Developing
A test seen by one forum poster about two weeks earlier; the scope, ID handling and any link to Local Services Ads are unknown.
In 60 seconds
- The poster, Digital Jedi, shared a screenshot saying "Your ID is only used for verification and won't be shown publicly".
- He asked: "How does Google know the Government ID is associated with the business?"
- Existing methods are phone or text, email, live video call and mail; Google's help documentation did not list this option.
- Barry Schwartz speculates it may relate to Local Services Ads certification for certain professions.
Impact Layer
- What changed
- Google may be adding a new route to verify local businesses.
- Why it matters
- Verification is a hurdle for many local businesses, and fake listings are a problem, but ID uploads raise privacy questions.
- Who is affected
- Local businesses, agencies and local SEOs.
- Martech stack area
- SEO & Search, Data
- Stack impact
- No action yet. If offered, check how your ID would be used and stored before uploading it.
- Business impact
- Low A forum observation reported by Search Engine Roundtable. How ID matches a business, storage and protection, scope and permanence are not stated.
- Related vendors
- What to watch
- A Google confirmation and help documentation.
Barry Schwartz reported on Search Engine Roundtable on October 20, 2026 that Google is reportedly testing a way to verify a Google Business Profile by uploading a photo of a government ID.
The observation
- A forum poster, Digital Jedi, spotted the option on the Local Search Forum and said he first saw it about two weeks earlier.
- A screenshot shows the prompt “Your ID is only used for verification and won’t be shown publicly.”
- He asked: “How does Google know the Government ID is associated with the business?”
- The article lists the option next to existing methods: phone or text, email, live video call and mail. Google’s help documentation did not list it.
Speculation
Schwartz speculates the option may relate to Google Local Services Ads certification for certain professions.
Not stated
Whether the test is limited or broad, which regions or business categories are affected, how Google matches an ID to a business, how long IDs are stored and protected, whether it will become permanent, and any Google statement.
Our read
One observation is not a rollout. Treat any request for ID with care until Google documents what it does with it.
Sources
- Search Engine Roundtable: Google Business Profiles Verification With Government ID (opens in a new tab)
Source for the observation, quote and what is not stated.