Your Amazon business is more than just an online storefrontâit’s an asset. Whether you’ve spent years building your brand or you’re just starting to grow, there may come a time when you need to transfer your Amazon Seller Account.
Maybe you’re planning to sell your business, hand it off to a partner, or simply preparing for lifeâs unexpected moments, including death or incapacitation. Unfortunately, transferring ownership of an Amazon seller account isnât as straightforward as it is with other businesses.
Amazon has strict rules regarding account ownership and management, and misunderstanding them can lead to suspension, account deactivation, or permanent loss of accessâespecially in the case of death, where legal complications can make a difficult time even harder.
This blog post covers:
- When and how you can transfer a seller account
- What Amazon allows (and doesnât)
- Best practices for selling or gifting a seller account
- How to handle a death or estate transfer
- Legal and business continuity steps to take now
Letâs break it all down so you can protect your businessâand your legacy.
đ Can You Legally Transfer an Amazon Seller Account?
The short answer: Yesâbut only under certain conditions.
Amazon generally does not allow account transfers between individuals. However, it does allow account ownership to transfer if:
- The underlying business entity remains the same, and
- Amazon is notified in writing and approves the change
So if your Amazon account is registered under an LLC or corporation, and you sell or transfer the business entity itself, the seller account can be transferred along with the legal business.
But if you’re a sole proprietor with a seller account in your name, Amazon is much stricter. You canât just hand it over or change the name without proper process.
â Acceptable Transfer Scenarios
Amazon typically allows account transfers in the following scenarios:
đ˘ Selling the Entire Business Entity
- If your Amazon account is registered under an LLC or corporation, and you sell the business (including the EIN, bank account, and all assets), Amazon will allow the transfer.
- You must notify Amazon via Seller Central with documentation.
đ¤ Business Mergers or Acquisitions
- When one company acquires another, and the seller account is part of the transaction.
- Proof of acquisition, asset purchase agreements, and legal filings may be required.
đ Inheritance or Death of the Account Owner
- If the account holder dies and the business is passed through a will or trust.
- Legal proof (death certificate, will, estate documents) must be submitted to Amazon.
đĽ Ownership Change Within a Business
- Adding or removing partners, officers, or shareholders in a company.
- Must be backed by legal documentation showing the change.
â ď¸ What Amazon Doesnât Allow
Amazon may suspend or permanently deactivate an account if:
- The account is sold without notifying Amazon
- Ownership is changed via login credential sharing
- You create a new account to bypass suspensions
- A deceased personâs account is accessed without notifying Amazon
- You attempt to transfer an individual seller account with no legal entity
đ Rule of Thumb: If Amazon detects a significant change (bank info, IP address, tax ID, etc.) without proper notification, your account may be flagged or suspended.
đ How to Properly Transfer a Seller Account (Sale or Ownership Change)
If youâre planning to sell or legally transfer your business, hereâs how to do it safely:
Step 1: Document the Transfer of the Business Entity
- Asset purchase agreement or stock transfer agreement
- New operating agreement (for LLCs)
- IRS EIN transfer (if applicable)
- Updated business licenses and filings
Step 2: Notify Amazon in Seller Central
Open a case and include:
- Subject: âRequest to Transfer Amazon Seller Account Ownershipâ
- Details of the business sale
- Attach legal documentation proving the business has changed hands
- Request approval to update account ownership details
Step 3: Update Account Info (After Approval)
- Change business name, tax info, and bank account details
- Add or remove authorized users as needed
- Keep the original entity details consistent (avoid triggering red flags)
â°ď¸ Transferring an Amazon Seller Account Due to Death
This is a sensitive topic, but one that sellers (and their families) must prepare for.
â Why It Matters
If the account is in your name and no one has access or legal authority to act on your behalf, your Amazon business can be frozenâincome, inventory, and operations all locked down.
Thatâs why estate planning and business continuity are crucial for Amazon sellers.
What Happens When a Seller Dies?
If the account is not part of a legal business entity, Amazon may deactivate it until:
- A legal representative is appointed (via probate or will)
- Documentation is submitted (death certificate, letters of administration, etc.)
- Amazon approves the transfer of ownership
If the account is part of an LLC or corporation, and there is a clear successor or partner listed, operations can continue with less disruptionâbut documentation is still required.
How to Prepare for Death or Incapacitation (Now)
- Register Your Business as an LLC or Corporation
- This makes the business a transferrable asset
- Separates your personal identity from your business identity
- Get a Trademark and Enroll in Brand Registry
- Protects your listings and content
- Increases valuation and transfer options
- Have a Business Continuity Plan
- Who will take over if you’re incapacitated or pass away?
- Store credentials securely with legal backup access (e.g., password manager + attorney)
- Work with an Attorney to Draft a Will or Trust
- Specify who inherits the business
- Include Amazon seller account as a listed asset
- Keep All Business Documents Organized
- EIN, operating agreement, tax info, login credentials
- Inventory records and bank details
- Inform a Trusted Contact
- Let someone know how to access or initiate transfer if needed
- Ensure they know how to communicate with Amazon Seller Support
đŹ What to Say When Contacting Amazon (Template)
Hereâs an example message to send via Seller Central if you’re selling or transferring the business:
Subject: Request to Transfer Amazon Seller Account Ownership
Dear Amazon Seller Performance Team,
I am writing to request approval for an ownership transfer of our Amazon seller account [Seller ID / Store Name].
This account is currently registered under [Company Name / Individual Name]. As of [date], the business has been [sold / inherited / restructured], and the new legal owner is [New Ownerâs Name / Entity].
Please find attached the following documentation for your review:
- Asset purchase agreement / proof of inheritance
- Updated business registration documents
- IRS EIN letter (if applicable)
We would like to request permission to update the tax ID, bank account, and authorized user information on the account.
Please let us know if any additional documentation is required.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Current Account Email]
[Phone Number]
đ What Happens After a Transfer?
Once Amazon approves the transfer, the new owner can:
- Access and manage the account
- Update tax and payment details
- Continue selling under the same ASINs and performance metrics
- Use existing product reviews, rankings, and advertising history
This continuity is one of the biggest reasons why sellers want to transfer accounts properlyâyouâre preserving years of trust, reviews, and customer data.
đ Final Thoughts: Protect Your Amazon Business Like a Real Asset
Your Amazon seller account is an income stream, an investment, and a business youâve built.
But without planning and proper documentation, it can become vulnerable in moments of changeâespecially in situations like death or legal transitions.
Whether you’re preparing to sell, planning for retirement, or protecting your family, you owe it to yourself to have a plan.
â Action Steps
- Structure your business under an LLC or corporation
- Maintain clean records and financials
- Create a continuity plan or estate plan for your Amazon business
- Notify Amazon when transferring ownershipâalways in writing
- Seek legal advice if inheritance, divorce, or partnerships are involved
Need help preparing your Amazon business for sale or succession?
At Marketplace Valet, we support sellers through every stage of growthâfrom launch to exit. We can help you protect your brand, document your processes, and ensure your Amazon account is transferable and secure.
đŠ Letâs talk about safeguarding your Amazon business.
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