Why Vendor Verification Matters (and What to Submit)
A quick guide to the documents you need to complete your DayOf vendor profile.
Harry McLaughlin
Last Update منذ شهر واحد
Why We Ask for Business Documents
DayOf is built on trust. Clients are booking vendors for some of the most important days of their lives, and they need to know the people they hire are legitimate and operating legally.
Vendor verification is how we make that happen. By submitting your business documents, you are confirming that you meet the professional standards required to offer services on the platform. It also protects you. Verified vendors build credibility faster, show up with a verified badge, and give clients one less reason to hesitate when booking.
This is not a bureaucratic hoop. It is the baseline for operating as a professional on DayOf.
If you have not yet legally registered your business and need guidance on how to get started, check out our guide: How to Legally Create a Business for Your Wedding Vendor Company.
Visit: http://help.dayofweddings.com/article/legal-business-verification-with-dayof
What Documents Do I Need to Submit?
The specific documents required depend on your service category and location, but here is what we typically need:
1. Business Formation or Registration Document
You need to submit one document that proves your business is registered and legally permitted to operate. We accept any of the following:
For LLCs and Corporations:
◆ Certificate of Formation (LLC) - The official document filed with your state to create an LLC. Name varies by state.
◆ Articles of Organization (LLC) - Same document as a Certificate of Formation, just called something different depending on your state.
◆ Articles of Incorporation (Corporation) - Filed to create a corporation. Your state's Secretary of State website will have the form.
◆ Certificate of Incorporation - Another name for Articles of Incorporation, used in states like Delaware and New York.
◆ Certificate of Good Standing - Issued by your state confirming your business is current on all filings. Request it from your Secretary of State website.
◆ Certificate of Existence - Same as a Certificate of Good Standing in some states. Confirms your entity is active and authorized to do business.
◆ State Business Registration Certificate - A general registration certificate issued by your state when you register your business.
◆ State-Issued Business License - A license from your state or local government authorizing you to operate. Requirements vary by location.
◆ Fictitious Name Registration (DBA) - Filed when you operate under a name different from your legal name.
◆ Assumed Name Certificate - Same as a DBA. Filed at the county or state level depending on your location.
◆ State Sales Tax Permit / Seller's Permit - Issued by your state's Department of Revenue if you collect sales tax.
◆ State Professional License (if applicable) - Required for certain regulated professions. Check with your state licensing board.
◆ State Employer Registration Confirmation - Confirmation that you are registered as an employer with your state (if you have employees).
◆ Secretary of State Entity Search Screenshot - A screenshot from your state's business search showing your entity with active status. Search your state here:
For Sole Proprietors:
◆ State business registration confirmation - Confirmation from your state that your business is registered.
◆ State sales tax permit - If applicable to your service type and state.
◆ Local or county business license - Some municipalities require a local license. Check your city or county clerk's website.
You only need to submit one of the documents listed above. Choose whichever you have readily available. If you are unsure which applies to your situation, reach out and we will help you figure it out.
2. Industry-Specific Permits or Licenses (If Applicable)
Depending on what you do, you may need additional documentation:
◆ Caterers and food vendors: Food handler's permit, health department license, or food service establishment permit
◆ Bartenders and alcohol service: Liquor license, TIPS or ServSafe certification, or state alcohol permit
◆ Entertainment vendors and musicians: Music licensing (BMI, ASCAP, SESAC) if required in your area
◆ Transportation vendors: Commercial driver's license, vehicle inspection, commercial auto insurance
◆ Officiants: Ordination or licensing documentation (varies by state)
◆ Coordinators and planners: No specific license is typically required
If you are unsure whether your service type requires a specific permit, check with your local government or reach out to us.
3. W-9 (Tax Identification)
We need a completed W-9 form on file for tax reporting purposes. This includes your legal business name, business entity type, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number.
