Google Business Address Verification Guidelines For Your New Location

Physical Address Requirements 

• The address MUST be a physical office space and CANNOT be a virtual office, PO Box, or shared working space. Addresses in these categories will not be verified under any circumstances. 
• You CAN use a co-working location, but you MUST have a private office with its own suite number at this location. 

If the office is in a location with multiple office spaces, it MUST have its own unique suite number. Sharing a suite number with another business or using spaces that only offer individual rooms (without suite numbers) will not meet verification requirements. Additionally, the suite number must be displayed on the office door. 

It is highly recommended that company signage be placed on the office door next to suite information. If door signage is not possible, signage must be present at reception or the front of the building in office directories. 

You DO NOT need a large office space. A small, one-person office is sufficient, as this location will not be used for regular operations.

---

City Location

The address must be located within the boundaries of the city you are targeting, as defined by Google. 

To verify this: 

• Go to Google Maps and search "City Name State."
• Ensure the address is INSIDE the red dotted line defining the city limits. 

Note: Google’s city definitions may differ from those of the Post Office. See image for example. 

---

Documentation Requirements

Consistent Documentation
All supporting documents, such as utility bills, tax documents, contractor licenses, business registrations and more, MUST match exactly in terms of business name, DBA (if applicable), and address. Any discrepancies will result in delays or rejection. The address must be accurate, up-to-date, and consistent across all documentation provided. Ensure the address is recognized by Google and does not conflict with other listings.

Acceptable Documentation for Verification 

• Business registration from the Secretary of State (if applicable). 
• Business license or permit (if applicable).
• Articles of Incorporation (if applicable).
• Tax documents or contractor registration (for states where business licenses may not exist). 
• Certificate of insurance showing consistent business names. 
• Utility bills with accurate and consistent information that match the GBP listing. Accepted utilities include: electricity, phone, gas, water, sewage, trash, recycling, TV, internet.

At a minimum, the location must offer a utility bill and that utility bill will need your exact address and DBA name as the signage.

---

Signage and Physical Presence Requirements

Prominent Signage: Your business location must have a permanent, fixed sign clearly displaying the business name seen on your Google Business listing. 

• Ideally, this should be exterior signage visible from the road.
• If exterior signage isn't feasible (e.g., in a multi-floor office building), install permanent interior signage near the entrance and ensure your business is listed in any building directories.

Permanent Signage Materials: Google prefers durable, long-lasting signage materials. Avoid using:

• Hanging vinyl banners
• Cling-on window vinyls
• Painted signs
• Printed paper signs (even in acrylic mounts)

Additionally, vehicles or branded materials, such as vans with logos, should align with the business name listed whenever possible. 

---

Next Steps 

Once you identify an address that meets these criteria, DO NOT SIGN THE LEASE RIGHT AWAY. 

Send the address to our team for research and verification. We will review the location, competitors, and surrounding area to ensure it is a good fit for your business growth. After receiving our confirmation, you can proceed with signing the lease. 

We’re here to help you set up your Google Business Profile for success!