How to verify your Google Business Profile
The short answer
Sign in to the Google account tied to your profile and select Get verified. Google chooses which methods you see: phone or text, email, live video call, postcard, or a video recording. Follow the steps for the method shown. If it stalls, try again, use another method if offered, or contact Google support.
By Reputant · Updated October 31, 2026 · 4 min read
What do I need before I verify?
Per Google's verification help page, you need a Google Account, and you must sign in to the account associated with your profile to find it.
Google picks the verification methods available to you, and you cannot change them. Some businesses need more than one method. If your business is eligible for video verification, Google recommends it.
Which verification methods does Google offer?
Which of these you see depends on your business. Google says live video and postcard are not available for all businesses.
| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| Phone or text | Choose Get verified, then Phone or SMS, and enter the code on your profile. Automated phone systems (IVR) will not get the code |
| Choose Get verified, then Email, and follow the steps in the email, using the address shown on the verification screen | |
| Live video call | Runs only during your location's business hours, on a device that supports video. You must be at the business to show your location, your products or equipment, and proof that you manage it |
| Postcard | Confirm your mailing address and request a code. Enter the 5-digit code on your profile |
| Video recording | Google recommends it when you are eligible. Details are in a separate Google article |
| Instant options | Verifying your website with Search Console or using bulk verification can verify your profile immediately |
How do I verify by postcard, step by step?
Postcards are the method with the most rules. These steps and rules come from the same Google page.
- Sign in to the Google account that manages your profile and select Get verified.
- Confirm your mailing address and request a code.
- Wait for the postcard. Google says most codes arrive within 14 days.
- Enter the 5-digit code on your profile.
- Do not edit your business name, address or category after requesting the code, or the code will not work.
- Do not request a new code. That invalidates the mailed one and slows the process.
- Codes expire after 30 days.
- Never share the code. Google says it will never ask for it, even if someone else manages your profile.
How long does verification take?
Google gives these times on its page: reviews take up to 5 business days, and occasionally longer. Live video calls run only during business hours. Most postcard codes arrive within 14 days and expire after 30 days.
The instant options (Search Console or bulk verification) can verify immediately. Google does not give a time for the other methods, so we cannot either.
What do I do when verification stalls?
Google's page describes these cases.
- Get verified appears again on your profile: Google could not fully verify you. Try again, or use another method if more are offered.
- A Review issues notification after a video: your video was not accepted. Select Review issues and follow the on-screen instructions.
- A request for more information: this usually follows recent changes to your business details. Select Get Verified and verify again.
- Still stuck: post in the Google community forum or contact Google support.
What should I do once I am verified?
Complete the profile. Our optimization checklist lists what to fill in, and Google Business Profile categories covers choosing the right one.
If you visit customers rather than serve them at an address, read service area business setup next. For the full picture, see how to rank higher on Google Maps.
If a profile was suspended, that is a different process, covered in what to do when a profile is suspended.