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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:
- Extract from commercial register (example: Handelsregisterauszug)
- Trade license
- VAT registration certificate
Only for government departments and agencies: an official letter including full name, address and date
- Passport
- Identification card
- Driving license
- Permanent residence 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 government-issued photo ID issued in one of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries or Switzerland as part of the verification program. Acceptable documents include:
- Passport
- National ID card
- Driver's license
- Residence permit
Note: For the National ID card and Passport, you have the right to redact any parts of the image that are not necessary for identification, such as your photo and signature.