What Documents Are Needed to Open a Bank Account?

Fingers entering a code on an bank's ATM.
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When opening a bank account, federal law requires you to prove your identity. You therefore will have to provide a valid form of identification, such as a passport, driver's license or state ID. The rest of the documentation you need will be determined by the bank. If you apply for a bank account online, the documents will be mailed to you. Since you will need to sign some of the documents by hand, you cannot complete the entire process online.

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Information You Need

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In addition to presenting an ID, which the bank officials usually will make a copy of, you also will need to provide some additional information, such as your Social Security number and your mailing address. If you are applying for a joint account, you also will need the same information and the ID for the co-applicant. For business accounts, you will need your Employer Identification Number and a copy of your business license or certificate of incorporation. Some banks also may ask you to provide the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

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