---
title: >-
  family_name is optional for B2B orders in Payments Apps API requests - Shopify
  developer changelog
description: >-
  Shopify’s developer changelog documents all changes to Shopify’s platform.
  Find the latest news and learn about new platform opportunities.
source_url:
  html: >-
    https://shopify.dev/changelog/family_name-is-optional-for-b2b-orders-in-payments-apps-api-requests
  md: >-
    https://shopify.dev/changelog/family_name-is-optional-for-b2b-orders-in-payments-apps-api-requests.md
metadata:
  effectiveApiVersion: ''
  affectedApi:
    - displayName: Payments Apps API
      handle: payments-apps-api
  primaryTag:
    displayName: API
    handle: api
  secondaryTag:
    displayName: Update
    handle: update
  indicatesActionRequired: false
  createdAt: '2026-09-07T18:25:30-04:00'
  postedAt: '2026-09-15T12:00:00-04:00'
  updatedAt: '2026-09-14T14:06:15-04:00'
  effectiveAt: '2026-09-09T12:00:00-04:00'
---

September 15, 2026

# family\_name is optional for B2B orders in Payments Apps API requests

DateSeptember 15, 2026

FlagsUpdate

SurfacesAPI

Affected APIs[Payments Apps API](https://shopify.dev/changelog?api_type=payments-apps-api)

B2B checkout treats the buyer’s surname as optional, so payment session requests for B2B orders can omit `family_name` in `shipping_address` and `billing_address`. This affects payments apps that handle B2B orders through the Payments Apps API and currently require `family_name` in these addresses.

## What changed

B2B checkout doesn’t require a buyer surname, and the Payments Apps API already accepts payment session requests for B2B orders without `family_name` in the `shipping_address` or `billing_address`. The [Payments app request reference](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/payments/request-reference#shipping-billing_address-hash) now documents `family_name` as optional for B2B orders to match this behavior.

## Who's affected

Payments apps that use the Payments Apps API to process B2B checkouts and validate that `shipping_address.family_name` or `billing_address.family_name` is always present are affected. Payments apps that already accept requests without `family_name` for B2B orders don’t need to change anything.

## What to do

If your app currently requires `family_name` in the `shipping_address` or `billing_address` for B2B orders, update your validation so it accepts payment session requests where that field is absent for B2B checkouts. Confirm that your app still behaves as expected when `family_name` is present or missing in these addresses.

## Related docs

* [Payments app request reference](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/payments/request-reference)