Delaware lesson 4 of 6
Get an EIN and open a bank account
Delaware issues no state tax identification number at formation. The federal EIN from the IRS is what identifies the business to banks and, for LLCs electing corporate tax treatment, to the IRS itself.
Applying for the EIN
Apply for free on the IRS website once the Certificate of Formation is approved. If the responsible party has a US social security number or ITIN, the EIN is issued immediately online. Without one, the application goes in on Form SS-4 by fax or post, which is the common route for the non-US owners who frequently form Delaware LLCs.
Opening the account
A US bank will want the stamped Certificate of Formation, the EIN confirmation letter, the operating agreement and identification for signers and significant owners. This step is often the slowest part of setting up a Delaware LLC for a non-resident, since many US banks require an in-person visit or additional verification for owners without a US address.
A Delaware LLC alone does not create a US bank account or a US mailing address. Plan for both separately if you are not based in the US.
Key takeaways
- The EIN is free and comes from the IRS, not from Delaware.
- Non-resident owners generally use Form SS-4 rather than the instant online EIN.
- Bank account opening, not formation, is usually the slowest step for non-US owners.
Official sources
Or let us file your Delaware LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Certificate of Formation, act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team