What Is The Google Verified Badge?

From October 25th 2025 Google is replacing multiple programs (Google Guaranteed, Google Screened, License Verified by Google, and the Money Back Guarantee) with a single clear Google Verified Badge.

The Google Verified Badge is a small checkmark icon that appears next to a business or individual’s name on certain Google platforms (like Google Business Profiles, Gmail, or Google Ads). Its purpose is to signal authenticity and help users trust that the account or business is legitimate.

• The badge shows alongside details of which checks a business has passed (e.g., licensing, background).
• Google says the icon may also display dynamically on Local Services Ads when it’s likely to influence a consumer’s decision.

Here are the main contexts where you’ll see it:

1. Google Business Profile Verification

• When a business creates a profile on Google (for Maps and Search), it must go through a verification process.
• Verification can involve receiving a postcard, phone call, email, or video call from Google.
• Once verified, the business is considered authentic, and customers can trust that it’s a real entity.

2. Gmail Blue Checkmark (Brand Verification)

• In 2023, Google introduced a blue checkmark in Gmail for verified brands.
• It works with BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification), which requires strong email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
• When you see the blue checkmark next to a sender’s name, it means Google has verified the brand’s identity, reducing the risk of phishing or spoofing.

3. Google Ads Advertiser Verification

• Advertisers may be asked to complete an identity verification process.
• Once verified, Google may show a “verified” badge or disclosure in ads, helping users know who’s behind the promotion.

✅ Why it matters:

• Builds trust with customers and users.
• Reduces impersonation and fraud.
• Improves visibility and credibility across Google services.

Official Statement from Google

Here’s what Google stated in their release: “Google is continuously looking to innovate and improve our advertiser and user experience. In that spirit, we are simplifying our advertiser badging by launching a single badge for all advertisers. Eligible Local Services Ads profiles will display this badge along with the specific verification checks completed, offering more transparency for consumers.”

As far as what advertisers have to do to prepare for this upcoming rollout, the answer is nothing. Per Google’s announcement, “No action is required – all eligible advertisers who have completed the Local Services Ads verification requirements for their selected business category and location will automatically be eligible to display the new Google Verified badge. For new advertisers, the Google Verified badge will be issued once all verification requirements have been completed”.

How To Apply For A Google Verified Badge

1. Google Business Profile (Maps & Search)

This is the most common type of Google verification for businesses.

Steps:

1. Go to Google Business Profile Manager.
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Add or claim your business.
4. Enter your business details (name, address, category, phone number, website).
5. Choose a verification method:
   • Postcard by mail (most common).
   • Phone call or text (if available).
   • Email (if available).
   • Video recording or live video call (for some businesses).
6. Follow the instructions and complete the verification.
7. Once verified, your business will show up with a “Verified” badge in Google Search and Maps.

2. Gmail Blue Checkmark (Brand Verification via BIMI)

This is for organisations that want their emails to display a verified checkmark.

Steps:

1. Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for your email domain (these are email authentication protocols).
2. Purchase and install a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from a trusted certificate authority.
3. Add a BIMI record to your domain’s DNS settings, pointing to your brand’s logo.
4. Submit your logo and certificate to Google for approval.
5. Once approved, Gmail will display a blue checkmark next to your brand’s name in the inbox.

3. Google Ads Advertiser Verification

Advertisers may be required to verify their identity to continue running ads.

Steps:

1. Sign in to your Google Ads account.
2. If selected, you’ll receive a notification to start the Advertiser Verification Program.
3. Provide requested documents (government-issued ID, business registration, address proof, etc.).
4. Complete the identity verification form.
5. Once approved, your ads will show a disclosure like “Verified by Google” with your business name and location.

✅ Quick Tips

• Make sure your business information is consistent across all platforms (Google, website, social media).
• Use your official business domain for email verification.
• Keep documents (like business licenses, IDs, and certificates) ready before you apply.

What Does A Google Verified Badge Look Like?

1. Google Business Profile (Maps & Search)

• Once verified, your business doesn’t get a flashy checkmark, but it gets a “Verified” status in the backend and shows up as an official business in Google Search and Maps.
• Customers will see:
  • Your business name, address, phone, and website.
  • Reviews, photos, and posts.
  • A “Claimed” or “Verified” indication (so people know it’s authentic).

2. Gmail Blue Checkmark (Brand Verification)

• In Gmail, verified senders show a blue checkmark icon next to their name in the inbox.
• Example: Instead of just seeing Brand Name <info@brand.com>, users will see:
  • Brand Name ✔ — with a hover message like “The sender of this email has verified that they own [domain.com] and the logo in the profile image.”
• This helps recipients immediately trust that the email is from the real brand, not a scammer.

3. Google Ads Advertiser Verification

• After verification, ads will include a disclosure with the advertiser’s details.
• For example, under the ad it might say:
  • “About this advertiser: Verified by Google”
  • Business name and location (e.g., Augmun Solutions Ltd., United Kingdom).
• This transparency helps users know who’s behind the ad.

✅ Summary:

• Business Profile → Verified status makes your listing official on Maps & Search.
• Gmail → Blue checkmark ✔ next to your brand name in emails.
• Ads → “Verified by Google” disclosure with your business details.

Why Your Website Still Matters

Chris Giles

Chris Giles Snr built his first client website in 1995 and has remained at the leading edge of web development and SEO ever since. He is a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM).

augmun.co.uk