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New Root AWS Account Creation Guide

This document outlines the step-by-step process for creating a standalone AWS account directly from the AWS website. A “standalone” account is created independently and not within an existing AWS Organization, AWS Control Tower, or through CLI, API, or SDK methods.

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Step 1: Navigate to the AWS New Account Portal

1. Visit AWS Free Tier.

2. Click Create a Free Account.

3. Direct Link: AWS Signup Portal.

4. Reference Guide: AWS Account Creation Instructions.

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Step 2: Populate Account Information

1. Enter a valid Root User Email Address.

   • Use a secure, accessible email for account recovery.

2. Enter a meaningful AWS Account Name:

   • For management accounts, consider naming conventions like:

     • Management

     • Management (Purpose) or Management (Service Name)

     • Customer Name (Management) (e.g., Parts Unlimited (Management)).

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Verify the Email Address

• AWS will send a confirmation code. Enter the code to validate the email.

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Step 3: Create a Password

1. After email verification, set a strong password.

2. Configure MFA (hardware or virtual) upon first login for enhanced security.

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Step 4: Populate Contact Information

1. Choose Account Type:

   • Business

   • Personal

2. Provide primary contact details (does not need to match billing information).

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Step 5: Add Payment Information

1. Enter Credit Card Information.

2. Provide a valid Billing Address.

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Step 6: Verify Phone Number

1. Enter a phone number that can receive a call or SMS.

2. Complete the CAPTCHA.

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Verify Phone Number

• Enter the code received via voice call or SMS.

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Step 7: Select a Support Plan

1. Choose a support plan based on your needs:

   • Basic (Free): Email-only support for account and billing issues.

   • Paid plans can be upgraded at any time for enhanced support.

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Step 8: Enable IAM Principal Access to Billing Console

1. Log in to the AWS Management Console as the Root User.

2. Navigate to the Billing and Cost Management Dashboard:

   • In the console navigation bar, click on your account name or choose Billing Dashboard from the services menu.

3. On the main Account Settings page, scroll down until you find IAM user and role access to Billing Information. Select Edit.

4. Check the box labeled Activate IAM Access:

   • This allows IAM principals (users and roles) with the appropriate permissions to access the billing console.

5. Update/Save your changes.

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Step 9: Success!

Your new AWS account is ready. Follow these additional steps to enhance account security and functionality:

• Configure MFA for the root account.

• Create and assign IAM roles and policies for secure and controlled access.

• Review and monitor billing and cost usage regularly.

By completing these steps, your account is prepared for secure, scalable, and efficient operation.