The core documents every bank will ask for
Most banks need three things before they will open a business account: proof of your business identity, proof of your personal identity, and proof that you own or control the business. The exact documents vary by bank and by what type of business you run, but the pattern is the same across all of them.
Start with your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or your Social Security Number if you are a sole proprietor. The bank uses this to verify you with the IRS and to set up tax reporting. If you do not have an EIN yet, you can get one free from the IRS website or by phone before you go to the bank — it takes minutes.
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will scan or photocopy it. This is non-negotiable; banks are required by federal law to verify who you are in person.
Key Takeaways
- Every business bank account requires a government photo ID, proof of your EIN or Social Security Number, and documentation showing you own or control the business.
- Sole proprietors typically need only their Social Security Number and a photo ID, while LLCs and corporations must bring formation documents like Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation.
- Partnerships require an EIN, photo IDs for all partners listed on the account, and a partnership agreement or certificate showing ownership structure.
- Some banks ask for a business license, proof of address, or a recent utility bill, so call ahead to confirm what your specific bank requires before you visit.
Documents for sole proprietors
If you operate as a sole proprietor — meaning you have not formed an LLC or corporation — you need the least paperwork. Bring your Social Security Number (or EIN if you obtained one), a government photo ID, and proof of your business address.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or business license with your address on it. The bill or statement should be recent, usually within the last 60 days. If you work from home, a utility bill in your name at that address works fine.
Some banks also ask for a business license or DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you operate under a name different from your own. Check with your bank before you go; not all require it, but some do.
Documents for LLCs and corporations
If you have formed an LLC or corporation, bring your Articles of Organization (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation). These are the documents you filed with your state to create the business. The bank needs a certified copy or a copy stamped by your state's Secretary of State office.
You will also need an EIN from the IRS. If you have not obtained one yet, do so before opening the account — the bank will ask for it. You can get an EIN free online at irs.gov or by calling the IRS.
Bring a government photo ID for the person who will sign the account paperwork and be listed as the authorized representative. Some banks ask for IDs from all owners listed on the account, especially if more than one person will have signing authority. Call ahead to confirm.
A few banks also request a Certificate of Good Standing from your state, which proves your LLC or corporation is currently active and in compliance with state requirements. You can order this from your state's Secretary of State office, usually for a small fee. Not all banks require it, so ask first.
Documents for partnerships
Partnerships need an EIN, photo IDs for all partners who will be on the account, and a partnership agreement or certificate of partnership showing the ownership structure and who has authority to sign checks and make withdrawals.
If you filed a formal partnership certificate with your state, bring a certified copy. If you have a written partnership agreement but no filed certificate, bring the agreement itself. The bank uses this to understand who can act on behalf of the partnership and to confirm that all partners listed on the account have agreed to open it.
Some banks ask for photo IDs from all partners even if only one will do the day-to-day banking. Confirm with your bank whether all partners must be present or whether one authorized partner can open the account on behalf of the others.
What to bring for address verification
Banks are required to verify your business address as part of federal anti-money-laundering rules. Bring one of these: a utility bill, internet or phone bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or business license — all should show your business address and be dated within the last 60 days.
If your business is brand new and you do not have a utility bill yet, a lease agreement or signed office rental agreement works. If you work from home, a residential utility bill in your name is acceptable.
Some banks also accept a recent bank statement from a personal account at the same address, though this is less common. If you are unsure whether what you have will work, call the bank and describe the document before you visit.
Non-profit and tax-exempt organizations
Non-profits need an EIN, Articles of Incorporation or similar formation documents, and proof of tax-exempt status from the IRS — usually a letter granting 501(c)(3) status or a copy of the IRS information letter.
You will also need a board resolution or minutes from a board meeting authorizing the opening of the bank account and naming who can sign on behalf of the organization. Some banks ask for this in writing; others accept it verbally but document it in their records.
Bring government photo IDs for the board members or officers who will be authorized signers on the account. The bank may ask for IDs from all board members or only from those with signing authority — policies vary.
What to do before you visit the bank
Call the bank's business banking department or visit their website and look for a "business account" or "new account" section. Most banks list what documents they need. Some have a checklist you can print or download.
If the bank's website does not list requirements, call and ask specifically: "What documents do I need to bring to open a business checking account?" Write down the answer. Banks sometimes have different requirements depending on the type of business or the amount of money you plan to deposit, so getting it in writing or from a named person helps.
Gather your documents at home before you go. Make copies of everything — keep the originals and bring the copies. The bank will photocopy or scan what you bring, but having your own copies protects you if a document gets lost in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring the originals or can I bring copies?
Bring originals. The bank needs to see the real document to verify it is genuine, especially for formation documents like Articles of Incorporation. They will photocopy or scan it and return the original to you. Make your own copies before you go so you have a record.
What if I do not have an EIN yet?
Get one before you open the account. The IRS issues EINs free online at irs.gov in minutes, or you can call 1-800-829-4933. Sole proprietors can use their Social Security Number instead, but most banks prefer an EIN for business accounts.
Can I open a business account online without going to the bank in person?
Some banks offer online account opening for businesses, but most still require you to verify your identity in person or through a video call with a bank representative. Check with your bank. If they do offer remote opening, they will tell you which documents to upload and how.
What if my business address is the same as my home address?
That is fine. Bring a utility bill or other proof of your home address. The bank does not care whether your business is in a commercial space or your kitchen — they just need to verify where you actually operate.
Do all owners have to be present when I open the account?
It depends on the bank and the business structure. Call ahead and ask. Some banks require all owners to sign in person; others allow one authorized owner to open the account on behalf of the others. Get this confirmed before you visit so you do not make a wasted trip.