How to Verify Your Google Business Profile Without a Postcard

You can verify your Google Business Profile without a postcard by using any verification method Google makes available on your profile, such as phone, text, email, video recording, live video call, Search Console, bulk verification, or manual support review. Google decides which options appear based on your business type, location, public information, category, and trust signals, so business owners cannot manually choose every method. The fastest path is to open your Business Profile, check the available verification options, prepare the right proof, and complete the method Google offers.

Google Business Profile Verification is the process Google uses to confirm that a real business exists and that the person managing the profile is authorized to represent it.

Why Google May Not Offer Postcard Verification

Google no longer makes postcard verification available for every business. According to Google Business Profile Help, verification methods are automatically determined and may vary by business type, public information, region, and business hours.

A restaurant in Accra, a dental clinic in Nairobi, and a real estate agency in Lagos may all see different verification options. Service-area businesses that operate from private addresses often see video verification more often than postcard verification. Established businesses with consistent online data may be offered phone, email, or Search Console verification.

Google uses verification to protect searchers from fake listings, wrong addresses, and unauthorized profile claims. Verified profiles are also more trusted in Google Search and Maps, which makes verification an important local SEO step for African small businesses competing for nearby customers.

Step 1: Sign in to the Correct Google Account

Go to Google Search and search for your business name plus city, or search “my business” while signed in to Google. You can also open Google Maps, tap your profile icon, and choose your Business Profile if the profile already exists.

Make sure the Google Account you use is the account that created, claimed, or manages the business profile. A common verification problem happens when the owner logs in with a personal Gmail account, while the listing was created with a company account.

Before starting verification, confirm that the business name, category, phone number, website, and address or service area are accurate. Consistent profile data helps Google match your business with trusted information across the web. Businesses that maintain accurate local citation data are easier for search platforms to understand and verify.

Step 2: Open the Verification Options

Select the business profile you want to verify, then click or tap Get Verified. Google will show the verification methods currently available for that specific profile. The options may include phone, text, email, video recording, live video call, postcard, Search Console, or bulk verification.

Do not assume that another business owner’s method will appear for your profile. Google may offer one method, several methods, or a required combination of methods. Some profiles must complete more than one verification step.

To verify without a postcard, follow the non-mail option shown on the screen. If only postcard appears, do not repeatedly request new codes. Google says requesting a new mailed code invalidates the previous one, which can delay verification.

Step 3: Use Phone or Text Verification If Available

Phone and text verification are usually the fastest methods when Google offers them. Google sends a verification code to the phone number listed on your Business Profile, either by automated call or SMS.

Before choosing phone verification, make sure someone can answer the business phone immediately. Interactive Voice Response systems, such as “press 1 for reception,” may block Google’s automated call. If your clinic, salon, hotel, or law office uses a call menu, route the call directly to a staff member before requesting the code.

To complete phone or text verification:

1. Select Phone or Text from the verification options.
2. Confirm that the displayed business number is correct.
3. Receive the code by call or SMS.
4. Enter the code in your Google Business Profile dashboard.
5. Wait for Google to confirm verification.

Phone verification works best when your public business number is active, answered during business hours, and consistent across your website and directory listings.

Step 4: Use Email Verification If Google Offers It

Email verification allows Google to send a code to an email address connected to your business. Google may offer this option when your website, domain, and business identity are already clear enough to support email-based confirmation.

For example, a hotel using bookings@hotelname.com or a law firm using admin@firmname.com may be easier to verify than a business using an unrelated free email address. A domain-based email address can be a stronger trust signal because the email matches the business website.

To use email verification:

1. Choose Email from the available verification methods.
2. Select or enter the approved business email address.
3. Open the email from Google.
4. Copy the verification code.
5. Paste the code into your Business Profile.

A complete Google Business Profile setup helps Google connect your website, contact details, and business identity before verification begins.

