Verify Google Business Profile

In 2025, Google is phasing out the postcard verification and is instead requiring verification via video.

Video recordings must be created using real time recording and submission via a mobile device. Additional information regarding video submission can be found here.

Standard Reasons Why Google Will Request Verification:

• Newly created profiles always require verification.

• The following changes to an existing Google Business Profile can trigger a reverification request:

  • Business name or personal name changes

  • Address

  • Phone Number

  • URL

  • Business category/subcategory

  • Mismatched business name, address, phone number, URL and category on linked social media accounts

For Storefront or Hybrid Businesses

If your business has a physical location or serves customers both at your location and theirs:

1. Show Your Business Location:

   • Capture street signs, building numbers, nearby businesses, or landmarks to confirm the location matches your Business Profile.

2. Demonstrate Business Existence:

   • Show permanent signage with your business name on the storefront, window, or wall. Note, if your office does not have signage, temporary signs can be ordered on Amazon and related marketplaces for an affordable price.

3. Proof of Management:

   • Record access to employee-only areas, not just the outside of the office.

For Service-Area Businesses

If your business operates by visiting or delivering to customers without a physical storefront:

1. Show Service Area:

   • Record signs or landmarks in your service area that associate with your business.

2. Demonstrate Business Existence:

   • Show branded equipment, marketing materials, or tools used in your services.

3. Proof of Management:

   • Display business documents like registration certificates, invoices, or utility bills that match your Business Profile name.

Submitting Your Video

1. Access Your Business Profile:

   • On your mobile device, go to your Business Profile.

2. Start Verification:

   • Tap "Get verified" and then select "Capture video."

3. Record the Video:

   • Tap "Start recording" and capture the necessary footage.

4. Review and Upload:

   • After recording, review the video to ensure it meets all requirements, then tap "Upload video."

After Submission

• Review Process:

  • Google will review your video, which may take up to 5 business days.

• Outcome:

  • Successful: You'll be notified that your business is verified.

  • Unsuccessful: You'll receive feedback on why the video didn't meet requirements and instructions to submit a new one.

Common Reasons a Video Gets Rejected

1. Missing Required Content

Google requires specific elements to verify your business. If your video lacks any of the following, it may be rejected:

• Clear view of the business location (for storefronts)—including building number, street signs, or recognizable surroundings.

• Signage with your business name.

• Proof of access to employee-only areas- inside the office not just the outdoor area.

• Branded items and documents (for service-area businesses).

2. Low-Quality or Incomplete Recording

• Blurry, dark, shaky, or incomplete footage.

• Cuts or edits in the video (must be a continuous, unedited recording).

• Video is too short (should be at least 30 seconds).

• Not showing all three verification criteria clearly.

3. Privacy or Security Violations

• Showing faces of other people without consent.

• Exposing personal information such as emails or phone numbers unnecessarily.

• If a shared office space, recording signs of the wrong business.

4. Mismatch with Business Info

• Address, business name, or branding shown in the video does not match the details in your Business Profile.

• Filming at a different location than what is listed.

5. Unauthorized Recording Method

• Video was not recorded directly through the Google Business Profile app (must be recorded and submitted from within the verification flow). You cannot submit video attachments via the Google Appeals Form.

• Video was uploaded outside the approved submission process.

6. Duplicate Google Business Profiles Detected

• If an office profile already exists, the existing profile must be claimed. New profiles will result in both being suspended by Google.

• Users (“practitioner pages”) cannot create new profiles when they move to a new company. The existing profile must be claimed or ownership must be transferred over. Otherwise, existing and new profiles will be suspended.

Note: Existing Google reviews on other Google profiles cannot be transferred as part of the verification process.