Opening a Self-Directed IRA at Retired.com is a structured five-step process: you choose the account type, complete the online application, verify your identity, sign the custodial agreement, and fund the account. This article walks through each step and what to expect along the way.

Each account type has its own eligibility rules, contribution limits, and tax treatment. Common starting points:

If you're transferring or rolling over an existing retirement account, the new Retired.com account should match the source account's tax treatment (Traditional → Traditional, Roth → Roth). If you're moving pre-tax funds into a Roth account, that's a Roth conversion — see "Roth conversions — how they work".

If you're not sure which account type fits, talk to an Account Representative. We recommend consulting a tax advisor or attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

The online application takes most account holders about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll provide:

If you stop part-way through, the application typically saves your progress so you can resume later.

Federal regulations require Retired.com to verify the identity of every account holder before the account can be activated. Identity verification typically involves uploading a photo of a government-issued ID and may include additional confirmation steps. See "Identity verification — what to expect" for what the process looks like and what to do if a verification step fails.

For most account holders, identity verification completes within a few minutes to a few hours. For some — particularly account holders with name changes, recently moved addresses, or unusual ID profiles — additional documentation may be requested. The Service Team can help if your verification doesn't clear automatically.

The custodial agreement is the legal document that governs the relationship between you (the account holder) and Digital Trust, the custodian for your account, coordinated through the Retired.com platform. It defines what Digital Trust will do as custodian, what you are responsible for, the fees that apply, and the rules that govern the account. Signing is generally done electronically through the application.

This is the document that establishes the operating model described in "How Retired.com works — the platform and custodian model explained" and "Your responsibilities vs. Retired.com's and Digital Trust's responsibilities". It's worth reading rather than just clicking through — the responsibility split is in there.

The account is technically "open" once the custodial agreement is signed and identity verification is complete, but it isn't yet ready for investing — you need to fund it. Three funding paths:

Your Account Representative can walk through which funding path fits your situation and help initiate the first event. After your first funding lands in the account, your primary contact transitions from the Account Representative to the Service Team. See "The Service Team — your primary contact after funding".

Can I open more than one account at the same time?
Yes. Many account holders open both a Traditional and a Roth IRA, or a Solo 401(k) alongside a Traditional IRA. Each is a separate account with its own opening flow, though the personal information and identity verification can typically be reused across accounts opened together.

Do I need to fund the account immediately?
No. The account remains open and ready for funding for as long as it stays in good standing. That said, an unfunded account doesn't earn anything and may be subject to minimum-balance or maintenance fees per the fee schedule. We recommend funding within a reasonable window after opening.

What if I make a mistake on the application?
Most fields can be corrected before submission. If you submit the application and then realize an error, contact the Service Team or your Account Representative — most errors can be corrected without re-opening the account.

Can I open an account for someone else?
Generally, no — IRAs are individual accounts and must be opened by the account holder. Exceptions exist for certain situations (e.g., custodial accounts for minors, accounts opened under Power of Attorney), but each carries its own requirements. Contact an Account Representative for situations that don't fit the standard individual flow.

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Retired.com is a platform that connects clients with its affiliated entities, including Digital Trust, BitcoinIRA, WAO Advisory, Rocket Dollar Capital, and Rocket Dollar Advisor. Digital Trust is an independent, directed, non-discretionary trust company that is registered and regulated in the state of Nevada. While Retired.com facilitates connections to these services, it is not itself a custodian, digital wallet, exchange, broker-dealer, registered investment advisor, or a company involved in trading publicly traded assets. All information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as investment, legal, or tax advice. We encourage you to consult with a qualified advisor or professional to determine the most suitable options for your individual needs.