Documents Required at Most Banks

Most banks will ask for four core documents when you open a business checking account: your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number, a government-issued photo ID, proof of your business address, and your business formation documents.

The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by how your business is structured. A sole proprietorship needs different paperwork than an LLC or corporation. Some banks ask for more; others ask for less. The best approach is to call the bank's business services line before you go in, give them your business structure, and ask exactly what to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • Every bank requires a government-issued photo ID for the person opening the account, plus proof that your business exists and is registered.
  • An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is required if your business is an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp; sole proprietors can use their Social Security Number instead.
  • You will need to prove your business address with a utility bill, lease, or business license — a personal address does not work.
  • Formation documents like Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation) must be current and match the name on your account.
  • Bring originals or certified copies; banks do not accept photocopies or digital images for most documents.

What Each Business Structure Needs

A sole proprietorship requires the least paperwork. Bring your Social Security Number, a government photo ID, and proof of your business address. Some banks also ask for a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you operate under a name different from your legal name. A few banks skip this step if you are using your own name as the business name.

An LLC requires your EIN (obtained from the IRS), a copy of your Articles of Organization from your state, your photo ID, and proof of business address. The Articles of Organization must be certified or stamped by your state's Secretary of State office — a photocopy will not work. Some banks also ask for a copy of your Operating Agreement, though this is less common.

A corporation (C-corp or S-corp) requires your EIN, Articles of Incorporation certified by your state, a corporate resolution authorizing the account (some banks require this, others do not), your photo ID, and proof of business address. If you are not the sole owner, the bank may ask for a list of all shareholders and their ownership percentages.

A partnership requires an EIN, a copy of your Partnership Agreement, proof of business address, and photo IDs for all partners who will have signing authority on the account. Some banks require a certified copy of your partnership formation documents from your state.

Proof of Business Address

Banks will not accept a home address alone, even if your business operates from home. You must provide a document showing that address is a legitimate business location. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your business name, a commercial lease agreement, a property deed, or a business license issued by your city or county.

The document must be recent — most banks want something dated within the last 60 to 90 days. If you just started your business and do not have a utility bill yet, a signed lease or a business license will work. If you operate from home and have not yet registered a home-based business license, ask the bank whether they will accept a utility bill in your personal name along with a lease or rental agreement showing the address.

Government-Issued Photo ID Requirements

The person opening the account must bring a current government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work. The ID must not be expired, and the name on the ID must match the name on your business formation documents or your Social Security Number.

If your legal name has changed since you obtained your ID (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring both your old ID and a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Some banks will ask to see this before they process your account.

The EIN and When You Need It

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS. You need one if your business is structured as an LLC, S-corp, C-corp, or partnership. Sole proprietors can use their Social Security Number instead, though some choose to get an EIN anyway for privacy or accounting reasons.

You can obtain an EIN for free from the IRS website (irs.gov) or by phone. Online applications are processed immediately; you receive your number right away. By phone, you can get one the same day. Bring your EIN letter or a printout of your EIN confirmation when you open the account. Banks will accept either; they do not require the official IRS letter.

What Happens If You Do Not Have All Documents Yet

If you have not yet received your certified Articles of Organization or Incorporation from your state, ask the bank whether they will hold your account application while you wait. Some banks will; others will not. A few will open the account conditionally and ask you to provide the certified documents within 30 days.

If you do not yet have an EIN, you can obtain one online in minutes before you go to the bank. If you do not have a business address yet, you cannot open the account — you must have a physical location first. A mailbox service or virtual office address will not work at most banks; they require a real street address where your business operates or receives mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Some banks allow online account opening for sole proprietorships and may not require you to visit a branch. However, most banks still require an in-person visit for LLCs and corporations so they can verify your identity and documents. Call your bank to ask whether they offer online opening for your business structure.

What if my business name on my formation documents does not match my EIN letter?

Contact the IRS immediately to correct your EIN records. The name on your EIN must match the name on your formation documents. Do not open the account until they match — the bank will flag the discrepancy and may freeze the account later.

Do I need to bring originals or can I bring copies?

Banks require originals or certified copies for formation documents (Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, partnership agreements). For other documents like utility bills or leases, a photocopy is usually acceptable. Ask the bank before you go in.

What if I am opening the account for someone else's business?

You cannot. The person opening the account must be an owner or authorized representative of the business. You will need a power of attorney document or corporate resolution authorizing you to open the account on behalf of the business, plus your own government photo ID.

How long does it take to open an account once I have all the documents?

Most banks complete the process in 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents. You may receive your account number and routing number the same day, though debit cards and checks typically arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days.