The documents you'll need depend on your business structure, but most banks want proof of who you are, proof your business exists, and proof you have the right to open an account on its behalf

Banks ask for documents in three categories: your personal identity, your business's legal existence, and your authority to act for the business. The exact list changes based on whether you're a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation — and it varies slightly between banks. Before you visit or call, ask the bank's business account team what they need. Some banks post their requirements online; others will email you a checklist.

The documents below cover what most banks ask for. You may not need all of them, and some banks may ask for additional items. Bring originals or certified copies unless the bank says otherwise.

Key Takeaways

  • You will always need a government-issued photo ID for yourself and proof that your business name is registered with your state or local government.
  • Sole proprietors typically need fewer documents than LLCs or corporations, which must provide formation documents like articles of incorporation or organization.
  • Banks usually want an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, which you can obtain for free even if you don't have employees.
  • Bring a document showing your business address, such as a lease, utility bill, or office agreement, because banks verify where the business operates.
  • If someone other than the owner will manage the account, bring a resolution or written authorization showing that person has permission to do so.

Personal identification documents

Bring a current government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank needs to verify your identity under federal anti-money-laundering rules. If you're opening the account in person, the bank will scan or photocopy this. If you're opening it online or by mail, you may need to upload a clear photo of both sides.

If you're a non-U.S. citizen, bring your passport and visa or work authorization document. Some banks also ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you don't have a Social Security Number. You can obtain an ITIN from the IRS even if you're not authorized to work in the United States.

Proof your business exists and is registered

What you bring here depends on your business structure. A sole proprietor (you operating under your own name or a "doing business as" name) typically needs a business license or a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate from your city or county. Some banks accept a copy of your business license alone. If you're operating under your own name with no DBA, some banks will open an account with just your personal ID and a statement that you're self-employed.

An LLC must bring the Articles of Organization filed with your state. This is the document you received when you formed the LLC, or you can request a certified copy from your state's Secretary of State office. The bank needs to see the LLC's legal name, formation date, and registered agent.

A partnership should bring a copy of the partnership agreement and proof of registration with the state (if your state requires it). Some states don't register partnerships, so ask your state's Secretary of State office whether you need a registration document.

A corporation must bring the Articles of Incorporation filed with the state and a corporate resolution authorizing the account opening. The resolution is a document signed by the board of directors or an officer stating that the corporation has decided to open a bank account. You can create this yourself using a template, or your lawyer can draft it.

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to businesses. Most banks require it, though some will open an account without one if you're a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number. Getting an EIN is free and takes about 15 minutes online.

Go to irs.gov, find the "explore for an EIN" page, and use the online process. You'll need your Social Security Number, business name, business address, and the date you started the business. The IRS will give you the EIN when ready on screen. Print the confirmation page or write down the number — you'll need it when you open the account.

If you prefer not to explore online, you can call the IRS EIN hotline or mail Form SS-4, though both take longer. The online route is fastest.

Proof of your business address

Banks verify that your business actually operates at the address you provide. Bring one of these:

  • A signed lease or rental agreement for your business location
  • A utility bill (electric, water, internet, or phone) in your business name, dated within the last 60 days
  • A property deed or mortgage statement if you own the building
  • A letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead confirming you rent the space

If you're home-based, a utility bill in your name at your home address usually works. If you use a virtual office or mailbox service, bring the agreement with that service showing your business address there.

Authorization documents if someone else will manage the account

If you're the owner but someone else (a manager, accountant, or employee) will handle deposits and withdrawals, bring a document showing that person has your permission. For an LLC or partnership, this is usually a resolution or written authorization signed by the owner or partners. For a corporation, it's a corporate resolution signed by an officer or the board.

The document should state the person's name, their role, and what they're authorized to do (for example, "authorized to deposit checks and pay bills on behalf of the business"). You can write this yourself or use a template. The bank may have its own form for this — ask when you call.

The person you're authorizing will also need to bring their own government-issued photo ID when they first use the account.

What to bring if you're explore online or by mail

If you're not visiting the bank in person, you'll need to upload or mail copies of your documents. Most banks accept clear photos or scans of both sides of each document. Make sure the images are readable — dark or blurry photos will be rejected.

For documents like articles of incorporation or partnership agreements, a photocopy is usually fine. For your personal ID, some banks require a certified copy (a copy stamped and signed by a government office), while others accept a regular photocopy. Ask the bank which they prefer before you send anything.

If you're mailing documents, send them certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof they arrived. Keep copies for your own records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on your business structure and location. Sole proprietors usually need a business license or DBA certificate from their city or county. LLCs and corporations don't need a separate business license in most states — their articles of organization or incorporation serve that purpose. Check with your city or county to see what's required in your area.

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

Most banks won't open an account until your business is officially registered. For an LLC or corporation, that means your articles must be filed with the state. For a sole proprietor, you typically need a business license or DBA. Register first, then open the account. The registration process usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.

What if I don't have an EIN yet?

You can obtain one for free online at irs.gov in about 15 minutes. Some banks will open an account while you're waiting for the EIN if you provide your Social Security Number, but most prefer to have the EIN on file. It's faster to get the EIN before you visit the bank.

Do I need to bring original documents or are copies okay?

Ask the bank before you go. Most banks accept photocopies or scans of most documents, but some require certified copies of articles of incorporation or organization. For your personal ID, banks usually want to see the original in person or a certified copy if you're explore by mail. Certified copies cost a small fee and come from the government office that issued the original document.

What happens if the bank rejects one of my documents?

The bank will tell you which document didn't meet their requirements and why — usually because it's expired, illegible, or doesn't match the information you provided on the process. Ask what they need instead. You can then obtain the correct document and resubmit. This process typically adds a few days to your account opening.