Download the official W-9 form (PDF):
Visit: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
More info about the W-9:
Visit: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-9
If you do not have an EIN yet, you can apply for one for free:
Visit: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number
Accepted File Formats
Please submit documents in one of the following formats:
◆ PDF (preferred)
◆ JPG or PNG (for scanned documents)
◆ DOCX
Make sure documents are legible and not cropped. If we cannot read it, we will ask you to resubmit.
What Happens After I Submit?
Once you upload your documents through the platform, our team reviews them. Here is what to expect:
◆ Review time: Most submissions are reviewed within 2-3 business days.
◆ Approved: Your profile is marked as verified and you are good to go.
◆ Needs correction: If something is missing, expired, or unclear, we will let you know exactly what we need. You can resubmit without losing your place.
◆ Denied: If the documentation shows you are not eligible to offer services in your category, we will explain why and let you know your options.
What If My Documents Expire?
You are responsible for keeping your documents current. If a permit or registration expires, you will need to upload updated documentation. Letting credentials lapse can result in your listing being paused until we have current documents on file.
Common Questions
Can I start booking before verification is complete?
Your listing will not be fully active until verification is complete. Submit your documents early so there is no delay.
Where do I find my state's Secretary of State business search?
Search for "[your state] Secretary of State business search" online. Most states have a free lookup tool where you can confirm your business is active and take a screenshot.
What is a W-9 and where do I get one?
A W-9 is an IRS form that provides your taxpayer identification number. Download it for free from the IRS.
I do not know which document I have. How can I tell?
If you formed an LLC, you received either a Certificate of Formation or Articles of Organization from your state when it was approved. If you are a corporation, you received Articles of Incorporation or a Certificate of Incorporation. If you are not sure what you have, check your state's Secretary of State website to look up your business and see what was filed.
DayOf is built on trust. Clients are booking vendors for some of the most important days of their lives, and they need to know the people they hire are legitimate and operating legally.
Vendor verification is how we make that happen. By submitting your business documents, you are confirming that you meet the professional standards required to offer services on the platform. It also protects you. Verified vendors build credibility faster, show up with a verified badge, and give clients one less reason to hesitate when booking.
This is not a bureaucratic hoop. It is the baseline for operating as a professional on DayOf.
If you have not yet legally registered your business and need guidance on how to get started, check out our guide: How to Legally Create a Business for Your Wedding Vendor Company.
Visit: http://help.dayofweddings.com/article/legal-business-verification-with-dayof
What Documents Do I Need to Submit?
The specific documents required depend on your service category and location, but here is what we typically need:
1. Business Formation or Registration Document
You need to submit one document that proves your business is registered and legally permitted to operate. We accept any of the following:
For LLCs and Corporations:
◆ Certificate of Formation (LLC) - The official document filed with your state to create an LLC. Name varies by state.
See example (Texas): https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms/205_boc.pdf
See example (Delaware): https://corpfiles.delaware.gov/LLCFormation.pdf
◆ Articles of Organization (LLC) - Same document as a Certificate of Formation, just called something different depending on your state.
See example (North Carolina): https://sosnc.gov/webfiles/documents/forms/Business_Registration/limited_liability_companies/articles_of_organization.pdf
◆ Articles of Incorporation (Corporation) - Filed to create a corporation. Your state's Secretary of State website will have the form.
◆ Certificate of Incorporation - Another name for Articles of Incorporation, used in states like Delaware and New York.
◆ Certificate of Good Standing - Issued by your state confirming your business is current on all filings. Request it from your Secretary of State website.
◆ Certificate of Existence - Same as a Certificate of Good Standing in some states. Confirms your entity is active and authorized to do business.
◆ State Business Registration Certificate - A general registration certificate issued by your state when you register your business.
◆ State-Issued Business License - A license from your state or local government authorizing you to operate. Requirements vary by location.
◆ Fictitious Name Registration (DBA) - Filed when you operate under a name different from your legal name.
More info: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-your-business-name
◆ Assumed Name Certificate - Same as a DBA. Filed at the county or state level depending on your location.
◆ State Sales Tax Permit / Seller's Permit - Issued by your state's Department of Revenue if you collect sales tax.
