How do I complete Meta Business Verification for WhatsApp?

For marketers looking to promote a brand, messaging caps on WhatsApp are frustrating and a major roadblock to achieving campaign goals. Luckily, Meta Business Verification can permanently remove these restrictions, giving you the power to run high-volume, high-quality WhatsApp Business messaging through ZEPIC. 

This process legally confirms your business identity, which is mandatory for unrestricted communication, and here’s how you go about it.

Why Meta Business Verification Matters

• Verified businesses get enhanced credibility, access to advanced Meta features, and unlimited WhatsApp messaging. Without verification, you are typically limited to 1,000 conversations per month.
• The Main Benefits of Meta Business Verification
• Up to 1000 messages through ZEPIC's WhatsApp Business API.
• Improved customer trust with a verified business status.
• Access to advanced WhatsApp Business features.
• Priority support from Meta for business issues.
  
  

Pre-Verification Checklist

Before starting your application, ensure these critical elements are in place to maximise your chances of approval.

Website Requirements

• Active SSL certificate (must use https://).
• Complete contact information that matches your legal business documents.
• Professional design reflecting your business nature.
• Clear business description and services offered.
• Domain email alignment (use an email like @yourdomain.com for verification).
• Document Preparation
• Business name exactly matches across all documents and your online presence.
• Current registered address (P.O. boxes are typically not accepted for primary address).
• Active phone number capable of receiving calls.

Facebook Business Manager Setup

• Complete all business information in the Business Manager settings.
• Consistent naming across your Facebook Page and Business Manager account.
• An active Facebook Page representing your business.

Required Documents by Region

India-Specific Requirements

Meta cross-references records with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), making document accuracy critical.

Primary Documents (Choose One)

1. Certificate of Incorporation (most reliable)
2. Partnership Deed (for partnerships)
3. Business License (state-issued)
4. GST Registration Certificate
5. Import Export Code Certificate

Address Verification Documents (Recent, within 90 days)

• Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
• Bank statements showing your business address
• Rent agreements with recent rent receipts
• Property tax receipts

International Requirements

Use these documents if your business is registered outside of India.

Legal Business Name Verification

• Articles of Incorporation / Certificate of Formation
• Business Registration Certificate
• Operating License
• Tax Registration Documents

Address and Phone Verification (Recent, within 90 days)

• Government-issued business licenses
• Utility statements or phone service provider bills
• Bank statements with your business address

Unacceptable Documents

Avoid submitting these documents as they will lead to rejection:

• Personal bank statements or credit card statements
• Personal utility bills
• Expired documents
• Third-party invoices or photocopies of photocopies

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Access Business Verification

You will start this process from your Meta Business Manager.

1. Navigate to Facebook Business Manager.
2. Click Business Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. In the left panel, scroll to Security Center.
4. Click Start Verification.

Step 2: Enter Business Information

Fill out these fields with exact precision to match your legal documents, and you’ll need to fill in your location and contact information in case this is a new account.

• Select your country
• Legal business name
• Complete business address (no abbreviations)
• Primary phone number
• Official website URL

Step 3: Document Upload Strategy

Upload clear, high-quality scans of your chosen documents.

Upload Order (Recommended)

1. Legal Name Verification: Use your Certificate of Incorporation or Business Registration.
2. Address Verification: Use the most recent utility bill or bank statement.
3. Phone Verification: Use a phone service bill or directory listing.

Step 5: Choose Verification Method

You can verify your identity through email or domain verification.

Options Available:

• Email Verification (Recommended): Use your business domain email (@yourcompany.com) for faster processing. You will enter a verification code received via email.
• Domain Verification (Advanced): This requires technical access to your website's DNS records, offering the most comprehensive verification.

Step 6: Submit and Monitor

After submission, your application enters Meta's review queue. You will see a confirmation screen.

Review Timeline and What to Expect

Standard Timeline

• Initial Review: 3-7 business days.
• Additional Documentation Requests: 5-10 business days after submission.
• Final Decision: Up to 4 weeks maximum.

Status Tracking

Monitor your application in Business Settings > Security Centre:

• Pending: The application is currently under review.
• Action Required: Meta needs additional documents or clarification.
• Approved: Verification is complete, granting you full WABA access.
• Rejected: Application denied (you can reapply after 30 days).

Common Delay Causes

• Poor document quality or illegible scans.
• Name mismatches across documents and Business Manager.
• Inactive website or phone number.
• High review volume periods (e.g., end of quarters).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Start Verification" Button Missing

Solutions:

• Complete all Business Info fields in Business Manager.
• Make sure you’ve created a WhatsApp Business API account with ZEPIC first.
• Confirm you are an Admin of the Business Manager account.
• Try accessing the Security Centre from a desktop browser.

Application Rejected

Common Rejection Reasons:

• Name discrepancies between documents and the Business Manager.
• Inactive website or phone number.
• Poor document quality or unclear text.
• Business category mismatch.

How to Appeal:

1. Review the rejection email carefully to address specific issues.

2. Submit improved documentation.
3. Wait 30 days before reapplying.

Verification Code Not Received

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check spam or junk folders for email codes.
• Make sure your phone can receive calls (if verifying by phone).
• Request the code resend after 5 minutes.
• Try the alternative verification method (email vs. phone).

Want to know how to get a blue tick verified on WhatsApp? Check out our article on WhatsApp blue tick verification!