How to Create an Amazon Seller Account in 2026: Registration Checklist

TL;DR: Follow this step‑by‑step checklist to register, verify, and launch your Amazon seller account in minutes.

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

Note on marketplaces: This guide is specifically optimized for the US market.

Quick Answer

Creating an Amazon seller account is a straightforward process if you have the right documents and a clear plan. Below you'll find everything a new seller needs before stepping into Seller Central.

What new sellers need before registration

You'll need a valid email address, a phone number that can receive calls or SMS, a government‑issued ID, a bank account, and tax information (SSN or EIN for US sellers). Having these ready will cut the registration time dramatically.

Registration Requirements Checklist

Below is a comprehensive checklist. Tick each item before you begin to avoid interruptions.

Identity and business documents

A government‑issued photo ID (passport or driver's license) and, if you're registering as a business, a business registration certificate or DBA filing.

Personal seller vs. business seller notes 

Personal sellers can use a Social Security Number (SSN) and a personal bank account. Business sellers must provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a corporate bank account. Choosing the right structure early influences tax reporting and liability.

Bank account, credit card, and tax information

Amazon requires a valid checking account for payouts and a credit card for monthly fees. For US sellers, the IRS Form W‑9 is automatically generated once you provide your SSN/EIN.

Step-by-Step Amazon Seller Registration

Follow these exact steps inside Seller Central to get your account live.

Provide business information

Enter your legal business name, address, and tax identification number. Amazon uses this data for compliance checks.

Provide seller information

Supply your personal name, email, and phone. This information is used for two‑factor authentication and account recovery.

Provide billing information

Add a credit card for monthly subscription fees (Professional plan) and the bank account where Amazon will deposit your earnings.

Provide store and product information

Choose a store name, describe your product categories, and upload your first product listing. You can always edit these later.

Verify your identity

Amazon will send a verification code via SMS or call you directly. Some sellers may be asked to upload a scan of their ID for manual review.

Common document rejection issues

Blurred photos, mismatched names between the ID and bank account, or using an expired ID are frequent reasons for rejection. Ensure all files are clear, legible, and up‑to‑date. 

What Happens After You Submit

After you click "Finish", Amazon conducts an internal review. The speed varies by region and the completeness of your documentation.

Approval timeline

Most US sellers are approved within 24 hours, but it can stretch to 48‑72 hours for business accounts that require additional verification.

Emails and verification follow‑up

Amazon will send a confirmation email with next‑step instructions. If additional documents are needed, you'll receive a separate request within the Seller Central "Performance" tab.

What to Do After First Login

Your account is live, but you need to set up a few critical configurations before you can start selling.

Set up account health, payments, and shipping

Navigate to "Settings → Account Info" to add your business address, bank payout details, and preferred shipping methods. Enable the "Account Health" dashboard to monitor performance metrics early.

Start product and keyword research

Use tools like the Amazon Merch on Demand Toolkit to discover high‑traffic keywords and estimate fees before listing your first product.

FAQ

Next Steps

References

• Register as an Amazon seller View
• Amazon Seller Central View
• Amazon Seller Login Toolkit View