How to Verify Google Business Profile

Verification is the critical step that proves to Google you actually own or represent the business you're claiming. Without verification, you can't fully manage your profile, respond to reviews, or appear prominently in local search. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to verify your Google Business Profile.

Why Verification Matters

Verification serves several purposes:

For Google:

• Confirms the business exists at the claimed location
• Prevents fake or spam profiles
• Ensures the person managing the profile is authorized
• Maintains quality of local search results

For Your Business:

• Unlocks full profile management
• Enables response to reviews
• Activates messaging features
• Improves visibility in local search
• Establishes trust with potential customers

Unverified profiles appear less frequently in search results and display a notice that they haven't been verified, reducing customer trust.

Verification Methods

Google offers several verification methods. Which ones are available to you depends on your business type, location, and history.

Postcard Verification

The most common method. Google mails a postcard with a verification code to your business address.

How It Works:

1. Request verification through your GBP dashboard
2. Select "Postcard" as your verification method
3. Confirm your business address
4. Wait 5-14 days for the postcard to arrive
5. Enter the 5-digit code from the postcard into your dashboard

Tips for Success:

• Ensure your address is complete and correct (include suite numbers)
• Alert staff to watch for the postcard
• Don't request multiple postcards (each one invalidates previous codes)
• The code expires after 30 days

Common Issues:

• Postcard never arrives: Request a new one after 14 days
• Code doesn't work: Check you're entering it correctly, request new card if expired
• Wrong address on postcard: Cancel and update your address before requesting again

Phone Verification

Instant verification via automated phone call or SMS to your business phone number.

How It Works:

1. Select "Phone" as your verification method
2. Ensure your business phone is ready to receive the call/text
3. Answer the call or read the SMS
4. Enter the verification code

Availability:

• Not available for all businesses
• Phone number must match business registration
• More common for established businesses with verified phone numbers

Tips for Success:

• Use a direct phone line (not a call center or IVR system)
• Be ready to receive the call/text immediately
• If using SMS, ensure your phone can receive texts from short codes

Email Verification

Quick verification via email to an address associated with your business domain.

How It Works:

1. Select "Email" as your verification method
2. Google sends a verification email to your business email
3. Click the verification link in the email
4. Complete verification in your GBP dashboard

Availability:

• Requires email on your business domain (not gmail, yahoo, etc.)
• Domain must match your website listed in GBP
• More common for established websites

Tips for Success:

• Check spam/junk folders
• Click the link within 24 hours
• Make sure you're signed into the correct Google account

Video Verification

Newer method requiring video recording of your business location.

How It Works:

1. Select "Video" as your verification method
2. Record a video following Google's specific requirements
3. Upload the video through your GBP dashboard
4. Wait for Google's review (usually 5-7 days)

Video Requirements:

• Show the exterior of your business location
• Show your business signage
• Show the surrounding area/street signs
• Show the interior of your business
• Show proof you're authorized (business license, mail, etc.)
• Video should be 2-5 minutes, unedited, in one continuous take

Tips for Success:

• Film during business hours with good lighting
• Clearly show your business name on signage
• Include street address numbers if visible
• Show actual business operations (people working, inventory, etc.)
• Don't edit or pause the video

Live Video Call Verification

Real-time verification with a Google support representative.

How It Works:

1. Schedule a video call through your GBP dashboard
2. Join the call at the scheduled time
3. Show the representative your business location live
4. Answer questions about your business
5. Receive verification decision immediately or within days

What to Prepare:

• Business license or registration documents
• Utility bill or lease showing address
• Be at your physical business location
• Have stable internet for video streaming

Tips for Success:

• Test your camera and connection beforehand
• Have documents ready to show on camera
• Be prepared to walk around your location
• Dress professionally and speak clearly

Instant Verification

Automatic verification for businesses meeting certain criteria.

Eligibility:

• You've already verified your website in Google Search Console
• Your GBP information matches your verified website
• Your business type and history qualify

How It Works: If eligible, you'll see "Verify now" without selecting a method. Click it and verification happens instantly.

If Not Available: You don't qualify for instant verification and need to use another method. Don't try to game this—focus on other verification methods.

Bulk Verification

For businesses with 10+ locations under the same brand.

