The documents you need before you walk in
You need three categories of things: proof that your business exists, proof of who you are, and proof of your address. The bank will not open an account without all three, and they will ask for originals or certified copies, not photos.
For proof your business exists, bring your Employer Identification Number (EIN) letter from the IRS. If you are a sole proprietor and have not yet obtained an EIN, you can use your Social Security number instead, but most banks prefer the EIN. If you incorporated or formed an LLC, bring your Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization — the document you filed with your state. If you are a partnership, bring the partnership agreement. If you operate under a name different from your legal name, bring a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate from your county clerk.
For proof of identity, bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will scan or copy it. If you are opening the account on behalf of the business but are not the sole owner, you may need to bring documentation showing you have authority to do so, such as a board resolution or a letter from the owner.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement in your name. It must be dated within the last 60 to 90 days — the exact window varies by bank. A PO box does not count as a business address for this purpose.
Key Takeaways
- You need your EIN letter from the IRS, your state incorporation or formation documents, and a government photo ID before any bank will open an account.
- If you do not yet have an EIN, you can explore for one free on the IRS website, and the number is issued when ready; the letter arrives by mail weeks later, but some banks will accept the number alone.
- The bank will ask for originals or certified copies, not photographs or digital scans you make yourself.
- You must bring proof of your current address dated within the last 60 to 90 days, such as a utility bill or lease.
- If you are opening the account as an authorized representative rather than the owner, bring documentation of your authority to act on behalf of the business.
Why banks ask for these specific documents
A business bank account is not like a personal account. The bank is legally required to verify that the business is real, that you are who you say you are, and that you have the right to control the account. This is part of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules that explore to all financial institutions.
The EIN or incorporation documents prove the business exists and is registered with a government body. Your photo ID proves you are a real person. Your address proof shows where the bank can reach you if there is a problem. Without these, the bank cannot legally open the account, and they will not make exceptions.
Getting an EIN if you do not have one yet
If your business does not yet have an EIN, you can obtain one free from the IRS. Go to irs.gov, navigate to the EIN section, and explore online. You will answer questions about your business structure, location, and what you do. The system issues your EIN when ready on screen — write it down.
The IRS will mail you an official EIN letter within two to four weeks. Some banks will open an account using only the number you received online, but others will wait for the physical letter. Call the bank before you visit and ask whether they accept the online-issued number or require the mailed letter. If they require the letter and you are in a hurry, you can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 and request they mail it faster, though there is no may provide.
What happens if you do not have all the documents
The bank will not open the account. They will tell you what is missing and ask you to return when you have it. There is no workaround — you cannot open a business account without proof of identity, proof the business exists, and proof of address.
If you have not yet incorporated or formed an LLC, you can still operate as a sole proprietor and use your Social Security number instead of an EIN. You will still need your driver's license and a recent utility bill. If you do not have a utility bill in your name, some banks will accept a lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement instead — call ahead and ask what they will take.
Bringing someone else to sign on the account
If you want another person to have access to the account — a business partner, a spouse, or an employee — bring them with you. They will need their own government photo ID and proof of address. The bank will collect their information and add them as an authorized signer or co-owner, depending on what you request.
If the other person cannot attend, you can sometimes add them later, but the process varies by bank. Some banks allow you to add signers online after the account is open; others require them to visit in person. Ask the bank what their process is before you leave.
What to bring to the appointment
| Document Type | What Counts | What Does Not Count |
|---|---|---|
| Proof business exists | EIN letter, Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, DBA certificate, partnership agreement | Business license, tax return, email confirmation of EIN process |
| Proof of identity | Driver's license, passport, state ID card | Expired ID, student ID, library card |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement (dated within 60–90 days) | PO box, mail forwarding address, business card with address |
Bring originals or certified copies. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the issuing authority — your county clerk can certify a copy of your DBA certificate, for example. Do not bring photocopies you made yourself; banks do not accept them.
What happens after you hand over the documents
The bank will review everything on the spot. If all documents are in order, they will ask you to sign account agreements and choose your account type — checking, savings, or both. They will also ask about your expected monthly deposit volume and what you plan to use the account for. Answer honestly; they are not judging, but they use this information to flag accounts that might need extra monitoring.
The account usually opens the same day. You will receive a temporary debit card or be told when your card will arrive by mail. You will also receive online banking credentials so you can log in and transfer money when ready. Some banks require a minimum deposit to open the account; this ranges from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the bank and account type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business account if I am a sole proprietor without an LLC?
Yes. You can use your Social Security number instead of an EIN. You will still need your driver's license, proof of address, and a DBA certificate if you operate under a name different from your legal name. Some banks prefer an EIN even for sole proprietors, so call ahead and ask what they require.
What if my address proof is older than 90 days?
Most banks will not accept it. Bring a newer document — a recent utility bill, lease renewal, or bank statement. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, ask the bank what alternative they will accept; some take a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord.
Do I need to bring my business license?
A business license is not required to open the account, though it can help if you have one. The bank's main concern is proof that your business is registered with the state (incorporation documents or EIN) and proof of your identity and address. A license is supporting documentation, not a substitute.
Can I open the account online instead of visiting the bank?
Some banks offer online business account opening, but most still require you to visit in person or send certified copies of your documents by mail. Call your bank and ask whether they offer remote opening. If they do, they will tell you how to submit documents securely.
What if I do not have a current utility bill in my name?
Bring another document dated within the last 60 to 90 days: a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement. If you have just moved and nothing is in your name yet, ask the bank what they will accept — some will take a letter from your landlord or a signed lease as proof of address.