What documents are actually needed to apply?

Swati

Hey Everyone,

I want to start using this, but I don’t have an MSME certificate.
I just wanted to check what documents are actually needed to apply. Can anyone help me with this?

snapshot

Hi Swati,

Don’t worry, you don’t have to have an MSME certificate.
There are other valid options too it depends on what type of business you have.

newdata

Yes, that’s right!

Here's what WhatsApp generally accepts for business verification:

GST Certificate
Shop Act License
Company PAN
MSME Certificate (optional)
Any government-issued business registration proof

If you don’t have MSME, GST or Shop Act usually works just fine.

Swati

I do have a GST and a PAN. That should work, right?

newdata

Yes, that’s more than enough. You’re good to go! Just make sure the business name on your documents matches the one you use on your Facebook Business Manager.

Swati

Is their anything other i need?

newdata

Along with the documents, here are a few other things you’ll need to get started smoothly:

- A dedicated phone number – It should not be already used with WhatsApp (regular or business app).
- A verified Facebook Business Manager account – This is where you’ll manage your WhatsApp Business setup.
- Business Display Name – The name you want customers to see on WhatsApp. It should match your branding and official records.
- Business Website or Social Media Page – Helps with brand verification and approval.

Swati

Okay,

Swati

What's the process to do this

newdata

Here's how you can start:-

Log in to your Facebook Business Manager.
Go to Business Settings > Security Center.
Click on Start Verification.
Enter your business details as they appear on your documents.
Upload your GST certificate and utility bill.
Choose a verification method (email, phone, or domain verification).
Submit the information and wait for approval.
Once approved, you'll be able to use the WhatsApp Business API."

Swati

Thank you so much for the guidance!

Swati

But I don’t have a website…

snapshot

That’s totally okay, While having a website can be beneficial, it's not strictly mandatory for applying to the WhatsApp Business API.

If you don't have a website, you can use other official documents such as:

GST Certificate
Certificate of Incorporation
Business License
Utility Bill (like electricity or phone bill) in your business's name
Bank Statement in your business's name

Swati

Okay, that’s great to know!
But how do I show my business online if I don’t have a website?
Will just my GST and Facebook page be enough?

snapshot

Yes, Swati! Your GST and a Facebook page that clearly shows your business name, contact details, and what you do is usually good enough.

Just make sure your page is public, looks neat and professional, and the name matches what’s on your GST.

That way, Meta can still verify your business even if you don’t have a website. 👍

Swati

okay, that sounds good! I’ll update my Facebook page to make sure everything matches.

snapshot

Perfect! Once your page is ready and matches the GST info, you can go ahead with the business verification step in your Facebook Business Manager.

Swati

Thanks! And just to confirm, how long does the verification usually take?

snapshot

It usually takes anywhere between 2–5 business days. Sometimes faster if all the details are clear and match correctly.

Swati

Okay, that’s not too long. I’ll get started today.