How It Works:

1. Meet eligibility requirements (10+ locations, consistent branding)
2. Submit bulk verification request
3. Provide business documentation
4. Google reviews and verifies all locations together

Requirements:

• 10 or more locations
• Not a service area business
• Consistent business name across all locations
• Authorized representative of the organization

Step-by-Step Verification Process

Step 1: Access Your Profile

1. Go to business.google.com
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. Select the business you want to verify

Step 2: Start Verification

1. Look for the "Verify" or "Get Verified" button
2. If you don't see it, check if verification is pending

Step 3: Choose Your Method

1. Review available verification methods
2. Select the method that works best for you
3. If only one method is available, proceed with it

Step 4: Complete Verification

1. Follow the specific steps for your chosen method
2. Enter verification code when received
3. Confirm verification in your dashboard

Step 5: Verify Completion

1. Check your dashboard for "Verified" status
2. Test that you can fully edit your profile
3. You should now see full analytics and features

Troubleshooting Verification Problems

Postcard Never Arrives

Causes:

• Wrong address entered
• Mail delivery issues
• Postcard stolen or discarded

Solutions:

1. Verify your address is 100% correct
2. Wait full 14 days before requesting another
3. Request replacement postcard through dashboard
4. Consider requesting different verification method

Verification Code Doesn't Work

Causes:

• Code entered incorrectly
• Code has expired (30 days)
• Code from old/canceled request

Solutions:

1. Double-check you're entering code correctly
2. Request a new postcard if code is old
3. Ensure you're entering code for the correct profile

Phone/Email Verification Not Available

Causes:

• Business doesn't meet eligibility criteria
• Phone/email not verified with Google
• Business type restricts options

Solutions:

1. Use postcard or video verification instead
2. Ensure your phone/email match business registration
3. Contact support to understand why options are limited

Video Verification Rejected

Causes:

• Video didn't meet requirements
• Business legitimacy couldn't be confirmed
• Technical issues with upload

Solutions:

1. Review rejection reason if provided
2. Re-record following all requirements exactly
3. Ensure video clearly shows all required elements
4. Try during different time with better lighting

Verification Triggers Suspension

Sometimes verification attempts lead to profile suspension.

Why This Happens:

• Information inconsistencies detected during review
• Business type flagged for additional scrutiny
• Address or name triggers spam filters

What to Do:

1. Don't panic—this is often resolved through appeal
2. Review your profile for any guideline violations
3. Prepare documentation proving your legitimacy
4. Submit reinstatement request

Verification for Different Business Types

Storefronts

Standard verification typically with postcard or phone options.

Best Approach:

• Use your actual business address
• Ensure signage shows business name
• Phone verification is fastest if available

Service Area Businesses

SABs face additional verification challenges because customers don't visit their location.

Important Notes:

• You'll verify the address where your business operates from
• After verification, hide your address and set service areas
• Video verification may be required to prove you actually operate from that location

Home-Based Businesses

Legitimate but require extra care during verification.

Tips:

• Use your home address if it's your registered business address
• Be prepared to show home office setup
• Have business license showing home address ready
• After verification, hide address if you're service-area-only

Multi-Location Businesses

Each location needs separate verification.

Options:

• Verify each location individually
• Apply for bulk verification if you have 10+ locations
• Organization-level verification for enterprise businesses

After Verification: What's Next?

Immediate Steps:

1. Complete your profile (hours, services, photos)
2. Respond to any pending reviews
3. Enable messaging if desired
4. Set up booking if applicable

Ongoing Management:

1. Keep information updated
2. Respond to reviews regularly
3. Post updates and offers
4. Monitor for unauthorized changes

Maintaining Verification:

• Major changes (address, business name) may require re-verification
• Ownership transfers may require new verification
• Profile reinstatements after suspension require re-verification

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does verification take?

• Postcard: 5-14 days
• Phone/Email: Instant to same-day
• Video: 5-7 days for review
• Live video call: Immediate decision or 2-3 days

Can I expedite verification? There's no official way to expedite. Phone or email verification is fastest when available. Video call verification also provides quick results.

What if I just moved locations? You'll likely need to re-verify at your new address. Update your address first, then proceed with verification.

Can someone else verify on my behalf? The person verifying should have authorization to represent the business. Agencies can verify on behalf of clients with proper authorization.

Does verification expire? Verification itself doesn't expire, but major changes to your profile may require re-verification.

Why do I have to verify again after already being verified? Re-verification is triggered by significant profile changes, suspension/reinstatement, or Google's periodic quality reviews.

Can I verify multiple businesses with one account? Yes, you can manage and verify multiple business profiles under one Google account.

What documents should I have ready?

• Business license
• Utility bill at business address
• Lease agreement or property deed
• Government-issued ID
• Business registration documents