How do I verify my PayPal account?

We only ask you for essential information when you sign up to PayPal, but as you transact with us, we're under a legal obligation to know more about you. When you verify your account, you're proving that you own the financial details added to your account.

Why verification matters

Verification is the first step to start accepting payments with your PayPal business account. It's also how we confirm that your business is legitimate, helping maintain trust across the broader PayPal community. Banks and financial regulators require PayPal to collect and verify certain information before we can process payments on your behalf.

Helpful information to have ready

Before you start, it can help to have some details about your business on hand. The information we'll need varies according to your business type:

• Individuals and Sole Proprietors
  • Details about the account holder
  • Details about the business
• Registered Businesses (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
  • Details about the account holder
  • Details about the business
  • Details about an executive contact
  • Details about business owners (those with 25% or more ownership)
• Nonprofits and Charities
  • Details about the account holder
  • Details about the business
  • Details about an executive contact

See our article on business verification requirements for more details on what you'll be asked to provide.

Business verification steps

After you create your PayPal business account, you'll fill out some info to tell PayPal about your business. This includes how, where, and with whom the business operates. We'll need:

1. Business type: Choose from registered, unregistered, or nonprofit.
   • Registered: You've filed documents with the government (LLC, corporation, partnership, government entity)
   • Unregistered: You haven't filed documents (sole proprietorship, casual seller)
   • Nonprofit: You're a charity, religious group, or foundation
2. Business details
   • Provide the requested information about the business. For unregistered businesses, provide information about the account holder. See our article on verification requirements for more details on what's needed.
   • Select your business industry and describe how you plan to use your account. Choose the industry closest to your main product or service. If yours isn't listed or your business spans multiple industries, choose the one that best represents your main activity.
   • If you sell online, provide the URL for your storefront or social handle where products and/or services are listed for sale.
3. Personal details
   • For registered businesses or nonprofits, provide the account holder's name, business ownership role, date of birth, and home address.
4. Beneficial owners (registered businesses only)
   • We will need the name, date of birth, SSN/ITIN (or other government-issued ID number), home address, and nationality for:
     1. Each person who owns at least 25% of the business
     2. One person who makes high level decisions for the business
   • If no single person owns at least 25%, include at least one person with decision-making authority.
5. Supporting documents
   • If required, upload proof of identity, proof of address, and any required business documents. (We'll let you know if this step applies to you.)

What happens next

Once we receive your business details, the information will be reviewed. Here's what can happen:

• Verified: For most merchants, we verify your business instantly so you can start accepting payments. Add and confirm a bank account so you can transfer money.
• Documents in review: If we ask you to upload additional documents, follow the prompts to provide your information. We'll review your documents and send you an email when you're successfully verified, usually within 1-2 business days. You can start accepting payments once your business is successfully verified.
• We need more info: We may ask for a few additional details to finish processing your application.
• Unable to verify: In some cases, we're unable to confirm your information. If this happens, please contact us for assistance.