diff --git a/packages/shared/deno.jsonc b/packages/shared/deno.jsonc
index c7dd9b7..b4b8d98 100644
--- a/packages/shared/deno.jsonc
+++ b/packages/shared/deno.jsonc
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "@cistern/shared",
-  "version": "1.0.1",
+  "version": "1.0.2",
   "license": "MIT",
   "exports": {
     ".": "./mod.ts"
diff --git a/packages/shared/produce-requirements.ts b/packages/shared/produce-requirements.ts
index 7f860af..1c21c16 100644
--- a/packages/shared/produce-requirements.ts
+++ b/packages/shared/produce-requirements.ts
@@ -1,10 +1,15 @@
 import { Client, CredentialManager } from "@atcute/client";
 import { resolveMiniDoc } from "./resolve-did.ts";
 import type { BaseClientOptions, ClientRequirements } from "./types.ts";
+import { isHandle } from "@atcute/lexicons/syntax";
 
 export async function produceRequirements<Options extends BaseClientOptions>(
   options: Options,
 ): Promise<ClientRequirements<Options>> {
+  if (!isHandle(options.handle)) {
+    throw new Error("provided handle is not valid");
+  }
+
   const miniDoc = await resolveMiniDoc(options.handle);
   const manager = new CredentialManager({ service: miniDoc.pds });
   const rpc = new Client({ handler: manager });
diff --git a/packages/shared/types.ts b/packages/shared/types.ts
index 61544b7..3a12ddb 100644
--- a/packages/shared/types.ts
+++ b/packages/shared/types.ts
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ export interface MiniDoc {
 }
 
 export interface BaseClientOptions {
-  handle: Handle;
+  handle: string;
   appPassword: string;
 }