> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.doubletick.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.doubletick.io/get-started-with-doubletick/prerequisites-for-onboarding.md). # Prerequisites for Onboarding If you're onboarding to the WhatsApp API for the **first time**, there are a few essential prerequisites you must meet to stay compliant with **Meta's WhatsApp Commerce Policy**. If you're already using the WhatsApp API with another Meta partner and have a [**verified Facebook Business Manager**](https://learn.doubletick.io/meta-business-setup/ecosystem/how-to-create-a-meta-business-portfolio), refer to the [**Migration/Porting guide**](https://learn.doubletick.io/get-started-with-doubletick/migration/api-to-api-migration-guide) instead for a smooth transition to DoubleTick. #### What's covered * [Website requirements you need before onboarding](/get-started-with-doubletick/prerequisites-for-onboarding.md#website-requirements) * [Documents required for business verification](/get-started-with-doubletick/prerequisites-for-onboarding.md#required-documents-for-business-verification) * [Phone number requirements for Cloud API and coexistence (CoEx) onboarding](/get-started-with-doubletick/prerequisites-for-onboarding.md#phone-number-requirements) * [Key takeaways](/get-started-with-doubletick/prerequisites-for-onboarding.md#key-takeaways) * [Frequently asked questions](/get-started-with-doubletick/prerequisites-for-onboarding.md#faqs) #### Website requirements To proceed with onboarding, you must have an **active website** that meets the following requirements: * **SSL secured**: your website must have a valid SSL certificate and open with **https**. * **About us page**: should contain detailed and clear information about your business and the services you offer. * **Contact us page**: must include your **legal business name**, **business address**, and **contact phone number** exactly as per your official documents. * **Terms and conditions**: your website must include properly documented terms and conditions for customers. * **Privacy policy**: a comprehensive privacy policy must be published and accessible. * **Copyright information**: must contain your legal business name as per the documents submitted, in this format: © 2025 (Company Legal Name). All rights reserved. * **Meta commerce policy compliance**: your business must fully comply with Meta's WhatsApp Commerce and Business Policies. #### Required documents for business verification Only **two valid documents** are required for Meta business verification. These documents must **not be expired** and must be issued by an official government or regulatory authority. The primary accepted document types include: * Certificate/articles of incorporation * Business registration or license document * Government-issued business tax document (**self-filed tax documents aren't accepted**) * Business bank statement * Utility bill — accepted only for verifying business address and phone number. The **legal business name** must be present on it, but utility bills are **not valid** for verifying the legal business name. For country-specific document rules, refer to Meta's official documentation. #### Phone number requirements Phone number rules depend on the onboarding type: [**Cloud API onboarding**](https://learn.doubletick.io/get-started-with-doubletick/onboarding/onboard-a-phone-number-on-cloud-api): * The number must **not** be registered on WhatsApp. * A **fresh number** is recommended. If the number is currently active on the **WhatsApp Business App**: **Delete** the number from the WhatsApp Business App & **Wait at least 5 minutes** before starting onboarding in DoubleTick. This short cooldown ensures WhatsApp fully releases the number and prevents onboarding errors. [**Coexistence (CoEx) onboarding**](https://learn.doubletick.io/get-started-with-doubletick/onboarding/onboard-a-phone-number-on-coexistence): * The number must remain **active** on the WhatsApp Business App. * It must be connected to the app for at least **7 days** before CoEx onboarding. #### Key takeaways * Your website needs **SSL**, an about us page, a contact us page, terms and conditions, a privacy policy, correctly formatted copyright info, and compliance with **Meta's Commerce Policy** before you onboard. * Only **two valid, unexpired** verification documents are required, issued by an official government or regulatory authority — self-filed tax documents don't count. * For **Cloud API**, the number must not already be registered on WhatsApp; use a **fresh number**, or delete it from the WhatsApp Business App and **wait 5 minutes**. * For **CoEx**, keep the number **active** and connected to the WhatsApp Business App for at least **7 days** before onboarding. #### FAQs **Do I need a fresh number for Cloud API onboarding?**\ A fresh number is recommended. If the number is currently active on the WhatsApp Business App, delete it from the app and wait at least 5 minutes before starting onboarding. **What documents are accepted for business verification?**\ Meta accepts a certificate/articles of incorporation, a business registration or license document, a government-issued business tax document, a business bank statement, or a utility bill (only for verifying address and phone number). You only need two valid documents. **Can I use a self-filed tax document for verification?**\ No — self-filed tax documents aren't accepted. The document must be issued by an official government or regulatory authority. **What's the difference between Cloud API and Coexistence (CoEx) requirements?**\ For Cloud API, the number must not be registered on WhatsApp. For CoEx, the number must remain active on the WhatsApp Business App and stay connected for at least 7 days before onboarding. **What if I'm migrating from another Meta partner?**\ If you already have the WhatsApp API with another Meta partner and a verified Facebook Business Manager, refer to the Migration/Porting guide instead of these first-time prerequisites. #### Related topics * [Onboard a phone number on Cloud API](/get-started-with-doubletick/onboarding/onboard-a-phone-number-on-cloud-api.md) * [Onboard a phone number on Coexistence](/get-started-with-doubletick/onboarding/onboard-a-phone-number-on-coexistence.md) * [How to verify your META business](/meta-business-setup/meta-business-verification/how-to-verify-your-meta-business.md) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://learn.doubletick.io/get-started-with-doubletick/prerequisites-for-onboarding.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.