Business Profile verification

Verification is the gate between claiming a listing and actually controlling it. Once verified, you can edit the business name, hours, and category, respond to reviews, and appear reliably in the local pack. Until then, the profile is effectively read-only, and a suspended profile can drop off Maps entirely.

Which method you get

Google decides the available methods automatically; you can’t pick. Options include a video recording, phone or text code, email code, a live video call with a Google representative, a mailed postcard code (usually within 14 days), and instant or bulk verification. Instant verification can trigger when the same account already verified the domain in Search Console.

What you’re offered depends on business type, public info, region, and hours, so two locations of the same brand can see different options. Video is the method Google most often pushes now, especially for service-area and newer listings. It also trips people up: pre-recorded clips are rejected, and the live, unedited footage (30+ seconds) has to show your signage, address landmarks, and owner-only access such as a cash register or storage room.

Most methods take up to 5 business days to review; instant methods clear right away. If a video is rejected, Google gives a reason and lets you resubmit.