Do I need a passport to sign up for Amazon?A complete guide to seller ID
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Do I need a passport to sign up for Amazon?A complete guide to seller ID
An overview of the highlights of this article:
When signing up for an Amazon seller account, “Do I need a passport?“This is one of the most frequently asked questions from new sellers.
A passport is one of the core documents in the Amazon identity verification (KYC) process. Especially for Chinese sellers to open accounts on overseas sites, a passport is almost essential. This article will systematically sort out the ID requirements required for Amazon registration, help you prepare materials in advance, and successfully complete store registration.
Time required to read this article: 5 minutes
When signing up for an Amazon seller account, “Do I need a passport?“This is one of the most frequently asked questions from new sellers.
A passport is one of the core documents in the Amazon identity verification (KYC) process. Especially for Chinese sellers to open accounts on overseas sites, a passport is almost essential. This article will systematically sort out the ID requirements required for Amazon registration, help you prepare materials in advance, and successfully complete store registration.
Time required to read this article: 5 minutes
Amazon's North America site includes 3 countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
After registering for a North America unified account, sellers can simultaneously manage products, inventory, and orders from three sites through one back office, greatly reducing multi-site operating costs.
After registering for a North America unified account, sellers can simultaneously manage products, inventory, and orders from three sites through one back office, greatly reducing multi-site operating costs.
Q1: Do I need a passport to register with Amazon?
Yes, a passport is the primary document for authentication when registering as an Amazon seller.
According to Amazon's official requirements for selling globally, sellers are required to provide a valid government-issued ID. Passports are the most widely accepted type of document.
Why is a passport preferred?
✅ A passport is an international ID that applies to all Amazon sites (US, Europe, Japan, Middle East, etc.)
✅ The passport contains complete personal information (name, date of birth, nationality, expiration date) to meet KYC verification requirements
✅ For Chinese sellers, a passport is more suitable than an ID card for cross-border identity verification at overseas sites. According to data from the official Amazon Global Store website, sellers are required to complete identity verification (Identity Verification) during the registration process. A passport or a valid ID issued by the government is one of the necessary materials.
According to Amazon's official requirements for selling globally, sellers are required to provide a valid government-issued ID. Passports are the most widely accepted type of document.
Why is a passport preferred?
✅ A passport is an international ID that applies to all Amazon sites (US, Europe, Japan, Middle East, etc.)
✅ The passport contains complete personal information (name, date of birth, nationality, expiration date) to meet KYC verification requirements
✅ For Chinese sellers, a passport is more suitable than an ID card for cross-border identity verification at overseas sites. According to data from the official Amazon Global Store website, sellers are required to complete identity verification (Identity Verification) during the registration process. A passport or a valid ID issued by the government is one of the necessary materials.
Q2: Individual sellers vs corporate sellers, what are the different document requirements?
Additional information on ID required for the seller type An individual seller's passport or a valid government-issued ID passport is preferred. The passport or ID card of the business seller's legal representative or main contact must also provide business documents such as a business license, business registration certificate, business license, articles of association, etc. during the validity period. Key tips: Whether an individual or a business seller, the ID holder must be the primary contact person for the account, and the document information must be exactly the same as the registration information.
Q3: What complete materials do I need to prepare to sign up for Amazon?
📋 List of materials for individual sellers
● A valid passport (most commonly used) or a credit card (Visa/Mastercard, supports international payments) with a valid passport (most commonly used) or a government-issued ID
● A valid mobile phone number (to receive a verification code)
● A valid email address (corporate email is recommended)
● Bank account information (for receiving payments, cross-border accounts that support RMB settlement)
📋 List of materials for business sellers
● Legal representative/main contact's passport or valid ID business license (must be within the validity period)
● Credit cards that can receive corporate bank account information (Visa/Mastercard)
● Valid mobile phone number
● A valid business email address
● A valid passport (most commonly used) or a credit card (Visa/Mastercard, supports international payments) with a valid passport (most commonly used) or a government-issued ID
● A valid mobile phone number (to receive a verification code)
● A valid email address (corporate email is recommended)
● Bank account information (for receiving payments, cross-border accounts that support RMB settlement)
📋 List of materials for business sellers
● Legal representative/main contact's passport or valid ID business license (must be within the validity period)
● Credit cards that can receive corporate bank account information (Visa/Mastercard)
● Valid mobile phone number
● A valid business email address
Q4: What are the precautions for filling in passport information?
