Verifying your information with Shopify Payments Canada

Shopify regularly reviews and updates the verification requirements for using Shopify Payments. You might be required to update your personal or business information at any time, so that your store remains compliant, and up to date with financial regulations.

Refer to Requirements when using Shopify Payments for Canada to learn more about the different required documentation for verification in Canada, and Information requirements for Shopify Payments for information on uploading documents, required documentation guidelines such as accepted file types, and the documentation review process.

Verify personal information

If you receive a request to verify the information of an individual listed on your Shopify Payments account, then the information listed on your Shopify Payments account might be incorrect.

If the information of the individual listed on your Shopify Payments account is incorrect, then you can update it in your Shopify admin, and an attempt is made to automatically verify the individual's information.

If the information is correct, and you receive another request for verification, then you can resolve the request by completing either of the following tasks:

• Confirm your identity by taking a selfie with a valid photo ID.
  • If the account owner isn't the same person as the Shopify Payments account representative, then the account owner can share the option to take a selfie with valid photo ID by selecting Other options when prompted to scan the QR code on their device. They can then share the link or QR code with the account representative to confirm their identity.
• Uploading separate proof of identity and proof of address documents in your Shopify admin.

The information displayed on the documents must match what you enter in the form in your Shopify admin exactly.

Learn more about information requirements for identity and address verification, and acceptable proof of identity documents and proof of address documents for using Shopify Payments in Canada.

Verify business information

If you receive a request to verify your business, or legal entity information, then the information listed on your Shopify Payments account might be incorrect. If the business information listed on your Shopify Payments account is incorrect, then you can update it in your Shopify admin, and we attempt to automatically verify the business details that you enter.

If the information is correct, but you receive a request for verification, then you can resolve the request by uploading an acceptable business document in your Shopify admin. The documentation must include the following information:

• Business name.
• Business address.

The information in the document must match what you enter in the form in your Shopify admin exactly. For example, if the document lists your business name as "Example123 Limited", then enter Example123 Limited in the form.

Learn more about information requirements for business verification and acceptable business documents for using Shopify Payments in Canada.

Verify director information

If you receive a request to verify your company's directors, then we're unable to verify the information that we have on file. If the information of a director is incorrect you can resolve this in your Shopify admin by checking the following information:

• Ensure the directors names are correctly entered.
• Ensure that all directors are marked as "director".

If these checks have been performed, then you can upload an acceptable directorship document in your Shopify admin. The document must include the following information:

• Your business name.
• The names of all of your directors.

The document must clearly state which individuals are directors and their names must match what is listed on your Shopify Payments account. Learn more about acceptable directorship document for using Shopify Payments in Canada.

Verification steps

If additional information is required, then you receive an email explaining what information you must submit. When you receive an email requesting further documentation in order to verify your Shopify Payments account, click Review details from the email to update your information on file.

You're notified by a banner in your Shopify admin, and in the Settings > Payments section of your admin in the Shopify Payments section, with a link to the Update details page.

You must review and update your personal and business information, and then upload the requested verification documents.

Steps:

1. From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Payments.

2. In the Shopify Payments section, click Update details.

3. On the Update details page, review your personal and business information, and make any updates or corrections as needed.

4. In the Verification documents section, click Upload document.

5. In the dialog, select the type of document that you're submitting from the dropdown list.

6. Click Add file and select the file. Your document must be in a .png, .jpg, or .pdf format.

7. Optional: If you need to submit multiple documents, then click Next and repeat these steps in the dialog until you've uploaded all of the requested verification documents.

8. Click Done.

FAQ

Review answers to frequently asked questions about verifying information related to your identity and business.

Why do I need to provide this information?

The collection of information is necessary to identify individuals and businesses using Shopify Payments and to comply with regulatory requirements.

Shopify Payments for Canada uses Stripe as a payment processor. Stripe is a regulated Money Service Business and must fulfill specific collection and verification obligations as required by the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) and associated regulations in Canada.

This helps prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. As regulations evolve, Shopify and its partners might request additional information from you to ensure compliance. You can find further guidance on the information you need to provide here.

What information do I need to provide?

The information you might be required to provide depends on your business type, but it can include some or all of the following information:

• Names, dates of birth, and email addresses of an account representative and your business owners. Anyone that owns 25% or more of the entity is considered an owner.
• Names and email addresses of all directors.
• Phone number and title of your account representative. This is required for all businesses.
• A business phone number.

You might also be required to verify the following business details:

• Personal identity of your account representative. This is required for all businesses.
• Business or company details. This is required for all businesses excluding individuals and sole proprietors.
• All company directors. This is required for all businesses excluding individuals and sole proprietors.
• Charity registration status. This is required for registered charities.

Learn more about required information for Shopify Payments, and the specific required information for using Shopify Payments in Canada.

What kind of documents do I need to provide?

The documents you might be required to provide depends on your business type, and the type of verification that's requested.

You can review the acceptable documents for each type of verification:

• Acceptable proof of identity documents.
• Acceptable proof of address documents.
• Acceptable business documents.
• Acceptable directorship documents.

Are there guidelines for uploading verification documents?

Yes. When you submit verification documents, there are certain considerations you should be aware of in order to make sure your documents are compliant. Learn more about ensuring document compliance when using Shopify Payments in Canada, and required information for Shopify Payments.

Can I use a P.O. Box as my business address?

No. Shopify Payments requires a valid, physical, Canadian address. Due to the requirements of our financial partner, you cannot use a P.O. box as your address.

What should I do if I am unable to provide the required information?

If you're unable to provide the information requested, then you can contact Shopify Support to review any alternative means of verifying your information.

Will I be notified if there are issues with my verification documents?

Yes. If there are issues with your documentation, then you receive an email outlining what is required to complete the verification.

How often will I need to update my verification information?

As regulatory requirements evolve globally, our onboarding requirements might change. There is no fixed schedule for these changes. As per Shopify Payments terms of service, it is your responsibility to ensure that information on your account is accurate, and up to date.