How to Verify Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile plays a powerful role in shaping how customers see your brand. It introduces your business, highlights what you offer, and builds trust before someone ever decides to contact you. When you set it up thoughtfully, you take control of your online narrative and ensure people find accurate information every time they search. Before any of this can work to your advantage, one essential step remains.

You have already created a complete and professional profile, and you are ready to go live. The final step in the process is verification. This confirms your business as legitimate, prevents impersonation, and unlocks features that help you reach more customers. Here is how to verify your Google Business Profile and make your presence truly count.

TL;DR: How to Verify Your Google Business Profile

• It is integral to verify your Google Business Profile before going live to ensure comprehensive information and avoid impersonations.
• You can verify your profile through several methods, depending on business type: postcard, phone, email, or video.
• The turnaround time for verification differs by the method you choose
  
  • Post: 5 to 14 days
  • Email: Within a few minutes, but verification extends up to 10 days.
  • Video: 3 to 5 days
  • Phone: 5 to 7 days
• Some troubleshooting for common issues:
  
  • Postcard missing: Wait two weeks, then request a new code after confirming your full address details.
  • Video rejected: Re-record with clear signage, workspace, street signs, and proof of management access.
  • Address mismatch or duplicates: Check Google Maps, remove or merge duplicates, and ensure consistent NAP details everywhere.
  • Business type disallowed: Google won’t verify online-only, virtual office, or lead-gen businesses.
  • Account suspended: Review your information, gather proof of legitimacy, and submit an appeal.
• Special rules apply to service-area businesses. They must hide their physical address, use video verification to prove legitimacy, and keep their business details consistent across platforms. They also cannot use virtual offices or shared addresses, which can lead to suspensions or delays.

Choose Your Verification Method

Google offers several ways to verify your Business Profile, depending on your business type, location, and category. Depending on the category of your business listing and other details like hours and location, you may need to verify your business profile in more than one way.

In 2025, most businesses verify through postcard, phone, or video, while some can complete instant verification if already validated in Google Search Console.

Why is Google Business Verification Important?

Having to verify your Google Business Profile when you just want to publish your listing can feel like an inconvenience. However, Google needs to confirm that you are who you say you are before you can publish or make any changes to your listing. Verification also helps prevent unauthorized changes to your business information, which has become more common with automated edits on Google Maps.

Here are just some of the things you will need to hold off on until the Google Business Profile verification is complete:

• Editing any business details, including hours, location, and how your business appears on Google Maps
• Upload any new images
• Respond to customer questions or reviews
• View performance insights and analytics directly from your Google Business Profile dashboard

Expectations Regarding Turnaround Time on Google Business Profile Listing

The Google Business Verification process is not instant in most cases, and you should expect to wait between five and seven days for Google to complete it. The only exception to instant verification is if Google has already verified your business through its Search Console. Google will present you with options for verifying your business profile after you have finished creating it.

Postal Mail Verification

Postal mail verification can take around 5–14 days, depending on the region. You should allow up to one week for Google to send a postcard with instructions and another week for them to receive the postcard back and complete the verification process. Look over your listing before submitting your verification by mail request to ensure that you have included all address details, such as floor number, suite number, or building number. If you don’t receive your postcard within two weeks, sign in to your Business Profile and request a new verification code.

Log back into Google Business Profile after receiving the postcard and enter the verification code Google mailed to you. Since the code expires in 30 days, it’s to your advantage to complete the verification process as soon as you receive it. Always check your email or Google Business Profile dashboard for updates or additional verification requests.

Email Verification

You should receive an email within minutes of your request if you choose this method to confirm the details in your business listing. The email will provide detailed instructions on the next steps to take. After you follow the email instructions, Google typically confirms verification within a few business days (a week to 10 days). 

Make sure the email comes from a verified Google domain to avoid phishing attempts.

Video Verification

Video verification is becoming more common for service-based and storefront businesses. You need to be physically present at your business location to take advantage of video verification. For video calls, sign in to your Google Business Profile and select Verify via Video Call. You then need to wait for a support assistant to connect with you via a text window. This person will walk you through the rest of the verification process.

Should you choose video recording, you should be ready to begin recording as soon as you select this option. Be sure to include video footage of your physical business location, nearby street signs, and proof that you own or manage the business. You can confirm ownership by recording yourself opening the door with a key or working in staff-only areas of the company.

Most video verifications are reviewed within three to five business days from the time you upload your data until Google confirms it. Be sure to look for the support hours for your region before requesting Google to send you video download instructions. 

