# Prerequisites for Onboarding

If you are getting onboarded to the WhatsApp API for the first time, there are a few essential prerequisites you must meet to ensure compliance with Meta’s WhatsApp Commerce Policy.

If you are already using WhatsApp API with another Meta Partner and have a verified Facebook Business Manager, please refer to the Migration/Porting guide to ensure a smooth transition to DoubleTick.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">Website Requirements</mark>

To proceed with the onboarding process, you must have an active website that meets the following requirements:

* **SSL Secured Website**\
  Your website must have a valid SSL certificate and should open with **https**.
* **About Us Page**\
  This page should contain detailed and clear information about your business and the services you offer.
* **Contact Us Page**\
  Must include the following details exactly as per your official documents:
  * Legal business name
  * Business address
  * Contact phone number
* **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**\
  The copyright section must contain the legal business name as per the documents submitted.\
  **Required format:**\
  © 2025 (Company Legal Name). All rights reserved.
* **Compliance with Meta Commerce Policy**\
  Your business must fully comply with Meta’s WhatsApp Commerce and Business Policies.

***

#### <mark style="color:$primary;">Required Documents for Business Verification</mark>

Only **two valid documents** are required for Meta business verification. These documents must:

* Not be expired
* Be issued by an official government or regulatory authority

The primary acceptable document types include:

* Certificate/Articles of Incorporation
* Business Registration or License Document
* Government-Issued Business Tax Document\
  \&#xNAN;*(Self-filed tax documents are not accepted)*
* Business Bank Statement
* Utility Bill\
  \&#xNAN;*(Accepted only for verifying business address and phone number. The legal business name must be present. Utility bills are not valid for verifying the legal business name.)*

For country-specific document rules, refer to Meta’s official documentation.

***

#### <mark style="color:$primary;">Phone Number Requirements</mark>

Phone number rules depend on the onboarding type:

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">Cloud API Onboarding</mark>

* The number must **not** be registered on WhatsApp.
* A fresh number is recommended.
* If the number is currently active on the WhatsApp Business App:

  First, delete the number from the app & Then wait for at least **5 minutes** before starting the onboarding process in DoubleTick.

This short cooldown ensures WhatsApp fully releases the number and prevents onboarding errors.

***

#### <mark style="color:$primary;">Coexistence (CoEx) Onboarding</mark>

* The number must remain active on WhatsApp Business App.
* It must be connected to the app for at least **7 days** before CoEx onboarding.

***

By ensuring all the above prerequisites are met — including website compliance, valid verification documents, correct phone number readiness, and coexistence eligibility — your WhatsApp API onboarding process with DoubleTick will be smooth, streamlined, and fully aligned with Meta’s policies.


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