The documents you'll need depend on your business structure

Most banks ask for the same core set of papers, but what counts as proof varies by whether you're a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation. A sole proprietor needs less paperwork than an LLC owner, who needs less than a corporation. The bank will tell you their specific list when you call or visit, but you can prepare the right stack before you walk in by knowing your business structure first.

Banks also vary in what they accept as proof of identity and business address. Some take a driver's license and a utility bill; others want a passport and a lease. Calling ahead saves you a trip back home for a missing document.

Key Takeaways

  • Every business checking account requires a government-issued ID for the owner or authorized signer, plus proof of your business address such as a lease, utility bill, or business license.
  • Sole proprietors usually need only an ID and address proof, while LLCs and corporations must bring formation documents like articles of organization or incorporation filed with the state.
  • An Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is required for most business structures except sole proprietorships, which can use a Social Security number instead.
  • Banks may ask for a business plan, recent tax returns, or bank statements from a personal account to verify your identity and business history.
  • Bring originals or certified copies of formation documents; photocopies alone are usually not accepted.

Documents required for all business structures

Every bank will ask for a government-issued photo ID from the person opening the account or signing the paperwork. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. Bring the original, not a photocopy.

You'll also need proof of your business address. This can be a lease, a utility bill in your business name, a property tax bill, or a business license. The document must show your business name and address and be dated within the last 60 to 90 days—banks vary on how recent they want it. If you work from home, a utility bill addressed to you at that address works.

Bring your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or the paperwork showing you applied for one. The IRS issues EINs to most business structures. If you haven't received your EIN yet, bring the confirmation letter from your IRS application (Form SS-4). Sole proprietors can use their Social Security number instead, but most banks prefer an EIN.

What sole proprietors need to bring

A sole proprietor is the simplest case. Bring your government ID, proof of business address, and either your EIN or Social Security number. That's usually enough.

Some banks ask for a business license or DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you operate under a name different from your legal name. Check with your city or county clerk's office to see whether you need one in your area—many places require it, others don't. If you have one, bring the original or a certified copy.

If the bank asks about your business history, bring recent personal bank statements or tax returns showing self-employment income. This helps the bank verify you've been running the business for a while.

What LLCs and partnerships need to bring

An LLC must bring the Articles of Organization filed with your state. This is the document that officially created your LLC. Bring the original or a certified copy from the state—a photocopy from your own files usually won't work. You can order a certified copy from your state's Secretary of State office if you don't have one.

You'll also need an Operating Agreement, which is the internal document that governs how your LLC runs. Many banks ask for this even though it's not filed with the state. If you have one, bring it. If you don't have a formal written agreement, some banks will accept a statement signed by all members saying who can sign checks and make decisions.

Bring the EIN letter from the IRS and government IDs for all members who will have signing authority on the account. Some banks require IDs from all members even if only one person will sign checks; ask when you call.

Partnerships follow the same pattern: bring the partnership agreement (or a statement of partnership if you don't have a formal document), the EIN letter, and IDs for all partners or at least those with signing authority.

What corporations need to bring

A corporation must bring the Articles of Incorporation filed with your state, in original or certified-copy form. You'll also need the corporate bylaws, which set out how the corporation is governed, and a corporate resolution authorizing the opening of the bank account. The resolution names who can sign checks and make withdrawals.

If you don't have a corporate resolution yet, you can write one yourself or ask your accountant or lawyer to draft it. It's a one-page document signed by the board of directors or the person with authority to act. The bank may have a template you can use.

Bring the EIN letter from the IRS and government IDs for the officers or directors who will have signing authority. Some banks ask for IDs from all directors; others only from those who will actually sign checks. Confirm this when you call.

Additional documents banks sometimes request

Some banks ask for a business plan or a brief description of what your business does. This is usually a one-page summary and helps the bank understand your industry and revenue model. If you have a formal business plan, bring it. If not, a simple written description is often enough.

Banks may also ask for recent tax returns—personal returns if you're a sole proprietor, business returns if you're an LLC or corporation. If your business is brand new and you haven't filed returns yet, explain that to the bank. Many will open the account anyway if you can show other proof of business activity, such as invoices, a business license, or a lease.

If you already have a personal checking account at the bank, bring a recent statement. This speeds up verification and shows the bank you've been a customer.

How to prepare before you visit the bank

Call the bank's business account line before you go in and ask for their complete document checklist. Different branches sometimes have different requirements, and some banks have changed their rules recently. A five-minute call saves you a wasted trip.

Gather originals or certified copies of all formation documents. Photocopies of your own files are not acceptable for Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, or bylaws. If you need certified copies, order them from your state's Secretary of State office—this usually takes one to two weeks and costs $5 to $25 per copy.

Make sure your proof of business address is dated within the last 60 to 90 days. If your utility bill or lease is older, get a new one or bring a recent statement from your business address.

If you're applying for an EIN and haven't received it yet, apply online at the IRS website (irs.gov) or by phone. You can get an EIN the same day by phone, or within two weeks by mail. Bring the confirmation letter when you open the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a business checking account online without going to the bank?

Some banks allow online account opening for sole proprietors and LLCs, but most still require you to visit a branch or mail in original documents. Call the bank to ask whether they offer remote opening and what documents they'll accept by mail or upload. Even if you start online, the bank may ask you to come in later to verify your ID in person.

What if I don't have an EIN yet?

You can apply for an EIN online at irs.gov while you're at the bank, or apply before you go. If you apply online, you get the number immediately and can give it to the bank the same day. If you apply by mail, bring the confirmation letter. Sole proprietors can use their Social Security number temporarily, but most banks prefer an EIN.

Do I need a business license to open a checking account?

Not always. Sole proprietors don't need a business license in most states. LLCs and corporations don't need one to open a bank account, though many states require one to operate legally. Ask your city or county clerk whether you need one. If you have one, bring it as proof of address.

What if I'm opening the account for someone else, like an employee?

The person opening the account must be present with a government ID. If you're the owner but an employee will manage the account, you'll need to open it first, then add the employee as an authorized signer afterward. The bank will have a separate form for that.

Can I use a PO box as my business address?

No. Banks require a physical street address for your business, not a mailbox. If you work from home, use your home address. If you rent office or retail space, use that address. A PO box can be your mailing address for statements, but not your business address for account opening.