Onboard your sole proprietorship to Square
Last updated: July 2024
About onboarding your business
When you sign up for an account with Square, we ask you to answer a few questions and/or upload supporting documents to learn more about you and your business. These questions help us understand your business, the products and services you offer, and ensure the legitimacy of your business.
Before you begin
This onboarding guide is for individuals or sole proprietorship businesses. If your business is not a sole proprietorship business, go to onboard your registered business with Square.
We recommend that you have the required personal information mentioned in this article ready before you start the identity verification process, including your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Step 1: Provide your business information
Enter the information unique to your business.
Enter the Business name as you would like it to show on your receipt.
Enter your Preferred phone number.
Choose your Estimated annual revenue. You can refer to previous years’ revenue or, if you’re just starting out, you can select the approximate revenue you’re expecting.
Enter your physical business address, city and zip code.
Click Continue.
Step 2: Verify your identity
When you sign up with Square to accept payments, you'll be asked to input your personal information and to answer a few questions to verify your identity. Square is legally required to collect and verify your personal information to ensure that your account remains safe and secure.
The following information is required to activate a Square account:
Full legal name
Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Date of birth
U.S. home mailing address
In some cases, Square may need to perform additional identity verification. Additional information needed may include:
Physical government-issued photo identification document (like an ID Card, Passport, Residence Permit, or Driver’s License)
Photo of your face (selfie)
You may be asked to take a photo of your government-issued ID and a selfie. Avoid using photocopies of your identification document when verifying your identity with Square. Follow the prompts to complete.
If you’re unable to provide the information above, you won’t be able to accept card payments, but you can still use other Square services.