How to Verify Your Google Business Profile: Methods, Steps & Troubleshooting

Last updated: February 2026

Google Business Profile verification is the process by which Google confirms that a business is legitimate and that the person claiming the business listing is an authorized representative. Verification is a mandatory step that must be completed before a business can fully manage its Google Business Profile listing, respond to reviews, publish posts, or access performance insights. Without verification, your listing has limited functionality and may not appear prominently in Google Search or Google Maps results.

The verification process can be straightforward or frustrating depending on your business type, location, and the verification method Google assigns to you. This guide covers every verification method available in 2026, provides step-by-step instructions for each, and addresses the most common issues businesses encounter during the process.

What Verification Methods Are Available for Google Business Profile?

The verification methods available for Google Business Profile include postcard verification, phone verification, email verification, video verification, and live video call verification. Google determines which methods are available for your specific listing based on factors like your business category, location, and history — you cannot choose your preferred method in most cases.

Postcard Verification

Postcard verification is the most common method, especially for new listings. Google mails a physical postcard containing a unique 5-digit verification code to your business address. The postcard typically arrives within 5-14 business days, though it can take up to 21 days in some regions.

Steps for postcard verification:

1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile at business.google.com
2. Select the listing you want to verify
3. Click "Verify now" or "Get verified" and select "Postcard" if multiple options are available
4. Confirm your business address is correct (this is where the postcard will be sent)
5. Optionally add a contact name so staff know who the postcard is for
6. Click "Request postcard" and wait for delivery
7. When the postcard arrives, sign back into your GBP dashboard
8. Enter the 5-digit verification code
9. Click "Verify"

Important notes about postcard verification:

• Do not edit your business name, address, or category while waiting for the postcard — this can invalidate the code and require starting over
• Verification codes expire after 30 days
• If the postcard does not arrive within 14 days, you can request a new one
• Ensure your mailbox or reception area is monitored so the postcard is not discarded

Phone Verification

Phone verification allows you to receive a verification code via an automated phone call or text message to the phone number listed on your business profile. This method is faster than postcard verification but is not available for all businesses.

Steps for phone verification:

1. Select "Verify by phone" when prompted during the verification process
2. Confirm the phone number displayed is correct and accessible
3. Choose to receive the code via call or text
4. Enter the verification code when received
5. Click "Verify"

Email Verification

Email verification sends a verification link or code to an email address associated with your business domain. This method is typically only available when your GBP listing is linked to a website with a matching domain, and Google can confirm domain ownership.

Steps for email verification:

1. Select "Verify by email" when prompted
2. Confirm the email address is correct and accessible
3. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for Google's verification email
4. Click the verification link or enter the code in your GBP dashboard
5. Verification is typically confirmed immediately

Video Verification

Video verification requires you to record a video showing your business location, exterior signage, interior space, and proof that you have access to the business (such as unlocking the door or showing a utility bill). This method has become more common since 2023 as Google strengthens fraud prevention.

Steps for video verification:

1. Select "Verify by video recording" when prompted
2. Google will provide specific instructions about what to include in your video
3. Record a continuous video (typically 30-60 seconds) showing your business exterior, signage, interior, and any requested proof of management
4. Upload the video through the GBP dashboard
5. Google reviews the video manually, which typically takes 3-7 business days
6. You will receive notification when verification is approved or if additional information is needed

Live Video Call Verification

Live video call verification connects you with a Google support representative via video call. During the call, you show your business location, signage, and proof of management in real time. This method is available for businesses that have had difficulty with other verification methods.

Steps for live video call verification:

1. Select "Verify by video call" when prompted or request it through GBP support
2. Schedule the video call at an available time
3. During the call, be at your business location with access to the interior and exterior
4. Show your business signage, address, and any requested documentation
5. The representative will confirm or deny verification during or shortly after the call

How Long Does Google Business Profile Verification Take?

Google Business Profile verification takes anywhere from instant (for phone and email methods) to 14-21 days (for postcard verification) or 3-7 business days (for video verification). The timeline depends entirely on which verification method Google makes available for your listing and whether any issues arise during the process.

Typical timelines by method:

• Phone verification: Instant to a few minutes
• Email verification: A few minutes to 24 hours
• Postcard verification: 5-14 business days (up to 21 days)
• Video recording verification: 3-7 business days for review
• Live video call verification: Same day (plus scheduling wait time)

During the waiting period, your listing will appear in a "pending verification" state. Some listing information may be visible to the public, but you will not have full management capabilities until verification is complete.

What Are the Most Common Verification Issues and How Do You Fix Them?

The most common verification issues include postcards not arriving, verification codes not working, being stuck in a "pending" state, and Google not offering any verification method. Each issue has specific troubleshooting steps that usually resolve the problem without requiring a new listing.

