Google My Business Verification Guide
Everything you need to know to verify a Google My Business listing. Methods, detailed steps, common issues and expert tips.
What is Google My Business verification?
Google My Business verification is the process by which Google confirms that your business actually exists at the listed address and that you are authorized to manage it. Without verification, your listing won't appear in Google search results or on Google Maps.
Different verification methods
Google offers several verification methods depending on your business type and situation.
By postcard
Google sends a postcard with a 5-digit verification code to your business address. This is the most common method and sometimes the only one available.
By phone
An automated call or SMS sends you a verification code. Only available for certain business categories.
By email
Google sends a verification code to the email address associated with your website domain. Requires a professional email matching your domain.
Via Google Search Console
If your website is already verified in Search Console, you can verify your listing instantly. A quick method for businesses with an established website.
By video
Record a video showing your location, the exterior and interior of your business, and proof of management. A newer method offered by Google.
Detailed steps of the verification process
Follow these steps to successfully verify your Google My Business listing.
Create or claim your listing
Sign in to Google My Business (business.google.com) and create a new listing or search for your existing business to claim it. Fill in all requested information accurately.
Verify your information
Make sure your business name, address, phone number and category are accurate and consistent with your other online presence (website, directories, social media).
Choose your verification method
Google will offer one or more verification methods. Select the one that suits you best. If only one method is offered, it's the only option available for your business type.
Receive and enter your code
Depending on the chosen method, receive your verification code (by mail, phone, email or Search Console). Sign in to your profile and enter the code in the designated field.
Optimize your listing after verification
Once verified, complete your listing with quality photos, business hours, a detailed description, your services and attributes. A complete listing ranks better in results.
Common problems and solutions
The most common issues encountered during verification and how to resolve them.
The postcard verification code never arrives
Check that the address is correct and the mailbox is accessible. Wait up to 14 days. If the code doesn't arrive, request a new code from your Google My Business dashboard.
The verification code has expired
Verification codes are valid for 30 days. If your code has expired, simply request a new one from your profile. Don't change your listing information in the meantime.
The listing is already claimed by someone else
Use the 'Request access' option on the listing. The current owner has 7 days to respond. If they don't respond, you can appeal to Google to recover the listing with proof of ownership.
No verification method is available
Check that your business category is correct. Some categories have restrictions. Contact Google My Business support through the help form for an alternative solution.
Verification fails after entering the code
Make sure you haven't changed your listing's name, address or category after requesting the code. Any change invalidates the current code. Request a new code without modifying the listing.
Listing suspended after verification
Google may suspend a listing if it detects inconsistencies. Verify that your information complies with Google's guidelines, that your business is eligible, and submit a reinstatement request.
Tips to speed up verification
Apply these best practices to maximize your chances of quick verification.
NAP consistency
Make sure your Name, Address and Phone number (NAP) are identical everywhere: website, directories, social media. Google checks for consistency.
Use a professional email
Create your listing with an email linked to your domain name (e.g. contact@yourbusiness.com). This increases your chances of accessing email verification.
Don't change anything during verification
Any changes to the name, address or category during the process can invalidate your request and force you to start over.
Verify your site in Search Console
If you have a website, verify it first in Google Search Console. This can unlock instant verification for your listing.
Prepare your documents
For video verification, have ready: visible signage, business documents, utility bills at the listed address.
Optimize your listing beforehand
Fill in as much information as possible before requesting verification: precise category, hours, description, photos. Complete listings are processed faster.
Nail your Google video verification 100%
At Localnord, we help hundreds of businesses and agencies every day with their Google My Business listing verification. This method is based on repeated field testing and maximizes your chances of validation on the first attempt.
Essential rules BEFORE you start
These rules are strict and enforced by Google. If even one is not followed, your video will be automatically rejected.
No cuts
The video must be continuous from start to finish. Never pause or cut.
Maximum duration: 5 minutes
The video must be under 5 minutes. Be efficient and structured.
No faces
You must never appear on screen, and avoid visible family photos too.
Stable connection
Make sure you have a stable connection (4G/5G or Wi-Fi). A dropout can invalidate the video.
Smartphone required
The video must be shot from a smartphone, never directly from a computer.
Video verification step by step
Start the verification
From your computer, Google will display a QR code. Scan this QR code with your phone to start the video.
This ensures Google correctly detects your device and location.
Prepare your phone
Before starting, take 30 seconds to check the following:
- Location services enabled
- Mobile data active
- Camera permission granted
Google will verify that you are physically at the listed address.
Start the video outside
The video must start outside the location. Film the street, buildings, and surroundings as if you were on Google Street View. Do a 180° sweep to show the environment.
The goal is for Google to visually recognize the address.
Clearly show the location
Film your house, office, or premises. Try to show identifiable elements:
- Mailbox with company name
- Professional nameplate
- Logo or sticker on the door
The more visual clues, the easier the validation.
Mandatory unlocking
This is the most important step. Without proof of access, Google automatically rejects. You must show that you have real access to the location.
- Insert the key into the lock
- Turn the key clearly on video
- Open the door and enter
- For a metal shutter: show the key insertion, turn it, and film the shutter going up completely
This proof confirms to Google that you are the owner or occupant.
Film the interior
Once inside, head to your workspace. Show a desk, equipment, a professional environment. Absolutely avoid visible faces or family photos.
A clear, professional work environment strengthens your video's credibility.
Show official documents
Present 2 documents with the same information: company name and exact address.
- Business registration or official document
- Invoice (electricity, gas, client, etc.)
Bring the camera close enough so the information is readable.
Localnord tip elevator / network loss
This method is essential if you're in an apartment or a building. Important: do NOT launch the video verification directly.
Open your phone's camera app
Film the complete video following all the steps
Once done, send this video to your computer
Only then, launch the Google verification
Film your computer screen with your phone without moving
This avoids any network dropout (elevator) while still validating the video.
Special cases
Method tested and validated by Localnord
By following this method step by step, you greatly maximize your chances of validation on the first try. This procedure has been tested and validated on numerous listings by the Localnord team.
Frequently asked questions about Google verification
Answers to the most common questions about Google My Business verification.
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