In a nutshell: Having a limitation on your PayPal account can be problematic, whether for personal or business use. Common reasons for these limitations include policy violations, unauthorized access, inactivity, and regulatory issues. To resolve a limitation, submit proof of identity and address through specified documents, avoiding envelopes or receipts. Follow the instructions provided
Whether you use PayPal for business or for personal reasons, having a limitation placed on your account can be anything from inconvenient to financially devastating. If you have received notification that your account has been limited, you need to get the problem addressed as soon as possible.
The most common reasons for PayPal placing account limitations:Violations of the acceptable use policy, such as using PayPal to sell guns or drugsUnauthorized access of your account, done to protect you from lossLengthy account inactivityRegulatory requirementsPayPal accepts the following documents as proof of identity:Driver's licensePassportOther government-issued photo IDPayPal accepts the following documents as proof of address:Utility bills from the last 12 months\Cell phone bills from the last 12 monthsMotor vehicle registrations dated within the last 12 months401k statements dated within the last 12 monthsBrokerage statements dated within the last 12 monthsDeed of home ownership or a lease on a homeBank statements from the last 12 monthsGovernment-issued ID or driver's license with your current address printed on itPayPal does not accept envelopes, receipts, or invoices as proof of anything.
If the steps outlined below do not get the limitation removed, you can always file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and hope they can help you work through the problem.
PayPal home page
It's located near the top of the page on the right side.
Once you click on it, a dropdown menu will appear.
Unless your account has been permanently limited, you will see instructions there about what you need to do to get the limitation lifted.
Frequently, this will involve providing documents to prove your identity, address, or business address. Make sure your copies of the documents you send are clear and legible, are not obscured in any way, and show all four corners of the document. All of the information on the document must match the information in your PayPal account.
Keep checking your email while you wait, to see if PayPal needs any additional information from you, and to see if they have sent word of the outcome yet.
The exact amount of time it will take PayPal to investigate your case and come to a decision will vary depending on the specifics of your case.
If you have questions about the limitation on your account or about the current state of the resolution process, call a PayPal customer service agent to get them answered. You can reach on from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm PST seven days a week. You cannot ask the customer service agent remove the limitation on your account, however, as they generally do not have the authority to do so.
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