Text or Phone Verification

Google only offers phone or text verification to eligible businesses, based on category and location. You will see the phone option appear after you click the verify button if Google allows you to proceed with phone or text verification.

Google will send you an automated text or voicemail right away, so make sure you have your smartphone handy. The last and final step is to return to your business listing to enter the code. You can expect to hear from Google that your verification is complete within about five to seven business days.

Regardless of which Google Business verification process you choose, you will see that the process is complete when you can log in to the Google Business Profile dashboard. Keep your business phone number consistent with what’s listed publicly to ensure eligibility for this method.

Post-Verification: What to Do Immediately

Once your profile is verified, you’re ready to hit the ground running. First, double-check that your address, category, and business hours are accurate. Then upload high-quality photos of your storefront, team, or work samples to keep your listing engaging. Enable messaging and responses to reviews so customers feel seen and heard. 

Use the Performance or “Insights” tab to monitor how people are finding you and adjust your approach accordingly. Keeping your profile active and optimized right after verification helps boost visibility and build long-term client trust.

Facing Verification Issues? Here’s How to Troubleshoot

Even with everything set up correctly, the verification process can often hit a snag. Here’s how to resolve the most common issues quickly and avoid unnecessary delays:

• Postcard not arriving: If your postcard hasn’t arrived after two weeks, sign in to your Google Business Profile and click Get Verified again. Double-check that your address is correct, including suite, floor, or building details, before requesting a new code.
  
  
• Video verification rejected: Rejections usually mean Google couldn’t clearly confirm your business details. Re-record your video showing visible signage, your workspace, nearby street signs, and proof of management (like unlocking the door or accessing restricted areas).
  
  
• Address mismatch or duplicate listings: Duplicates or inconsistencies in your address can delay verification. Before resubmitting, search Google Maps for your business name and remove or merge any duplicates. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number match across your website and social listings.
  
  
• Business type disallowed: Google may reject businesses that operate solely online, virtual offices, or lead generation models. Only businesses that interact with customers directly, either in person or at a service location, are eligible for verification.
  
  
• Account suspended after verification attempt: Suspensions often happen when information doesn’t match across platforms or if the listing appears misleading. Review your details, gather proof of legitimacy (like utility bills or licenses), and appeal through Google’s reinstatement form.

Tip: Google’s review process can take up to five business days. Avoid editing your profile during this period; changing your name, address, or category resets verification.

Service-Area Businesses: Special Rules

If your business serves customers at their locations, like plumbers, electricians, or home-cleaning companies, Google considers you a Service-Area Business (SAB). These profiles follow a few extra rules during verification to make sure they meet Google’s location policies.

• Hide your physical address: Unlike storefronts, service-area businesses should avoid publicly displaying a street address. Instead, list the cities or regions you serve. Showing an office address for a business that doesn’t accept walk-ins can lead to suspension.
  
  
• Use video verification to prove legitimacy: Since SABs don’t have a public storefront, Google often requests video verification. In the video, show your branded vehicle, tools, signage, or other evidence that proves you operate in the service area you claim.
  
  
• Match your business details everywhere: Your business name, service area, and phone number must match across your website, social media, and online directories. Inconsistent details can trigger verification delays or cause your listing to be flagged for review.
  
  
• Avoid virtual office or shared addresses: Google does not allow service-based businesses to use coworking spaces or virtual addresses. You must operate from your own physical location, even if it’s your home.

Tip: Always record video verification during daylight and make sure your business name appears clearly on vehicles or uniforms. This helps Google confirm authenticity faster.

Conclusion

Once your Google Business Profile is verified, you’ll have full access to manage your company’s presence across Google Search and Maps. Verification not only confirms ownership but also keeps your listing secure and visible to the right audience.

Whether you verify by mail, email, phone, or video, completing this final step ensures customers see accurate, trustworthy information about your business. Take a few minutes to verify your Google Business Profile today; it’s the easiest way to strengthen your local visibility and credibility online.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to verify a Google Business Profile?

Most verifications take around five to seven business days. Postcard verification may take up to two weeks, while phone or video verification usually finishes within a few days. You’ll see a “verified” badge once it’s complete.

2. Can I verify my Google Business Profile instantly?

Yes, some businesses qualify for instant verification if their website is already verified in Google Search Console. However, eligibility depends on your business type, location, and account history.

3. Can multiple people verify the same business?

No. Only one verified owner can manage the Google Business Profile at a time. However, the owner can add additional managers or co-owners later through the profile’s access settings.

4. Do I need a physical address to verify my business?

Not always. Service-based businesses can verify using a home address or service area if they don’t serve customers at a fixed location. Google will keep your address private if you choose the service-area option.

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