Step 5: Complete Video Recording Verification

Video recording is now one of the most common alternatives to postcard verification. Google asks you to record a short video that proves your location, business operations, and authority to manage the profile.

Google Business Profile Help states that video proof may need to show your current location, business equipment, branded materials, and proof that you manage the business. For an African business, acceptable evidence might include storefront signage, nearby street signs, branded delivery bikes, a reception desk, stock shelves, treatment rooms, menus, tools, invoices, or non-sensitive business documents.

To complete video verification:

1. Select Video as the verification method.
2. Read Google’s instructions before recording.
3. Record the outside of your location, including signage or nearby landmarks.
4. Show business activity, products, tools, or equipment.
5. Show proof of management, such as keys, staff-only access, or documents.
6. Submit the video through the verification flow.

Do not include private customer records, bank details, or confidential staff information in the video.

Step 6: Complete a Live Video Call If Required

A live video call is different from a recorded video. Google connects you with a support representative who asks you to show your business location and proof of ownership in real time.

Live video calls are usually available only during the business hours listed on your profile. You should be physically present at the business location or service base before starting the call. A hotel owner in Kigali, a restaurant manager in Cape Town, or a mechanic in Kampala should be ready to show the exact business environment shown on the profile.

Prepare these items before the call:

1. Exterior signage, street signs, or nearby businesses.
2. Interior work areas, stock, tools, or branded materials.
3. Proof of management, such as keys, access to staff-only areas, or non-sensitive documents.
4. A stable internet connection and a phone with a working camera.

Live video verification succeeds when Google can clearly see that the listed business exists and that the caller controls the business.

Step 7: Try Search Console Verification for Eligible Profiles

Search Console verification may instantly verify a Google Business Profile when the same Google Account already verifies the business website in Google Search Console. Google lists Search Console as one case where instant verification can happen.

This method is not always offered. Search Console verification usually depends on a strong match between the business website, the Business Profile, and the Google Account managing both properties.

To improve your chances, make sure your website shows the same business name, address, phone number, and category as your Google Business Profile. A local clinic website, for example, should not use a different trading name from the one shown on Google Maps.

Search Console verification is especially useful for established businesses with websites that already appear in Google Search. Strong business data across your website, listings, and reviews supports trust across both local SEO and AI-powered discovery platforms.

Step 8: Request Manual Support If No Alternative Works

Manual support is the best route when postcard delivery fails, phone verification is blocked, or video verification does not work. Google may ask for photos, business documents, signage, licenses, or other evidence before approving verification.

Start by opening your Business Profile dashboard and following the help or support option connected to the verification issue. Explain the problem clearly. For example: “Postcard has not arrived after multiple weeks,” “The business phone uses an IVR system,” or “Video upload fails before submission.”

Strong support evidence may include:

1. Business registration documents or tax certificates.
2. Utility bills or lease documents with the business name.
3. Photos of storefront signage and street location.
4. Website screenshots showing matching contact details.
5. Business licenses for regulated fields such as healthcare or finance.

Destinali helps African businesses improve online visibility across search, maps, local discovery platforms, and AI-driven recommendations, with more than 1M verified businesses across 54 African countries. A verified Google profile is one part of that wider trust footprint, not the whole digital presence.

Step 9: Avoid Changes While Verification Is Pending

Do not edit your business name, address, category, or core contact details while verification is pending. Google warns that changing important business information can break the verification process, especially when a code or review has already been requested.

Wait until Google completes the review before making non-urgent changes. Google says verification review can take up to 5 business days after you complete the required steps. Some profiles verify instantly, while others need manual review.

Business owners should also avoid sharing verification codes with outside parties. Add agencies, staff members, or marketing partners as profile managers only after verification is complete. This approach protects profile ownership and reduces the risk of unauthorized edits.

Common Reasons Google Blocks Verification

Google may block or delay verification when business data looks inconsistent, incomplete, or risky. A mismatch between your profile, website, signage, phone number, and directory listings can make Google less confident that the business is real.