The passport information must exactly match the information entered in the registration form; any mismatch may result in verification failure or account suspension.
Fill in the notes:
Name spelling: Must be spelled exactly as it appears in the passport in English (including spaces and hyphens)
Validity period: The passport must be within the validity period; it is recommended that the remaining validity period is not less than 6 months
ID number: Fill in your passport number accurately, without errors
Image quality to be uploaded: The scanned copy or photo of the passport must be clearly legible, with complete corners, and unobstructed
Information consistency: The name on the passport must match the bank account and credit card information
Fill in the notes:
Name spelling: Must be spelled exactly as it appears in the passport in English (including spaces and hyphens)
Validity period: The passport must be within the validity period; it is recommended that the remaining validity period is not less than 6 months
ID number: Fill in your passport number accurately, without errors
Image quality to be uploaded: The scanned copy or photo of the passport must be clearly legible, with complete corners, and unobstructed
Information consistency: The name on the passport must match the bank account and credit card information
Q5: Can I register with other documents without a passport?
Yes, but there are restrictions. Amazon accepts valid government-issued ID, but the exact types of documents accepted vary from site to site.
Explanation of the applicability of document types
Passport
✅ Most recommended for all sites, international resident ID card (China)
⚠️ Some sites accept mainly Chinese stations, and overseas sites may not accept driver's licenses
⚠️ Depending on the site, some countries/regions accept other government documents
⚠️ Depending on the circumstances, it is recommended to meet Amazon KYC requirements: For Chinese sellers planning to set up stores on Amazon's US, Europe, Japan and other overseas sites, it is highly recommended to use a passport as an authentication document to ensure successful registration.
Explanation of the applicability of document types
Passport
✅ Most recommended for all sites, international resident ID card (China)
⚠️ Some sites accept mainly Chinese stations, and overseas sites may not accept driver's licenses
⚠️ Depending on the site, some countries/regions accept other government documents
⚠️ Depending on the circumstances, it is recommended to meet Amazon KYC requirements: For Chinese sellers planning to set up stores on Amazon's US, Europe, Japan and other overseas sites, it is highly recommended to use a passport as an authentication document to ensure successful registration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering an Amazon Seller Account According to Amazon's official global selling process, the registration steps are as follows:
● Visit the registration page: Go to gs.amazon.cn and click “Start Registration”
● Fill in basic information: enter company name/name, email, password
● Fill in business information: select the type of business (individual/enterprise) and fill in the address information
● Identity verification: upload a photo of your passport or valid ID to complete KYC verification
● Fill in billing information: link to a credit card (Visa/Mastercard)
● Fill in payout information: add a bank account or a cross-border payout account
● Choose a selling plan: individual plan or professional selling plan
● Awaiting review: Amazon will complete the review within 1-3 business days
● Visit the registration page: Go to gs.amazon.cn and click “Start Registration”
● Fill in basic information: enter company name/name, email, password
● Fill in business information: select the type of business (individual/enterprise) and fill in the address information
● Identity verification: upload a photo of your passport or valid ID to complete KYC verification
● Fill in billing information: link to a credit card (Visa/Mastercard)
● Fill in payout information: add a bank account or a cross-border payout account
● Choose a selling plan: individual plan or professional selling plan
● Awaiting review: Amazon will complete the review within 1-3 business days
Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I still register my passport after it has expired?
