1. Eligibility Requirements
To sell on TikTok Shop in the US, you must meet all of the following requirements. These apply as of January 2026.
✅ Basic Requirements Checklist
US-Based Business or Individual
You must be a US citizen, permanent resident, or have a registered US business entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
18 Years or Older
You must be at least 18 years old to sell on TikTok Shop.
TikTok Account in Good Standing
Your TikTok account should have no community guideline violations. A verified account helps but isn't required.
Ability to Ship Within 3 Business Days
You must be able to fulfill orders within TikTok's shipping requirements. International dropshipping is not allowed.
Valid US Bank Account
You need a US bank account to receive payouts. PayPal or international accounts are not accepted for seller payouts.
Types of Sellers Accepted
👤 Individual Sellers
- • No business registration required
- • Use SSN for tax purposes
- • Lower initial sales limits
- • Best for: Testing, small-scale selling
🏢 Business Sellers
- • Registered LLC, Corp, or Sole Prop
- • Use EIN for tax purposes
- • Higher sales limits
- • Best for: Serious sellers, scaling
2. Required Documents
Have these documents ready before starting your application. The exact requirements depend on whether you're applying as an individual or business.
📄 For Individual Sellers
Driver's license, state ID, or US passport. Must be current and match your name exactly.
Required for tax reporting (1099-K). You'll enter this securely in the application.
Bank statement, utility bill, or official mail from last 90 days showing your US address.
Routing number and account number for payout deposits.
🏢 For Business Sellers
Everything above, plus:
Your business tax ID from the IRS. Get one free at irs.gov if you don't have one.
Articles of Incorporation, LLC Operating Agreement, or DBA registration.
Account must be in the business name, not personal.
3. Step-by-Step Application Process
Go to TikTok Shop Seller Center
Visit seller-us.tiktok.com and click "Start Selling." You'll need to log in with your TikTok account.
Choose Seller Type
Select "Individual Seller" or "Business Seller." You can upgrade from individual to business later, but not downgrade.
Complete Identity Verification
Upload your ID documents and take a selfie for facial verification. Make sure photos are clear and not blurry.
Add Shop Information
Enter your shop name, description, and the product categories you plan to sell. Choose a memorable, trustworthy shop name.
Set Up Payment & Shipping
Add your bank account for payouts and configure your shipping settings (carriers, rates, handling time).
Submit for Review
Review all information, agree to TikTok's seller terms, and submit. You'll receive email updates on your application status.
4. Approval Timeline
Fast Track
24-48 hours
Complete documents, clear photos, established TikTok account
Standard
3-5 business days
Most applications, minor clarifications needed
Extended Review
1-2 weeks
New TikTok accounts, document issues, flagged categories
5. Common Rejection Reasons (And How to Avoid Them)
Blurry or Unreadable Documents
Fix: Use good lighting, scan instead of phone photos if possible, ensure all text is clearly visible.
Name Mismatch
Fix: Ensure the name on your ID exactly matches your TikTok account name and bank account (including middle names/initials).
Expired ID
Fix: Check expiration date before submitting. Renew if needed.
TikTok Account Violations
Fix: Resolve any community guideline violations before applying. Create a new account if necessary (wait 30 days before applying).
Restricted Product Categories
Fix: Don't select prohibited categories (weapons, tobacco, adult products, etc.). Review TikTok's restricted items list.
6. Tips for Fast Approval
Use an established TikTok account - Accounts with history get approved faster than brand new ones.
Apply as a business - Business accounts often get priority review and higher selling limits.
Double-check everything - Review all information before submitting. Appeals take longer than getting it right the first time.
Use high-quality document photos - Take photos in good lighting against a plain background.
Choose mainstream categories - Beauty, home, fashion approve faster than restricted or niche categories.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell without a business license?
Yes! Individual sellers can sell using their SSN without a business license. However, you should still comply with local business laws and tax obligations.
What if my application is rejected?
You can appeal with corrected information or wait 30 days to reapply. TikTok usually provides the rejection reason in your email.
Do I need followers to sell on TikTok Shop?
No minimum follower count is required to sell. However, having an established account with some activity helps your application.
Can I sell from outside the US?
No. TikTok Shop US is only for US-based sellers. There are separate programs for UK, Southeast Asia, and other regions.
Ready to Start Selling?
Once approved, use our calculator to plan your pricing and profit margins.