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Google requires advertisers to complete identity verification as part of the advertiser verification program.
For identity verification, advertisers may be required to submit one of the acceptable documents listed below based on the location their organization is registered in, or resident in if they are an individual.
Note: The documents required are based on your account type “organization” or “Individual”. You can check your “Account type” in your Google Ads payments profile via the “Settings” page for “Billing & Payments”. If your “Account type” is “Individual”, but you need to verify as an organization or vice versa, contact us before starting the verification process. These documents are required for the successful completion of the verification process.
When submitting a government-issued photo ID, ensure that:
- The ID is valid (not expired)
- The image is in color, not black and white
- The image is clear and well lit
- The image should not be a photocopy
Personal data and documents will not be shared with any third party, as per the Google data protection policy.
Acceptable documents by location
Organizations may be required to provide 2 different types of documentation for advertiser verification: organization registration documents and a government-issued photo ID from an authorized representative. Acceptable documents include:
Registration documents:
- Any document, notice, or letter either issued by the IRS or stamped by the IRS that states your Organization name. Some examples are CP575, 147C, CP299, 988, 937, 1050, 5822 etc.
- Forms submitted to the IRS will only be accepted if a copy of the form is available on the IRS website. Some examples are Forms 8871 and 990. See here (political organizations) and here (tax exempt organizations) for ways to search for your organization on the IRS website.
- Certificate of Business Incorporation issued by the state where you conduct business activities that states your Organization name
- Your most recent SEC filing (e.g., 10-K, 10-Q or 8-K forms) that state the Organization name
- Business credit reports that state your Organization name from Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion
- Only for government departments and agencies: an official letter including full name, address and date
Authorized representative’s government-issued photo ID:
- Passport
- State identification
- Driving license
- Permanent resident card or Green card
An authorized representative is an admin of the Google Ads account and/or the payments profile paying for the ads. The government-issued photo ID can be issued in any country.
Individuals must submit a US or American Samoan government-issued photo ID as part of the verification program. Acceptable documents include:
- Passport
- State identification
- Driving license
- Permanent resident card or Green card