The documents banks actually ask for when you open a business account
Most banks want the same core set of documents: your business formation paperwork, a government-issued ID, and proof of your address. The exact list depends on your business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership) and which bank you choose, but the pattern is consistent. You will not need everything at once—some documents you bring to the appointment, others you can provide later if the bank requests them.
The reason banks ask for these documents is straightforward: they need to verify you are who you say you are, that your business actually exists, and that you have the authority to open an account on its behalf. This protects both you and the bank from fraud.
Key Takeaways
- Every business checking account requires your personal government ID and your business formation documents (articles of incorporation, articles of organization, or equivalent).
- Sole proprietors typically need fewer documents than LLCs or corporations because there is no separate legal entity to verify.
- Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your name or your business name.
- Banks may ask for an EIN letter from the IRS or your most recent tax return to confirm your business tax identification number.
- Some banks request a resolution or authorization document showing who is allowed to sign checks and make decisions on the account.
Documents required for sole proprietorships
If you operate as a sole proprietor—meaning you have not filed separate business formation paperwork—you need the fewest documents. Bring your personal government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), proof of your address, and your Social Security number or EIN.
Many sole proprietors use their Social Security number as their business tax ID, so the bank may not ask for an EIN letter. However, if you have obtained an EIN from the IRS, bring the letter the IRS sent you confirming it. Some banks also ask for a DBA (doing business as) certificate if you registered your business name with your county or state, though this is not always required.
Documents required for LLCs and corporations
If your business is registered as an LLC or corporation, bring your articles of organization (for LLCs) or articles of incorporation (for corporations). These are the official documents you filed with your state to create the business entity. The bank needs these to confirm the business legally exists and to see the registered business address and formation date.
You will also need an EIN letter from the IRS—the document the IRS mailed you when you obtained your employer identification number. If you cannot locate the original letter, you can request a new one from the IRS using Form SS-4 or by calling the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line. Some banks accept a screenshot of your EIN from the IRS online portal, though calling ahead to confirm saves a trip.
Bring your personal government ID and proof of your address. The bank may also ask for a certificate of good standing from your state—a document confirming your business is in active status and has no outstanding filings or tax issues. You can order this from your state's secretary of state office, usually online, for a small fee. It typically arrives within one to two weeks.
Documents required for partnerships
Partnerships require your partnership agreement (the document outlining how the partnership operates and who owns what) and your articles of partnership or equivalent formation document filed with your state. Bring your personal ID, proof of address, and the EIN letter from the IRS.
The bank will want to know which partners are authorized to sign checks and access the account. Some banks ask for a written authorization or resolution signed by all partners stating who can act on the account. If your partnership agreement already specifies this, the bank may accept that document instead.
Proof of address and identity documents
Banks accept several forms of proof of address. A recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) in your name or your business name works. So does a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement from another account. The document must show your name or business name and a street address, and it must be dated within the last 60 to 90 days—banks vary on the exact window.
For personal identification, bring a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Some banks also accept a passport card. The ID must not be expired, though banks sometimes accept IDs expired within the last year. Call your bank ahead of time if your ID is expired or about to expire.
Documents you may need to bring later
Some banks do not ask for everything on your first visit. They may request your most recent business tax return (Form 1120 for corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships, Schedule C for sole proprietors) to verify your business income and tax history. If you are a new business with no tax returns yet, the bank usually waives this requirement.
If the account will have multiple authorized signers, the bank may ask for a corporate resolution or board authorization (for corporations) or a written authorization from all owners (for LLCs and partnerships) listing who can sign checks and make withdrawals. This protects the bank by documenting that all owners agreed to give certain people access to the account.
Some banks ask for a voided check from your personal account to confirm your banking history, though this is becoming less common. A few banks request a business plan or description of what your business does, especially if the business is new or operates in a regulated industry.
What to bring to your appointment
Call your bank before you go in and ask what documents they need for your specific business structure. Banks have slightly different requirements, and some accept digital copies while others want originals. A five-minute call saves you a wasted trip.
Bring originals of your formation documents (articles of organization, articles of incorporation, partnership agreement) and your EIN letter. Bring your personal ID and proof of address. If you have a certificate of good standing, bring that too. Bring any other documents the bank told you to bring on the phone.
If you do not have all documents yet—for example, you are still waiting for your EIN letter from the IRS—ask the bank whether you can open the account and provide the missing documents within a set timeframe. Many banks allow this, especially if you have already provided your ID and formation paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business checking account online without going to the bank in person?
Some banks allow you to open an account online and mail in documents afterward, while others require an in-person appointment. Call your bank or check their website to see which process they use. If you open online, you will still need to provide the same documents—you just upload them or mail them in instead of showing them at a branch.
What if I do not have an EIN yet?
You can obtain an EIN from the IRS for free using Form SS-4, either online, by mail, or by phone. If you explore online or by phone, you receive your EIN when ready. If you explore by mail, it takes about four weeks. Many banks will open your account while you are waiting for your EIN, as long as you provide your Social Security number and agree to update your account once the EIN arrives.
Do I need a certificate of good standing to open the account?
Not always. Some banks ask for it, others do not. It is worth ordering from your state's secretary of state office if your bank requests it, since it takes one to two weeks. If your bank does not require it, you do not need to get one just to open the account.
What if I cannot find my original articles of organization?
Contact your state's secretary of state office and request a certified copy of your articles of organization. You can usually do this online or by mail for a small fee. A certified copy is as valid as the original and takes one to two weeks to arrive. In the meantime, ask your bank whether they will hold your appointment or let you provide the document later.
Can someone else open the account on behalf of my business?
Usually no. Banks require at least one owner or authorized officer to appear in person with a government ID. If you cannot go yourself, ask the bank whether they accept a power of attorney document signed by you authorizing someone else to open the account on your behalf. This is uncommon, but some banks allow it.