A copy of your Articles of Incorporation filed with your state, plus a corporate resolution authorizing the opening of the account. The resolution names who can sign checks and make decisions. You can write this yourself on company letterhead, or use a template from your state's Secretary of State office.
  • Partnership: A copy of your Partnership Agreement, or if you have not filed one formally, a written statement signed by all partners saying the partnership exists and naming who can open the account.

If your business is brand new and you have not yet received your formation documents from the state, call the bank and ask if they will accept a receipt showing you filed the paperwork. Some will; others will wait until the state confirms the filing.

Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number documentation

The bank needs your EIN or your Social Security Number in writing. They will not take your word for it. If your business has an EIN, bring a copy of the IRS letter you received when you applied for it. This letter has your EIN, your business name, and the date the IRS assigned it. If you have lost the letter, you can print a new copy from the IRS website using your online account, or call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and ask them to mail you a copy.

If your business does not yet have an EIN — because it is brand new or because you are a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number — bring a copy of your Social Security card, or a tax return showing your SSN, or a W-2 from a previous employer. Some banks will accept a statement from you on company letterhead saying you are using your SSN instead of an EIN, but do not count on this. Call ahead.

If you are explore for an EIN right now, you can do this online at irs.gov in about 15 minutes. The IRS will give you the number when ready, and you can print a confirmation page. Some banks will accept this confirmation page in place of the formal letter, but again, call first.

Documentation of ownership and authority

If the business has multiple owners, or if someone other than the owner will be authorized to sign checks or make account decisions, the bank will ask for proof of who has that authority. This is where the documents you already have often serve double duty:

  • For an LLC, your Operating Agreement lists the members and what decisions each can make. Bring a copy.
  • For a corporation, a Board Resolution or Corporate Bylaws show who the officers are and what they can do. If you do not have formal bylaws, write a straightforward resolution on company letterhead saying something like "The Board of Directors authorizes [Name] to open a business checking account and sign checks on behalf of [Company Name]." Have all shareholders or the board sign and date it.
  • For a partnership, your Partnership Agreement shows each partner's role. If you do not have a written agreement, write one now, or bring a signed statement from all partners saying who can open the account.
  • For a sole proprietorship, you own it outright, so no additional documentation is needed — just your personal ID.

If you are adding someone to the account later who is not an owner — like an employee or bookkeeper — the bank will ask for a separate authorization form. You sign it, and the employee does not need to be present. The bank provides this form.

Additional documents some banks request

Depending on the bank and the type of business, you may be asked for more. A few common ones:

  • Proof of address: A recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your business name, or in your personal name if the business is new. This can be the same document you use to prove the business exists.
  • Business plan or description: A one-page summary of what your business does, how long it has been operating, and roughly how much money moves through it monthly. Banks use this to assess fraud risk. You do not need anything formal — a paragraph is enough.
  • Beneficial ownership certification: A form stating who ultimately owns or controls the business. This is required by federal law for most business accounts opened after 2020. The bank provides the form; you fill it out and sign it.
  • IRS Form W-9: Some banks ask you to complete this form, which confirms your tax ID and authorizes the bank to report interest income to the IRS. The bank usually provides it.

Banks are required by federal law to collect certain information about who owns and controls your business, so do not be surprised if the questions feel detailed. This is standard, not a sign that something is wrong.

What to bring to the bank appointment

Organize your documents in the order the bank's checklist specifies. Bring originals and one copy of everything except your personal ID — bring the original ID only. If a document is a certified copy (like a certified copy of your Articles of Organization), bring the certified copy, not a photocopy of it.

If you are opening the account online instead of in person, the bank will ask you to upload images of your documents. Use a phone camera or scanner to make clear, full-page images. Make sure the text is readable and all four corners of the document are visible. If the bank cannot read it, they will ask you to resubmit.

Bring a blank check from your business checkbook if you have one, or be ready to order checks after the account opens. The bank will not provide checks; you order them separately through the bank or a third-party printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a business account if my business is not officially registered yet?

Most banks want to see proof of registration before they open the account. If your business is brand new, file your formation documents with the state first — this takes one to five business days depending on the state. Some banks will accept a filing receipt showing you submitted the paperwork, but call ahead to confirm. Do not assume.

Do I need an EIN if I am a sole proprietor?

No. Sole proprietors can use their Social Security Number instead. However, if you have employees or plan to hire them, you need an EIN. If you want one anyway for privacy reasons, you can get one free from the IRS in about 15 minutes online at irs.gov.

What if I lost my Articles of Organization or incorporation documents?

Contact your state's Secretary of State office and request a certified copy. You can usually do this online or by mail for a small fee, typically $5 to $20. A certified copy is official and the bank will accept it. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail, or you may be able to read it when ready if your state offers online ordering.

Can someone else open the account for me if I cannot go in person?

Yes, if you give them written authorization. Bring a letter signed by you saying they have permission to open the account on your behalf, plus documentation showing they have authority to act for the business — usually your Operating Agreement, Board Resolution, or Partnership Agreement. They bring their own ID. Some banks also offer online account opening, which may be faster.

Do I need to bring my business plan or financial statements?

Most banks do not require these, but some ask for a brief description of what the business does and roughly how much money moves through it monthly. Call ahead to ask. If they do ask, a one-paragraph summary is enough — you do not need a formal business plan.