A: No. Passports must be valid; expired passports are not accepted. It is recommended to renew your passport at least 6 months before it expires.
Q: What if the name on the passport is different from the name on the credit card?
A: It is necessary to ensure that the two are consistent. If there is a difference, it is recommended that you first update your credit card information or use a credit card that matches the name on your passport.
Q: Do I need to be present at the time of registration?
A: Not required. The entire Amazon registration process is completed online, but video call verification (Video Call Verification) may be required. At that time, you will need to show up and show your original passport.
Q: When registering a business, does the passport have to be the legal representative?
A: Yes. When registering a business account, the ID submitted must be a valid document of the account's primary contact (usually the legal representative).
A: No. Passports must be valid; expired passports are not accepted. It is recommended to renew your passport at least 6 months before it expires.
Q: What if the name on the passport is different from the name on the credit card?
A: It is necessary to ensure that the two are consistent. If there is a difference, it is recommended that you first update your credit card information or use a credit card that matches the name on your passport.
Q: Do I need to be present at the time of registration?
A: Not required. The entire Amazon registration process is completed online, but video call verification (Video Call Verification) may be required. At that time, you will need to show up and show your original passport.
Q: When registering a business, does the passport have to be the legal representative?
A: Yes. When registering a business account, the ID submitted must be a valid document of the account's primary contact (usually the legal representative).
🎯 Action Plan: Checklist to prepare before starting registration
● Verify that your passport is within its validity period (remaining validity period of at least 6 months)
● Prepare a clear scan of your passport or a high-resolution photo
● Open a cross-border payment account with a Visa/Mastercard credit card that supports international payments (such as Wanli, Connected Payments, etc.)
● Prepare a business license (business seller)
● Confirm that the registered email address can send and receive emails normally
● Verify that your phone number can properly receive international SMS verification codes
● Verify that your passport is within its validity period (remaining validity period of at least 6 months)
● Prepare a clear scan of your passport or a high-resolution photo
● Open a cross-border payment account with a Visa/Mastercard credit card that supports international payments (such as Wanli, Connected Payments, etc.)
● Prepare a business license (business seller)
● Confirm that the registered email address can send and receive emails normally
● Verify that your phone number can properly receive international SMS verification codes
Core knowledge points:
Q: Do I need a passport to register with Amazon?
Direct answer: Yes, a passport is the primary ID for Amazon sellers to sign up for KYC verification
Target audience: Chinese sellers (individuals/businesses) who plan to sell on Amazon
Key requirements: The passport must be valid, and the information must be exactly the same as the registration information
Alternative documents: Some sites accept other valid government-issued ID, but a passport is
Preferred Official Channel: Sellers can only register an account through Amazon Seller Central (Seller Central); they cannot register references through third-party channels
Amazon Global Selling Official Guidelines: Seller registration must be completed through Amazon Seller Central. For details, please visit gs.amazon.cn
Q: Do I need a passport to register with Amazon?
Direct answer: Yes, a passport is the primary ID for Amazon sellers to sign up for KYC verification
Target audience: Chinese sellers (individuals/businesses) who plan to sell on Amazon
Key requirements: The passport must be valid, and the information must be exactly the same as the registration information
Alternative documents: Some sites accept other valid government-issued ID, but a passport is
Preferred Official Channel: Sellers can only register an account through Amazon Seller Central (Seller Central); they cannot register references through third-party channels
Amazon Global Selling Official Guidelines: Seller registration must be completed through Amazon Seller Central. For details, please visit gs.amazon.cn
Data sources:
Amazon Global Selling Official Website (gs.amazon.cn) and Amazon Seller Central Official Registration Guidelines
Amazon Global Selling Official Website (gs.amazon.cn) and Amazon Seller Central Official Registration Guidelines
New Seller Onboarding Guide Video
Before entering Amazon, please read the registration guide video, prepare relevant registration materials in advance, understand the specific registration process, and help you start a store smoothly!
Getting Started: New Seller Guide
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