The most common verification blockers are:

1. The address does not meet Google’s guidelines.
2. The business uses a virtual office or mailbox where customers are not served.
3. The phone number cannot receive Google’s call or text.
4. The business category does not match the real service.
5. The website shows different contact details.
6. The profile was recently edited too many times.
7. A previous owner or agency still controls the listing.

Verification problems are usually trust problems. Consistent public information, real photos, accurate categories, and visible customer reviews help Google confirm that your business is legitimate.

What to Do After Verification

Verification gives you control of your Google Business Profile, but visibility still depends on profile quality. Add accurate hours, services, products, photos, booking links, attributes, and a clear business description after Google approves the profile.

Photos are especially important for hospitality, restaurants, salons, clinics, retail shops, and service businesses. Strong business profile photos help customers judge location quality, trust, and relevance before calling or visiting.

After verification, ask real customers for reviews and respond professionally to each one. Reviews act as trust signals for Google, customers, and AI search tools that recommend local businesses. A verified profile with strong reviews, consistent citations, and complete structured data is more likely to be discovered by customers who search by city, service, or category.

FAQ

Can I Verify My Google Business Profile Without a Postcard?

Yes, you can verify a Google Business Profile without a postcard when Google offers another method such as phone, text, email, video recording, live video call, Search Console, or manual support review. Google automatically decides which methods appear for each profile. Business type, public information, location, and category all influence the available options.

Does Google Still Use Postcard Verification?

Yes, Google still uses postcard verification for some businesses, but postcard verification is not available for every profile. Google Business Profile Help states that verification through mail is not available for all businesses. Many profiles now see video, phone, email, or other verification methods instead.

Why Is Google Only Showing Video Verification?

Google may show only video verification when the business needs stronger proof of location, operations, and ownership. Service-area businesses, new listings, businesses with limited public information, and profiles with inconsistent data often receive video verification. A successful video should show the location, business equipment, and proof that you manage the business.

How Long Does Google Business Profile Verification Take?

Google Business Profile verification can be instant in some cases, but review can take up to 5 business days after you complete the required steps. Search Console verification may verify some eligible profiles immediately. Manual reviews and failed verification attempts usually take longer.

Why Won’t Google Let Me Verify My Business?

Google may block verification when the profile has inaccurate details, an invalid address, inconsistent contact information, or signs that the business may not meet Google’s guidelines. A business using a mailbox, virtual office, or incorrect category can face verification problems. Matching your website, signage, phone number, and public listings improves trust.

Can I Change My Verification Method?

No, business owners cannot manually choose any verification method they want. Google automatically determines verification options for each Business Profile. You can only select from the methods shown in your dashboard or contact Google support when the available method does not work.

Can a Service-Area Business Verify Without Showing its Home Address?

Yes, a service-area business can verify without displaying its home address publicly, but Google may still need to confirm where the business operates from. Plumbers, cleaners, delivery services, and mobile technicians may need to show tools, vehicles, branded materials, or workspace access during video verification. The public profile can hide the address after the service area is set correctly.

What Happens If My Postcard Never Arrives?

You should avoid repeatedly requesting new postcard codes because each new request can invalidate the previous code. Check that the business address is correct, wait the expected delivery period, and use another available method if Google offers one. If the postcard still does not arrive, contact Google support and provide evidence that proves the business location and ownership.

What to Do Now

1. Sign in to the Google Account that manages your Business Profile.
2. Open the profile and select Get Verified.
3. Choose a non-postcard method if Google offers one.
4. Prepare proof of location, operations, and ownership before video verification.
5. Keep your business details unchanged until Google completes the review.
6. After verification, improve photos, services, reviews, citations, and profile completeness.

A verified Google Business Profile helps customers trust your business, but wider discovery also depends on consistent listings, structured data, reviews, and visibility beyond Google alone.

African businesses that want more customers from search, maps, and local discovery platforms can create a free listing to strengthen their online presence.