◆ State Professional License (if applicable) - Required for certain regulated professions. Check with your state licensing board.
◆ State Employer Registration Confirmation - Confirmation that you are registered as an employer with your state (if you have employees).
◆ Secretary of State Entity Search Screenshot - A screenshot from your state's business search showing your entity with active status. Search your state here:
Visit: https://www.sosnc.gov/online_services/search/by_title/_Business_Registration (North Carolina)
For other states, search "[your state] Secretary of State business entity search."
For Sole Proprietors:
◆ State business registration confirmation - Confirmation from your state that your business is registered.
◆ State sales tax permit - If applicable to your service type and state.
◆ Local or county business license - Some municipalities require a local license. Check your city or county clerk's website.
You only need to submit one of the documents listed above. Choose whichever you have readily available. If you are unsure which applies to your situation, reach out and we will help you figure it out.
2. Industry-Specific Permits or Licenses (If Applicable)
Depending on what you do, you may need additional documentation:
◆ Caterers and food vendors: Food handler's permit, health department license, or food service establishment permit
◆ Bartenders and alcohol service: Liquor license, TIPS or ServSafe certification, or state alcohol permit
◆ Entertainment vendors and musicians: Music licensing (BMI, ASCAP, SESAC) if required in your area
◆ Transportation vendors: Commercial driver's license, vehicle inspection, commercial auto insurance
◆ Officiants: Ordination or licensing documentation (varies by state)
◆ Coordinators and planners: No specific license is typically required
If you are unsure whether your service type requires a specific permit, check with your local government or reach out to us.
3. W-9 (Tax Identification)
We need a completed W-9 form on file for tax reporting purposes. This includes your legal business name, business entity type, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number.
Download the official W-9 form (PDF):
Visit: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
More info about the W-9:
Visit: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-9
If you do not have an EIN yet, you can apply for one for free:
Visit: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number
Accepted File Formats
Please submit documents in one of the following formats:
◆ PDF (preferred)
◆ JPG or PNG (for scanned documents)
◆ DOCX
Make sure documents are legible and not cropped. If we cannot read it, we will ask you to resubmit.
What Happens After I Submit?
Once you upload your documents through the platform, our team reviews them. Here is what to expect:
◆ Review time: Most submissions are reviewed within 2-3 business days.
◆ Approved: Your profile is marked as verified and you are good to go.
◆ Needs correction: If something is missing, expired, or unclear, we will let you know exactly what we need. You can resubmit without losing your place.
◆ Denied: If the documentation shows you are not eligible to offer services in your category, we will explain why and let you know your options.
What If My Documents Expire?
You are responsible for keeping your documents current. If a permit or registration expires, you will need to upload updated documentation. Letting credentials lapse can result in your listing being paused until we have current documents on file.
Common Questions
I am a sole proprietor and do not have a formal business license. What do I submit?
You have a few options: a DBA filing (if you operate under a business name), a state business registration confirmation, a state sales tax permit, or a local/county business license. You only need one. If you have not registered yet, our guide will walk you through the process.Visit: http://help.dayofweddings.com/article/legal-business-verification-with-dayof
Can I start booking before verification is complete?
Your listing will not be fully active until verification is complete. Submit your documents early so there is no delay.
Where do I find my state's Secretary of State business search?
Search for "[your state] Secretary of State business search" online. Most states have a free lookup tool where you can confirm your business is active and take a screenshot.
What is a W-9 and where do I get one?
A W-9 is an IRS form that provides your taxpayer identification number. Download it for free from the IRS.
Visit: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
I do not know which document I have. How can I tell?
If you formed an LLC, you received either a Certificate of Formation or Articles of Organization from your state when it was approved. If you are a corporation, you received Articles of Incorporation or a Certificate of Incorporation. If you are not sure what you have, check your state's Secretary of State website to look up your business and see what was filed.
Need Help?
If you have questions about what documents to submit or need help with the process, reach out to us at help@dayofweddings.com or start a chat. We are here to get you set up and booking.