Getting your Amazon seller account approved quickly requires understanding the exact process. Here’s everything you need to know for smooth approval:
Amazon Seller Account Approval Process (Step-by-Step)
1. Registration & Document Submission
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Create account at sellercentral.amazon.com
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Choose between Individual (0.99persale)or∗∗Professional∗∗(39.99/month) plan
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Submit required documents (see checklist below)
2. Identity Verification
Amazon verifies through:
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Government ID scan (passport/driver’s license)
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Bank account verification (micro-deposits may be used)
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Possible video call (with Amazon representative)
3. Tax Information Verification
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US sellers: Provide SSN or EIN
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International sellers: Submit W-8BEN form
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Europe/UK: VAT registration may be required
4. Approval Timeline
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Instant approval (for some accounts)
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24-72 hours (most common)
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Up to 7 days (if manual review needed)
Amazon Seller Approval Requirements (2024 Checklist)
Mandatory Documents
| Document Type | Individual Seller | Business Seller |
|---|---|---|
| Government ID | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Bank Statement | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Tax Information | ✅ (SSN) | ✅ (EIN) |
| Business License | ❌ Not needed | ✅ Required |
| Utility Bill | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Additional Requirements for Certain Categories
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Grocery: FDA compliance documents
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Electronics: Safety certifications
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Toys: CPSIA compliance
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Jewelry: Material authenticity proof
Why Amazon Rejects Seller Applications (Top Reasons)
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Document Issues (blurry scans, expired IDs)
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Tax Information Mismatch (name doesn’t match records)
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Suspicious Activity (VPN usage during registration)
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Previous Account Violations (linked to same identity)
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Restricted Category Attempt (without approval)
How to Increase Approval Chances
✅ Use high-quality document scans (clear, all corners visible)
✅ Ensure all names match exactly (bank, ID, tax documents)
✅ Apply from a residential IP address (avoid VPNs/proxies)
✅ Prepare category-specific documents in advance
✅ Double-check all information before submission
After Approval: Next Steps
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Set up 2-factor authentication (required within 60 days)
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Complete seller profile (add logo, return policy)
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List your first products (start with 1-2 simple items)
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Choose fulfillment method (FBA or FBM)
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Enable payments (wait 3-5 days for first disbursement)
Troubleshooting Approval Delays
If waiting more than 72 hours:
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Check Performance Notifications in Seller Central
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Look for emails from seller-verification@amazon.com
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Contact Amazon Seller Support with case ID
Professional Tips for Faster Approval
🔹 Apply during business hours (9AM-5PM local time)
🔹 Have all documents ready before starting
🔹 Consider applying as a business (higher approval rate)
🔹 Avoid multiple submission attempts (triggers fraud alerts)
