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.

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
  

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

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

Identity Verification: United States Permanent Resident Card

• 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)

• 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

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

• Proof of Business (IRS-issued document)

• 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)