Documents the bank will ask for

Most banks need the same core set of papers before they open a business checking account. The exact list varies slightly by bank and by the legal structure of your business, but you should expect to bring or upload an Employer Identification Number (EIN) — the federal tax ID for your business — along with a government-issued photo ID for the person signing the account paperwork.

Beyond that, banks typically ask for proof that your business actually exists. For a sole proprietorship, this might be as simple as a business license from your city or county. For an LLC, partnership, or corporation, you will need the formation documents filed with your state — usually called articles of incorporation, articles of organization, or a certificate of formation. Some banks accept a certified copy from the state; others take a photocopy of the document you received when you formed the business.

You will also need to show who owns and controls the business. Banks call this an ownership certificate or beneficial ownership form, and it lists the names, addresses, and ownership percentages of anyone who owns more than a certain threshold — often 20 or 25 percent. If you are the sole owner, this is straightforward. If there are multiple owners, each one may need to sign the form or provide their own ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need an EIN, a government photo ID, and proof your business exists — usually a business license or state formation documents.
  • Banks require an ownership certificate listing anyone who owns more than 20 or 25 percent of the business, along with their addresses and ID information.
  • The specific documents vary by business structure: sole proprietors need less paperwork than LLCs or corporations.
  • Many banks now let you upload documents online, but some still require originals or certified copies in person.
  • If your business is brand new and has no tax history yet, bring a business plan or lease to show the bank your business is real and operating.

What information you need to provide

Beyond documents, the bank will ask you to fill out an account application that collects basic business information. You will need the legal name of your business exactly as it appears on your formation documents, the business address, and the phone number where the bank can reach you. If your business operates under a name different from its legal name — called a doing business as or DBA — bring documentation of that registration too.

The bank will also ask about the nature of your business: what you sell or do, how long you have been operating, and roughly how much money you expect to move through the account each month. This is not a test you can fail, but banks use it to flag accounts that might be higher risk or require extra monitoring. Be honest about your business type, because lying on this form can give the bank grounds to close your account later.

If your business is very new — formed within the last few months — the bank may ask for a business plan, a lease for your business location, or invoices from suppliers to prove you are actually operating. This is especially common if you have not yet filed a tax return under your EIN.

Identification requirements for account signers

Every person who will sign checks or authorize transactions on the account needs to provide a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The bank will photocopy it or scan it into their system. If someone other than the owner will be signing checks — a manager, accountant, or partner — they also need to provide ID and typically sign a separate authorization form.

Some banks require that at least one signer appear in person with their ID, even if you submit other documents online. Others will accept scanned copies of IDs for remote account opening. Call the bank before you start gathering documents to ask whether you can do everything by mail or upload, or whether someone has to come to a branch.

EIN and tax documentation

Your EIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS. If you have not obtained one yet, you can get it for free on the IRS website (irs.gov) or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-4933. The process takes minutes online and you receive the number immediately. You do not need a tax return or any filing history to get an EIN — you just need to tell the IRS your business structure and the date you started operating.

If your business has been operating for a year or more, the bank may ask to see a copy of your most recent tax return — either your personal return if you are a sole proprietor, or the business return (Form 1120, 1120-S, or 1065 depending on your structure). If you have not filed yet, bring whatever tax documents you do have, such as a Schedule C draft or a quarterly estimated tax payment receipt. New businesses without any tax history can usually open an account by showing a business license and the formation documents instead.

Variations by business structure

A sole proprietorship requires the least paperwork. You need your EIN, a photo ID, a business license, and proof of your Social Security number (usually your ID itself serves this purpose). Some banks will open a sole proprietor account with just these items.

An LLC or partnership needs the articles of organization or partnership agreement filed with your state, plus the ownership certificate listing all members or partners. A corporation needs the articles of incorporation and sometimes a corporate resolution authorizing the account opening — a document signed by the board of directors saying the corporation has decided to open this account. Ask the bank whether they need a resolution; many no longer require it.

If your business is a nonprofit, the requirements are different. You will need your nonprofit's EIN, articles of incorporation filed with your state as a nonprofit, your nonprofit's bylaws, and a board resolution authorizing the account. Some banks have separate nonprofit checking products with different requirements, so call ahead.

What to bring if you are opening the account in person

If you go to a bank branch, bring originals of your formation documents and a certified copy if the bank requests one. Bring your photo ID and the photo IDs of any other signers. Bring your EIN documentation — either the IRS letter you received when you got your EIN, or a printout from the IRS website showing your EIN is active. Bring your business license and any DBA registration.

If your business is brand new, bring a lease for your business location, a business plan, or recent invoices showing you are operating. Bring a blank check from any existing business account if you have one, so the bank can see the account and routing numbers. Bring your most recent tax return if you have filed one. The bank will tell you which of these they actually need once you sit down, but having them all with you saves a trip back.

Online account opening and document upload

Many banks now let you open a business checking account entirely online. You will upload scanned copies of your documents instead of bringing originals. The bank's website will tell you which file formats they accept (usually PDF or JPG) and the maximum file size. Make sure your scans are clear and readable — if the bank cannot read a document, they will ask you to resubmit it, which delays the process.

When you upload documents online, the bank may ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a bank employee, or they may send you a code via email or text that you enter to confirm you are the person opening the account. This usually takes a few minutes. After you submit everything, the bank will review your documents and either approve the account or ask for additional information within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks require some proof that your business exists and is registered with your city or state. A business license is the most common form of proof. If you have not obtained a license yet, your state formation documents (articles of organization or incorporation) may be enough, but call the bank first to confirm.

What if I do not have an EIN yet?

You can get an EIN for free from the IRS in minutes, either online at irs.gov or by phone at 1-800-829-4933. You do not need to have filed a tax return or been in business for any length of time. Once you have the number, you can provide it to the bank immediately.

Can someone other than the owner sign the account paperwork?

Yes, but the owner usually has to authorize it. The person signing will need to provide their own photo ID and typically sign a power of attorney or authorization form. Some banks require the owner to appear in person even if someone else handles the paperwork; others do not. Ask the bank about their policy before you start the process.

How long does it take to open a business checking account?

If you submit everything correctly in person or online, most banks approve the account within one to three business days. If the bank asks for additional documents or clarification, it can take longer. Once approved, you can usually start using the account within a few days, though checks may take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

What if my business is a partnership or LLC with multiple owners?

All owners typically need to provide ID and sign the account paperwork, or authorize one person to sign on their behalf. The bank will require an ownership certificate listing all owners and their ownership percentages. Some banks require each owner to appear in person; others accept remote signatures. Call the bank to ask about their process for multi-owner businesses.