The Documents Banks Will Ask For
Most banks need five things before they will open a business account: proof of your business structure, proof of your identity, proof of your address, your tax identification number, and sometimes proof that your business actually exists. The exact list depends on whether you are a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, corporation, or nonprofit — and it changes from bank to bank. Some banks ask for more; some ask for less. A few will let you start online with just an ID and an EIN. Others require you to walk in with originals.
The documents listed below cover what most mainstream banks ask for. Before you gather anything, call the bank branch where you want the account and ask them for their specific checklist. Banks update their requirements, and some have different rules for different account types. A five-minute phone call saves you a trip with the wrong papers.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued ID, your business's tax ID number (EIN or SSN), and proof of your business address — these three are almost always required.
- Sole proprietors often need only a personal ID and SSN, while LLCs and corporations need articles of formation or incorporation from your state.
- Banks may ask for a business license, DBA certificate, or partnership agreement depending on your business structure and location.
- Call your bank before you go in; their specific document list varies and some accept online applications that need fewer originals.
Documents for Sole Proprietors
If you operate as a sole proprietor — meaning you have not filed any formal business structure with your state — you need the least paperwork. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a tax return, or a W-2), and proof of your business address.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name at that address. It usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. Some banks will accept a bank statement or credit card statement instead. If you are working from home, your home address counts. If you rent a mailbox or use a coworking space, bring the rental agreement or a letter from the space owner on their letterhead stating that you use the address for business.
Many sole proprietors do not have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) — they use their Social Security number instead. If you have not obtained an EIN from the IRS, you can still open an account with your SSN. If you do have an EIN, bring that too; some banks prefer it for business accounts even if you are not required to have one.
Documents for LLCs and Corporations
If you have filed your business as an LLC or corporation with your state, you need proof that the business legally exists. This is your Articles of Organization (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation). These are the documents you filed with your state's Secretary of State office when you formed the business. You can download a certified copy from your state's website or request one by mail; most states charge $5 to $25 for a certified copy.
Bring the certified copy or an official state-issued document showing your business name, formation date, and registered agent. Some banks will accept a printout from your state's online business database if it shows your business as active. Call ahead to ask whether they need a certified copy or if a printout is enough.
You also need your EIN, which you obtain from the IRS. If you have not yet received your EIN, you can apply for one online at irs.gov (takes about 15 minutes) or by phone. The bank may let you open the account with a pending EIN application, but confirm this before you go in.
Bring a government-issued ID for the person who will sign the account paperwork (usually the owner or a designated manager), proof of that person's address, and a business address. If the business address is different from the owner's home address, bring proof of the business address — a lease, utility bill, or office rental agreement.
Documents for Partnerships and Nonprofits
Partnerships need a Partnership Agreement or the state filing that created the partnership. If you filed a DBA (Doing Business As) with your county or state, bring that too. Some banks ask for a resolution signed by all partners authorizing the account, though this is less common for small partnerships. Ask the bank whether they need a partner resolution before you visit.
Nonprofits need their Articles of Incorporation (filed with the state), their IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ (proof of 501(c)(3) status), and sometimes their bylaws. Bring a government-issued ID for the person signing the account paperwork, proof of the nonprofit's address, and the nonprofit's EIN. Some banks also ask for a board resolution authorizing the account, signed by the board president or treasurer.
When You Need a DBA Certificate
A DBA (Doing Business As) certificate is a filing you make with your county or state if you want to operate under a name different from your legal name or your registered business name. For example, if your LLC is called "Smith Enterprises LLC" but you want to do business as "Smith's Plumbing," you file a DBA.
Some banks require a DBA certificate if you are opening an account under a business name that does not match your legal name or your registered business structure. Others do not. If you are a sole proprietor operating under your own name, you typically do not need a DBA. If you are operating under a different name, ask the bank whether they need the DBA certificate before you apply for it — it costs $10 to $100 depending on your county, and you do not want to pay for one you do not need.
Additional Documents Some Banks Request
Depending on the bank and your business type, you may be asked for a business license, a professional license (if you are a contractor, accountant, or other licensed profession), or recent business tax returns. Some banks ask for a personal credit report authorization form, which you sign to let them check your credit. A few banks ask for a business plan or description of what the business does, though this is becoming less common.
If you are opening the account as a representative of the business rather than as the owner, bring a power of attorney document or a corporate resolution authorizing you to open the account. If the business has multiple owners, ask the bank how many signatures they need on the account paperwork and whether all owners must be present.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Bring originals or certified copies of everything the bank asks for. Do not rely on photocopies unless the bank specifically says they are acceptable. Bring your government-issued ID in its original form. If you have a business license or DBA certificate, bring the original or a certified copy.
If you are applying online, the bank will tell you how to upload documents — usually as PDF or image files. Make sure the images are clear and show all four corners of the document. If a document is more than one page, upload every page.
Bring a blank check from your personal account if the bank asks you to verify your identity by depositing a small amount and confirming the deposit amount later. Some banks no longer do this, but a few still use it as a verification step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business account without an EIN?
Yes, if you are a sole proprietor. You can use your Social Security number instead. LLCs and corporations need an EIN, but you can apply for one online at irs.gov in about 15 minutes. Some banks will let you open the account with a pending EIN application if you provide the confirmation number from your IRS application.
Do I need to bring original documents or are copies okay?
Call the bank first. Most banks want originals or certified copies of legal documents like articles of incorporation or DBA certificates. Government-issued IDs must be originals. For online applications, clear photos or scans usually work, but ask the bank what format they need.
What if my business address is a mailbox or coworking space?
Bring the rental agreement or a letter from the mailbox company or coworking space on their letterhead confirming you rent the address for business use. Some banks accept this; others require a physical office or home address. Call ahead to confirm your bank will accept it.
Can someone else open the account for me if I am out of state?
Some banks allow it if you provide a power of attorney document authorizing that person to act on your behalf. Others require the owner or a designated officer to sign in person or via video call. Ask the bank whether they offer remote account opening or whether they need you to be present.
How long does it take to open an account once I submit my documents?
Most banks approve and activate a business account within one to three business days if you apply in person with all required documents. Online applications may take three to five business days. Some banks take longer if they need to verify your business license or conduct additional checks.