Beginner's Guide: What documents do I need to register as an Individual Seller or Sole Proprietorship?

Let's get started on TikTok Shop! After selecting your business type as an individual seller or sole proprietorship, you will be prompted to submit specific documents to set up your seller account.
In this article, we'll go through each document requirement and give you tips to look out for when you submit your documents.

Overview

Requirements for All Documents

All submitted documents must meet the following requirements:

• All documents must be valid and not expired.
• Must be full image of the ID
• The ID photo and personal information must be clear and visible.
• ID information must match the TikTok Shop registration information.
• Files must be less than 10 MB and in a JPG, PNG, JPEG, or PDF format.

Seller Pro-Tip: Double-check! Make sure the information on your ID matches the information you manually type in.

The following are not accepted:

• Expired documents
• Paper form of identification
• Documents with information cropped out
• Photos of a computer or phone screen
• Files larger than 10MB

Note: If the information in the submitted documents cannot be verified, you will be required to provide additional proof of address, proof of business, and/or a proof of ID.

For identification verification, you can provide a copy of either a United States Passport/Passport Card, a United States Driver's License, a United States Identification Card or State ID, or a Permanent Resident Card. Please note that all other types of ID verification will be rejected.

Identity Verification: United States Passport/Passport Card

The image of the passport must include all the following:

• First and last name
• Photo of the passport holder
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Expiration date

Identity Verification: United States Driver License or State ID

The image of your license or ID must show the following information clearly:

• First and last name
• License/permit number
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Expiration date

Identity Verification: United States Permanent Resident Card

The image of your license or ID must show the following information clearly:

• First and last name
• USCIS number
• Date of birth
• Expiration date

If asked to provide proof of address during registration, you can use any utility bill, bank or credit card statements, or insurance policy.

Proof of Address: Utility Bill

You can use any utility bill from your gas, water, electricity, phone or Internet company. Make sure that the image you upload shows your address clearly, and matches the address that you manually entered in your TikTok Shop registration.

Proof of Address: Bank or Credit Card Statement

You can use any bank statement or credit card statement. Make sure that the image you upload shows your address clearly, and matches the address that you manually enter in your TikTok Shop registration.

Proof of Address: Insurance Policy

You can use the following types:

1. Life and Disability Insurance
   1. Term/Permanent Life Insurance
   2. Health Insurance
   3. Medicare/Medicaid
2. Property and Casualty Insurance
   1. Home Insurance
   2. Car Insurance

Make sure that the image you upload shows your address clearly, and matches the address that you manually enter in your TikTok Shop registration.

Proof of Business: IRS-Issued Document

If proof of business is requested, please submit one of the following:

• IRS 147 C
• IRS 252 C
• IRS CP 575 A
• IRS CP 575 B
• IRS CP 575 G
• IRS CP 575 E

The proof of business IRS-issued document must clearly show all of the following information:

• Legal business name
• Business address
• EIN (tax number)

Also known as the Federal Employer Identification Number or the Federal Tax Identification Number

• Date of notice

The following are not allowed:

• A screenshot of the IRS website
• SS-4 Applications (or any IRS application to update or file information), tax returns, or e-file confirmations.

Tax Purpose: W9 Form

Hot Tip! You can start listing and selling products without tax documents, but only until you earn $2,000. To keep selling after that, and get paid for your orders, you must submit your tax documents.

Ready to Register?

Kickstart your selling journey with us and set up your shop today!

Need Help Finding Documents?

If you are missing any of the following required documents, you can follow the guidelines below to request them.

• Proof of Address

The process for requesting this document varies depending on the type of document and the company who has it. Call the customer service phone number of the company to have it emailed or mailed.

• Proof of Business (IRS-issued document)

Visit the IRS website and follow the guidelines to request a copy of the IRS 147C. If the initial CP 575 notice has been lost, businesses can request the IRS 147C by calling the number on the IRS website.

• Employer Identification Number (EIN)

You can apply for an EIN through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form SS-4.

Need More Help?

If you're running into issues during login or registration, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Troubleshooting Sign-Up Issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How will my documents be used? For instance, how will my passport be used in the system?Please refer to the TikTok Shop Privacy Policy found here. This Privacy Policy is also referred to in section 3.2 of the TikTok Shop Seller Terms of Service.
Who can register to sell on TikTok Shop?

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Applicants must have a valid United States Passport, United States Driver License, or State ID.
• Applicants must use a phone number and email address not already used to open another shop.
• Applicants must reside in the USA.
• Politicians are prohibited from becoming TikTok Shop sellers.

Why does TikTok need my business's EIN?Your EIN will only be used to help verify your business and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
If I have multiple business names, which one should I use here?Please input the legal name of the business. A common place to find a business's legal name is on the IRS Notice CP 575, which confirms the granting of an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The IRS Form CP 575 is returned to a business after the completion of IRS Form SS-4.