By QuickMessage Team · Last updated October 21, 2026
Quick answer
You do not need any documents to start using the WhatsApp Business API; new businesses can message 250 unique customers a day. To grow beyond that, you verify your business with Meta, and for that you need an official document that proves your legal business name and your business address or phone number. In India this is usually a GST registration certificate, a Certificate of Incorporation, an Udyam registration, a Shop and Establishment licence or a business bank statement, together with a working HTTPS website in the same business name.
Documents are where most WhatsApp Business API setups get stuck, usually because of a small mismatch between the name on a certificate and the name entered in Meta Business Suite. This guide lists what Meta accepts, which Indian documents fit each type, what to do if you have no GST, and the mistakes that lead to rejection.
Do you need documents to start?
No. You can sign up, connect a phone number and start messaging without verifying your business. Verification matters later, because it changes how far you can grow:
| Without verification | With verification |
|---|---|
| Up to 250 unique customers a day outside a customer service window. | Your limit moves to 2,000, then grows automatically to 10,000, 100,000 and unlimited while message quality stays high. |
| Not eligible for the blue tick (Official Business Account). | One of the requirements for requesting the blue tick. |
What your documents must prove
According to Meta, the documents you upload must confirm two things:
- Your legal business name, exactly as you entered it in Meta Business Suite.
- Your official business address or phone number.
Documents must be issued by the relevant authority, must not be expired and must be in a supported language (English and Hindi are both accepted). Cover any personal details Meta does not need, such as an Aadhaar number, before uploading. Source: Meta Business Help Center.
Documents Meta accepts, with Indian examples
Meta lists five types of document. The right-hand column shows the Indian documents that usually fit each type; Meta reviews every document on its own merits.
| Meta's document type | Proves | Indian examples |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate / Articles of Incorporation | Legal name, address | Certificate of Incorporation from the MCA (private limited, LLP, OPC) |
| Business registration or licence | Legal name, address | Udyam (MSME) registration certificate, Shop and Establishment licence, trade licence, partnership deed registration certificate |
| Government-issued business tax document | Legal name, address | GST registration certificate. Self-filed tax returns are not accepted. |
| Business bank statement | Legal name, address | Current account statement in the business name, showing the business address |
| Utility bill | Address and phone only | Electricity, landline or broadband bill in the legal business name. Not accepted on its own to prove the legal name. |
A useful rule: pick one document that proves the legal name (GST, incorporation, Udyam or a licence), and make sure it also shows the same address you entered. If it does not, add a utility bill or bank statement for the address.
Which documents suit your type of business
Private limited, LLP or OPC
Certificate of Incorporation, or the GST certificate. Enter the company name exactly as registered, including "Private Limited" or "LLP".
Partnership firm
GST certificate, registration certificate of the firm, or a business bank statement in the firm's name.
Sole proprietor
GST certificate, Udyam registration or Shop and Establishment licence in the trade name, plus a bank statement or utility bill for the address if needed.
No GST registration
GST is not mandatory for verification. Use Udyam, a Shop and Establishment or trade licence, or a business bank statement instead, as long as it carries your legal business name.
Other things you need besides documents
- Full control of the business portfolio. Only admins with full control can start verification.
- A working HTTPS website that loads and shows the same business name.
- A way to confirm you represent the business: a code by email, phone call, SMS or WhatsApp to your business contact details, or domain verification by adding a meta tag or DNS record to your website. If you choose an email code, Meta may ask you to prove you own the email's domain.
- Matching details everywhere: the legal name, address and phone number you enter must match your registration exactly.
How to submit business verification
- Open Security Center in Meta Business Suite and click Start verification.
- Enter your legal business name, address, phone number and website, exactly as registered.
- If Meta cannot find a matching record, choose My business isn't listed and upload your document.
- Choose how to confirm your connection (email, phone, SMS, WhatsApp or domain) and enter the code.
- Submit and wait for Meta's decision.
Meta says a decision can take up to 14 business days. If you edit your business details afterwards, you have to complete verification again, so get the details right the first time. Source: How to verify your business (Meta).
Common reasons verification is rejected
- Name mismatch. "Sharma Traders" on the GST certificate but "Sharma Traders Pvt Ltd" in Meta Business Suite.
- Address mismatch between the document and the address you entered.
- A utility bill used to prove the legal name, which Meta does not accept for that purpose.
- Self-filed tax documents, such as an income tax return, instead of a government-issued certificate.
- Expired, cropped or unclear documents.
- A website that does not load, is not HTTPS or shows a different business name.
- Editing business details during or after review, which restarts the process.
Business verification is not the blue tick
These three are often confused:
| What | What it does |
|---|---|
| Business verification | Confirms you are a real, registered business. Raises your messaging limit. Gives no badge. |
| Official Business Account (blue tick) | A blue checkmark beside your name in the contacts view. Requires business verification, two-step verification, an approved display name and 30 days on the platform. See our blue tick guide. |
| Meta Verified for business | A separate paid subscription from Meta with its own badge and benefits. |
Once your documents are ready, follow our step-by-step guide on how to get WhatsApp Business API in India.
Frequently asked questions
Which documents are required for WhatsApp Business API in India?
None to start. For Meta business verification, use an official document that proves your legal business name and address or phone, such as a GST certificate, Certificate of Incorporation, Udyam registration, Shop and Establishment licence or business bank statement.
Is GST mandatory for WhatsApp Business API?
No. GST is one accepted option, but a Udyam registration, Shop and Establishment or trade licence, Certificate of Incorporation or business bank statement in your legal business name can be used instead.
Can a sole proprietor get WhatsApp Business API?
Yes. Sole proprietors can verify with a GST certificate, Udyam registration or Shop and Establishment licence in the trade name, plus a bank statement or utility bill for the address if needed.
How long does Meta business verification take?
Meta says a decision can take up to 14 business days. Editing your business details afterwards restarts the process.
Does business verification give me the blue tick?
No. Business verification raises your messaging limit but gives no badge. The blue tick (Official Business Account) is a separate request with its own requirements.
Not sure your documents will pass?
Our team checks your documents and business details before you submit, so you get verified the first time.
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