Postcard Never Arrives

If your verification postcard does not arrive within 14 business days:

• Verify that the address on your listing is correct and includes all necessary details (suite number, building name)
• Check with your mail room, reception, or anyone who handles incoming mail
• Request a new postcard through your GBP dashboard (you can do this after 14 days)
• If multiple postcards fail to arrive, contact GBP support to explore alternative verification methods

Verification Code Not Working

If the code from your postcard, phone, or email is not accepted:

• Ensure you are entering the code exactly as received (codes are case-sensitive in some instances)
• Check that the code has not expired (postcard codes expire after 30 days)
• Verify you are entering the code for the correct listing if you manage multiple locations
• If the code fails despite being correct and current, request a new code

Listing Stuck in "Pending" State

If your listing remains in a pending or under-review state for an extended period:

• Check your GBP dashboard for any requested actions or additional information needed
• Do not make changes to your listing while verification is pending
• Contact GBP support if the pending state exceeds the expected timeline by more than 7 days

No Verification Method Available

In rare cases, Google may not offer any verification method initially:

• Ensure your listing information is complete and accurate
• Wait 24-48 hours and check again — methods sometimes become available after listing review
• Contact GBP support directly to request verification options

For comprehensive listing optimization once verified, visit our Google Business Profile optimization guide.

What Should You Do Immediately After Verification?

Immediately after verification, you should complete every section of your Google Business Profile — including categories, description, photos, hours, attributes, services, and products — because a verified but incomplete listing underperforms significantly compared to a fully optimized one. Verification gives you access to all management features, and using them promptly maximizes your listing's potential from day one.

Post-verification checklist:

1. Set your primary and secondary categories — this is the single most impactful optimization
2. Write your business description — use all 750 characters effectively
3. Upload photos — add at least 10-15 photos covering all categories (exterior, interior, team, products)
4. Set accurate business hours — including special hours for holidays
5. Add all attributes — select every applicable attribute for your business
6. Fill in products/services — with descriptions and prices where applicable
7. Publish your first post — announce your verified presence with an update or offer
8. Enable messaging — if you can respond promptly to customer messages
9. Set up review monitoring — so you can respond to reviews within 24 hours

Our Google Business Profile tips guide provides detailed instructions for each of these optimization steps. And if you encounter issues down the road, our guide on GBP suspension covers what to do if your listing is ever taken down.

Can a Service-Area Business Get Verified Without a Physical Storefront?

Yes, a service-area business can get verified without a physical storefront, but the process may require additional steps. Google allows service-area businesses (plumbers, electricians, mobile pet groomers, etc.) to verify using their home address or the address where they receive mail, with the option to hide the address from public view after verification.

Important considerations for service-area business verification:

• You will likely need postcard or video verification, as phone and email are less commonly offered for SABs
• After verification, you can set your listing to display service areas instead of a physical address
• Your address must be a real location where you can receive mail — P.O. boxes and virtual offices are not accepted
• If using a home address, you can hide it while still being verified for your service area
• Co-working spaces and shared offices may face additional scrutiny

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I verify multiple Google Business Profile listings at once?

If you manage 10 or more locations, you can apply for bulk verification through Google. This process involves submitting a spreadsheet with all your location data and going through a single verification process for all locations. Bulk verification is handled by a dedicated team at Google and typically takes 1-2 weeks once approved. Individual listings under 10 locations must be verified separately.

What happens if I move my business to a new address after verification?

If you move to a new address, you will need to update your GBP listing with the new address and go through re-verification. Google treats an address change as a significant modification that requires confirming your presence at the new location. Plan for 1-2 weeks of re-verification time after an address change.

Can someone else verify my Google Business Profile on my behalf?

Yes, you can add a manager or owner to your GBP listing and they can complete the verification process. However, they will need physical access to the verification method (receiving the postcard, being at the business for video verification, etc.). Many businesses have their local SEO agency or marketing team handle verification as a manager on the account.

Does verification expire or need to be renewed?

Google Business Profile verification does not have a standard expiration date. However, Google may request re-verification if your listing information changes significantly, if there are ownership disputes, if your listing is flagged for policy violations, or if Google detects inconsistencies. Keeping your listing information accurate and current is the best way to avoid unexpected re-verification requests.

Why did Google deny my verification request?

Common reasons for verification denial include: the business does not appear to exist at the listed address, the video submitted did not clearly show required elements, the business category does not match what is visible at the location, or Google suspects the listing may violate guidelines (virtual offices, P.O. boxes, service-area businesses using ineligible addresses). Review the denial reason carefully, address the specific issue, and resubmit.

Can I use my Google Business Profile while waiting for verification?

You have limited functionality while waiting for verification. You can edit your listing information, but you cannot respond to reviews, publish posts, access Insights data, or use messaging features. Some of your basic listing information may appear in search results during the pending period, but the listing will not have full visibility until verification is complete.