How to Pass PayPal KYC with a Washington LLC (2026)
PayPal business account LLC verification and KYC requirements for a Washington LLC
By Edmond Hui · Last updated: June 2026
Edmond Hui · Founder, MyStateLLC
Edmond Hui is a software engineer and serial entrepreneur based in New York who has founded multiple online businesses across e-commerce, media, and information publishing. Before transitioning into tech, he spent years as a commercial real estate professional closing deals totaling over 100,000 square feet, giving him firsthand experience with business formation and entity structuring. He built MyStateLLC to provide the free, state-specific LLC guidance he wished existed when forming his own companies.
PayPal verifies business accounts under US financial regulations before allowing full payment capabilities. For an LLC, PayPal requires documentation confirming the business entity name and EIN, proof of business existence (such as a Secretary of State filing or Certificate of Good Standing), identity verification for the business owner, and address proof. PayPal first checks national databases; documents are only requested when automatic verification fails.
What PayPal requires — and how a Washington LLC meets each
| Requirement | How your Washington LLC satisfies it |
|---|---|
| EIN / Tax Identification Number | Provide your federal EIN (free from the IRS; non-US founders without an SSN must apply via Form SS-4 by fax or phone rather than the online tool) — independent of Washington. |
| Business name consistency | Use the exact LLC name on your Washington Certificate of Formation; it must match your bank account holder name. |
| Proof of business existence | Upload your approved Washington Certificate of Formation. |
| Owner identity document | Provide a government ID for each beneficial owner. Washington lists members on public filings, so the names already match state records. |
| Business address proof | Use a US street address registered to the LLC in Washington (your registered-agent or virtual business address). PO boxes are usually rejected. |
Washington-specific things to watch
- Washington lists LLC members on public filings, so PayPal's beneficial-owner check will line up with public state records — you still upload a government ID for each owner.
- Washington issues a Certificate of Formation rather than "Articles of Organization." When PayPal asks for "formation documents," upload your Certificate of Formation.
How to verify your Washington LLC on PayPal
- EIN / Tax Identification Number. Provide your federal EIN (free from the IRS; non-US founders without an SSN must apply via Form SS-4 by fax or phone rather than the online tool) — independent of Washington.
- Business name consistency. Use the exact LLC name on your Washington Certificate of Formation; it must match your bank account holder name.
- Proof of business existence. Upload your approved Washington Certificate of Formation.
- Owner identity document. Provide a government ID for each beneficial owner. Washington lists members on public filings, so the names already match state records.
- Business address proof. Use a US street address registered to the LLC in Washington (your registered-agent or virtual business address). PO boxes are usually rejected.
Non-US founders
Non-US founders can open a PayPal US business account for a US LLC, but PayPal may require additional identity documentation. Using a US-registered LLC with a US business address and EIN is the standard path. A US bank account is needed to withdraw funds to a US account.
Frequently Asked Questions
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