Documents Required to Sell on Amazon: The Complete KYC & Compliance Guide
Table of contents
- Documents Required to Sell on Amazon: The Complete KYC & Compliance Guide
- Introduction
- Why Amazon Requires Documents
- Seller Types & Variations in Document Requirements
- Core Documents Amazon Usually Asks For
- Common Pitfalls & Reasons for Document Rejection
- Step-by-Step Process to Submit Documents
- What Happens After Submission
- Document Checklist Before Submission
- Tips to Speed Up Verification
- Conclusion
- Related Posts
Introduction
Selling on Amazon offers access to millions of potential customers, but before you can start listing products and receiving orders, you must pass Amazon’s identity and business verification process. Amazon requires certain documents to confirm your identity, banking details, address, and compliance with tax and legal regulations.
Submitting proper and accurate documents reduces delays and avoids account rejections or holds. In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What documents Amazon typically requires
- How requirements differ by seller type or country
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- A ready checklist before submission
Let’s dive in.
Why Amazon Requires Documents
Amazon as a marketplace is built on trust. Requiring documentation helps:
- Prevent fraud and fake sellers
- Ensure sellers are real people or legitimate businesses
- Verify bank accounts and ensure correct payout routing
- Maintain regulatory and tax compliance
Without proper documentation, your seller account may be restricted, suspended, or prevented from listing products.
Seller Types & Variations in Document Requirements
Amazon’s requirements may differ depending on:
- Individual / Sole Proprietorship / Informal Sellers
- Registered Businesses / Entities / Corporations
- Different countries (Amazon U.S., Amazon India, Amazon EU, etc.)
For example, a business entity often needs incorporation certificates, business bank accounts, or tax registration proof, while an individual seller may need only identity and address proofs.
Core Documents Amazon Usually Asks For
Below is a generic list of documents Amazon typically requires across many marketplaces. Always check the specific Amazon marketplace’s requirements for your country, as they may have local regulations.
1. Identity Proof
To verify who you are. Typical acceptable documents:
- Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, national ID card)
- Social security / tax ID number (or equivalent)
- PAN card (in India) or tax identification number
2. Address Proof
To confirm where you reside or where your business is located. Examples:
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
- Lease agreement or rent contract
- Bank statements showing address
- Tax documents with address
3. Bank Account Proof
To ensure Amazon can deposit payouts to your account. Acceptable proofs:
- Cancelled cheque
- Bank account statement
- Bank passbook or account summary
- Letter from the bank confirming the account holder
4. Business / Legal Registration Documents
If you are registering as a business entity, you’ll need:
- Certificate of incorporation / registration
- Business license or permit
- Tax registration (VAT, GST, or equivalent)
- Proof of trade name / “Doing Business As” (DBA) name
5. Tax / Compliance Documents
To comply with tax requirements in your jurisdiction:
- Tax registration certificate (e.g., GST, VAT, GSTIN in India)
- Tax ID number / employer identification number (EIN)
- Any relevant tax exemption certificates
6. Authorized Signatory / Ownership Documents
If someone other than the owner is handling the account:
- Board resolution, power of attorney, or authorization letter
- Identity proof of the authorized person
7. Additional / Optional Documentation
Amazon may sometimes ask for:
- Selfie with ID (you holding your identity document)
- Video KYC or live verification
- Invoices or purchase receipts
- Brand or trademark registration documents
- Supplementary proofs as needed for restricted categories
Common Pitfalls & Reasons for Document Rejection
Many sellers face delays because of avoidable mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to prevent them:
| Pitfall | What Happens | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Blurry or low-resolution scans | Amazon can’t read document details | Use high-resolution scanning or clear smartphone camera in good light |
| Expired documents | Regarded as invalid | Always provide valid, unexpired documents |
| Name mismatch | Names differ across documents (ID vs bank vs address) | Use consistent name spellings across all documents |
| Wrong document type | Submitting non-acceptable proofs | Follow Amazon’s accepted list, don’t submit unapproved documents |
| Edited / manipulated images | May be rejected for being tampered | Don’t excessively edit or crop; provide full scans |
| Third-party bank accounts | Using someone else’s bank details | Always use a bank account in the same name as the seller’s identity or business |
Step-by-Step Process to Submit Documents
- Log into your Amazon Seller Central / registration portal.
- Go to the KYC / Verification section.
- Select your seller type (individual or business).
- Upload each required document in the correct category (Identity, Address, Bank, Business).
- Ensure files are in supported formats (PDF, JPG, PNG) and within size limits.
- Provide clear full-frame scans/photos.
- Submit and wait for Amazon’s review.
- Monitor your dashboard or email for any requests for additional documents or corrections.
At times, Amazon may ask for a video verification to confirm your identity via a live or recorded video. Be ready with good lighting, clear documents, and stable internet.
What Happens After Submission
Once submitted:
- Amazon reviews the documents
- If verification passes, your account moves to next setup steps or full activation
- If some documents are rejected, Amazon sends you a notice indicating which document and what issue
- You’ll need to resubmit correct documents
- Sometimes multiple rounds of corrections are needed
Delays often occur during weekends or due to high volume, so patience is required. But providing perfect documents reduces back-and-forth.
Document Checklist Before Submission
Use this checklist to ensure everything is in order:
- Valid identity proof
- Valid address proof
- Bank proof matching the entity / individual
- Business registration documents (if applicable)
- Tax registration (if required)
- Authorization / signatory proofs (if needed)
- Clear, high-resolution scans
- Consistent name spellings and addresses
Tips to Speed Up Verification
- Scan documents rather than taking photos
- Use consistent formatting and names across all documents
- Submit all required documents together rather than in parts
- Respond quickly to Amazon’s requests
- Use proper lighting and resolution for images
- Prepare for video KYC in advance
Conclusion
Amazon’s document verification is an essential gatekeeper to maintaining trust and legitimacy in its marketplace. Whether you’re registering as an individual or a business entity, understanding what documents are required-and submitting them accurately-can help you get your account approved faster and avoid suspension or rejection.
Make sure you prepare your documents clearly, follow Amazon’s guidelines, and use the checklist above to reduce delays. Once your verification is complete, you’ll be fully ready to list products and launch your business journey on Amazon.