What You'll Need Before You Walk In

Most banks want the same core set of documents before they'll open a business account: proof of your business structure, proof of your identity, and proof of your address. The exact list depends on whether you're a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, corporation, or nonprofit — and whether the bank is a large national chain or a smaller regional one. Some banks let you start online; others require an in-person visit.

The fastest path is to gather everything before you contact the bank. Call ahead or check the bank's website for their specific checklist — it takes five minutes and saves you a trip back home for a missing document.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued ID, proof of your business structure (like an EIN letter or articles of incorporation), and proof of your current address for almost any business account.
  • Sole proprietors often need fewer documents than LLCs or corporations, but some banks still require an EIN even if you're operating under your own name.
  • Nonprofit organizations need their 501(c)(3) information letter from the IRS, not just articles of incorporation.
  • Most banks now offer online account opening, but some require at least one in-person visit or a video call to verify your identity.
  • Bring originals or certified copies — banks rarely accept photos or scans for the initial setup, though some allow digital submission during the application.

Documents for Sole Proprietors

If you operate as a sole proprietor under your own name, you typically need less paperwork than other business structures. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.

If you have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) — which you may have obtained from the IRS even as a sole proprietor — bring the letter the IRS sent you. If you don't have an EIN yet, some banks will open the account under your Social Security number alone. Others require an EIN before they'll proceed. Ask the bank directly; it takes 15 minutes to request one online from the IRS, and you get a confirmation number immediately.

If you operate under a business name that's different from your legal name (a "doing business as" or DBA), you'll need proof that the name is registered with your state or county. This is usually a certificate filed with your secretary of state or county clerk's office. Some banks accept a copy; others want the original or a certified copy.

Documents for LLCs and Corporations

For an LLC or corporation, bring your articles of incorporation or articles of organization — the document you filed with your state to create the business. This is the official proof that your business exists as a legal entity. Bring the original or a certified copy from your state's secretary of state office.

You'll also need an EIN letter from the IRS. This is the letter you received when you applied for your EIN; it shows the IRS has assigned a number to your business. If you haven't received it yet, you can print a confirmation from the IRS website after you apply online, though some banks prefer the official letter.

Bring a government-issued ID for the person opening the account (usually the owner or authorized representative), proof of that person's current address, and their Social Security number. If the account will be managed by someone other than the owner, bring documentation showing they have authority to do so — typically a board resolution or operating agreement that names them as an authorized signer.

Some banks also ask for a business license from your city or county, though this is less common. Check with your bank first; if they need it, you can usually get a copy from your city or county business licensing office.

Documents for Nonprofits

Nonprofits need their IRS Form 990-N, 990-EZ, or 990 (depending on size) — or, more commonly, the IRS information letter that confirms your 501(c)(3) status. This is the letter the IRS sent you when they approved your nonprofit status. Bring the original or a certified copy.

You'll also need your articles of incorporation filed with your state, your EIN letter from the IRS, and a government-issued ID for the person opening the account. Some banks ask for a board resolution authorizing the account and naming the authorized signers — check with your bank about this before you visit.

If your nonprofit is very new and you haven't received your 501(c)(3) information letter yet, some banks will open a temporary account while you're waiting, though this is rare. Call ahead; if the bank won't wait, you may need to open a personal account in the meantime and transfer funds once the nonprofit account is ready.

Proof of Identity and Address

Every business account requires proof that the person opening it is who they say they are. Bring a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. A military ID also works at most banks.

You'll also need proof of your current address — not your business address, but the personal address of the person opening the account. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days usually works. Some banks accept a government-issued ID with your current address printed on it (like a driver's license) instead of a separate document.

If you've moved recently and your ID doesn't reflect your new address, bring both the ID and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address. Banks are strict about this because it's part of their anti-money-laundering requirements.

What Happens If You're Missing Something

If you show up without a required document, the bank will turn you away or ask you to come back later. Some banks will let you submit missing documents by mail or email within a few days; others won't open the account until everything is in hand. A few banks now allow you to upload documents during an online application, which can speed things up if you're missing something physical.

If you don't have an EIN yet and the bank requires one, you can apply for it online at irs.gov in about 15 minutes. You'll get a confirmation number on the spot, and most banks will accept that confirmation while you wait for the official letter to arrive by mail (which takes 2 to 4 weeks).

If your business structure documents are still being processed by your state (for example, your LLC articles are filed but not yet approved), ask the bank whether they'll open the account conditionally or wait until approval is complete. Some will; some won't. Calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.

Online vs. In-Person Account Opening

Many banks now offer online account opening, which means you can upload documents and complete the process from home. However, most still require at least one video call or in-person visit to verify your identity — this is a federal requirement, not a bank choice. The bank will schedule this after you submit your documents online.

If you choose to open the account in person, bring originals or certified copies of everything. If you're opening online, the bank will tell you which documents they accept as scans or photos and which they need as originals later. Read their instructions carefully; uploading the wrong format can delay your account by several days.

Some smaller banks and credit unions don't offer online opening at all. If that's your bank, you'll need to visit in person during business hours. Call ahead to make sure someone will be available to help you and to confirm you have everything they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EIN if I'm a sole proprietor operating under my own name?

Not always. Some banks will open an account using your Social Security number alone. Others require an EIN even for sole proprietors. Call your bank and ask before you apply. If they require one, you can get an EIN in 15 minutes online at irs.gov.

Can I open a business account if my business isn't officially registered yet?

It depends on the bank and your business structure. If you're a sole proprietor, many banks will open an account before you file a DBA. If you're forming an LLC or corporation, most banks want to see your filed articles of incorporation or organization. Ask your bank what stage they require before they'll open the account.

What if I don't have a current utility bill for proof of address?

A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days works just as well. If you have none of those, some banks accept a government-issued ID with your current address printed on it, or a bank statement from another account showing your address.

Do I need to bring the original articles of incorporation or will a copy work?

Most banks accept a certified copy from your state's secretary of state office. Some will take a regular photocopy. Call ahead and ask; if they want a certified copy and you only have a regular one, you can request a certified copy from your state for a small fee, usually $5 to $15.

How long does it take to open a business account once I submit all my documents?

Online applications usually take one to three business days after you've completed the identity verification call or visit. In-person applications can be completed the same day. Some banks take longer if they need to verify your business structure with your state, which can add a few extra days.