You need an EIN, your formation documents, and a government ID — but the exact list depends on your bank
Most banks will ask for five things: your Employer Identification Number (EIN), your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation, a government-issued ID for the person opening the account, proof of your business address, and a completed signature card or account process. Some banks add a business license or an IRS Form SS-4 confirmation. The variation matters because one bank might open your account in a day and another might ask for documents you don't have yet.
The core documents — EIN and formation paperwork — are not optional. Your bank needs the EIN to report interest and verify you are a real business entity. Your formation documents prove the LLC exists and that you have authority to open the account. Without both, no bank will move forward.
Key Takeaways
- You must have an EIN from the IRS before most banks will open an account, which you can obtain free online in minutes or by mail in about two weeks.
- Your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation from your state is required to prove the LLC exists and is in good standing.
- A government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for the person signing the account paperwork is standard at every bank.
- Call your bank before you go in — different banks ask for different supporting documents, and some require an in-person visit while others do not.
- Bring originals or certified copies of formation documents; banks rarely accept photocopies or digital images for the initial account opening.
Your EIN: how to get it and what to bring
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit identifier the IRS assigns to your LLC. You need it to open a business bank account, even if you have no employees. You can obtain one free from the IRS in three ways: online at irs.gov (when ready, takes about 10 minutes), by phone at 1-800-829-4933 (same-day confirmation), or by mail using Form SS-4 (takes about two weeks).
When you explore online or by phone, the IRS gives you the number when ready. Write it down or screenshot it. You do not need to wait for a paper confirmation to open your bank account — the number is valid as soon as you receive it. If you applied by mail, you can call the IRS to confirm your EIN was issued before the letter arrives.
Bring your EIN confirmation (the number itself, or the IRS letter if you have it) to your bank appointment. Some banks also accept a screenshot of your online confirmation or the phone confirmation number. Ask your bank in advance what form they prefer.
Formation documents your bank will request
Your bank needs proof that your LLC is a real, registered business. This proof is your Articles of Organization (called Certificate of Formation in some states like Texas and Delaware). This is the document you filed with your state to create the LLC. Your state's Secretary of State office issued it or a certified copy when you filed.
Bring the original or a certified copy — banks almost never accept uncertified photocopies or digital images for the first account opening. If you do not have a certified copy, you can order one from your state's Secretary of State office (usually $5 to $25 and takes 3 to 10 business days). Some states let you read a certified copy online when ready for a small fee.
If your LLC is brand new and you have not yet received the formation documents from your state, contact your state's Secretary of State office to confirm the filing was processed. Some banks will open an account with a filing confirmation email while you wait for the official documents, but this is not standard — call ahead to ask.
Personal identification and signature requirements
The person opening the account must bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. This is non-negotiable at every bank. The ID must be current (not expired, though some banks accept IDs expired within the last year).
You will also sign a signature card or account agreement. Some banks require this in person; others let you sign electronically or by mail. Ask your bank whether you can complete this step remotely or whether you must visit a branch.
If someone other than the LLC owner is opening the account on the owner's behalf, bring a power of attorney document or a board resolution authorizing that person to act. Banks vary on whether they require this — some do, some do not. Call first.
Business address and optional supporting documents
Your bank will ask for your business address. This can be a physical office, a virtual office address, or your home address — banks accept all three. Bring proof of the address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or business license with the address on it. The document should be recent (usually within the last 60 days).
Some banks ask for a business license, even though it is not required by law to open an account. If your state or city requires one and you have it, bring it. If you do not have one yet, ask the bank whether it is mandatory or optional before you explore for one.
A few banks ask to see your IRS Form SS-4 (the form you used to request your EIN). You do not need to bring this — the EIN itself is sufficient — but if the bank asks, you can print a copy from your IRS account or request one from the IRS.
What happens if you are missing a document
If you do not have your formation documents yet because your LLC filing is still processing, call your bank and ask whether they will open an account with a filing confirmation from your state's Secretary of State office. Some will; many will not. If your bank will not, you have two options: wait for the official documents to arrive, or try a different bank with a more flexible policy.
If you do not have an EIN yet, you cannot open the account. Get one before your bank appointment — it takes 10 minutes online or one phone call. There is no workaround here.
If you do not have a certified copy of your formation documents and your bank requires one, order it from your state's Secretary of State office. This usually costs $5 to $25 and takes 3 to 10 business days. Some states offer expedited copies for an extra fee.
Which banks have the easiest process
Online banks (like Mercury, Brex, or Novo) often have faster, more flexible processes than traditional banks. Many let you upload documents and open an account without visiting a branch. They typically accept digital copies of formation documents and can confirm your EIN electronically. The trade-off is that they may charge monthly fees or require a minimum balance, whereas some local banks do not.
Community banks and credit unions vary widely. Some are very flexible with newer LLCs; others follow strict rules. Call a few banks in your area and ask what documents they need before you go in. This 10-minute phone call saves you a wasted trip.
Large national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) have standardized processes but often require in-person visits and certified copies. They are reliable but slower than online banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an LLC bank account without an EIN?
No. Banks need your EIN to report interest income and verify you are a legitimate business. You must have one before opening the account. Getting an EIN is free and takes 10 minutes online, so do this first.
Do I need a business license to open an LLC bank account?
Not always. Some banks ask for one, but it is not legally required to open an account. Call your bank first to ask whether it is mandatory. If it is, you can usually get one from your city or county clerk's office while you wait for other documents.
Can I use a digital copy or screenshot of my formation documents?
Most banks will not accept digital copies for the initial account opening — they want originals or certified copies. Some online banks are more flexible. Call your bank and ask what they accept before you go in or submit documents.
What if I do not have my formation documents yet because my LLC filing is still processing?
Contact your state's Secretary of State office to confirm the filing was received and processed. Some banks will open an account with a filing confirmation email while you wait for official documents, but this is not standard. Call your bank first to ask.
Do I have to open the account in person?
It depends on your bank. Online banks usually let you open an account entirely online. Traditional banks often require an in-person visit. Call your bank to ask whether remote account opening is an option.