What the badge means
In eligible home service categories, the badge tells homeowners that Google has run checks on the business. Depending on the program, Google may also offer a customer guarantee under its own terms, which can change, so we point people to Google's current terms rather than restating limits here.
Eligibility varies by category and location
Which badge you can get, and which checks apply, depends on your category and where you operate. Trades that need a state licence usually require it on file. Some categories have no licence check but still require background screening.
Documents to have ready
- Business licence and any trade licence, in the exact business name on the account
- Certificate of insurance with clear coverage dates
- Owner identity details for background checks where required
- Details for field staff who need screening in some categories
- Access to the email address that receives verification messages
Common verification delays
Most stalled verifications we see come down to one of these.
- Name on the licence does not match the name on the account
- Insurance certificate expiring soon or missing required details
- Background check invitations sitting unopened in someone's inbox
- Uploaded documents that are blurry, cropped or out of date
- Different addresses or phone numbers across Google records
What we organise and troubleshoot
We check your documents against what the account asks for before submission, correct business details so they match, track each verification step, and follow up through the proper channels when something sits still. When a document is rejected we work out why and what to resubmit.
What we cannot do
We cannot pass a background check for you, waive licence requirements, speed up Google's internal review or guarantee approval. If a business does not meet the requirements for its category, the honest answer is to fix that first or use other channels.
Renewals and keeping the badge
Licences and insurance expire. When they do, the account can pause until updated documents are accepted. We keep a simple record of expiry dates and prompt you ahead of time so ads do not stop in the middle of a busy month.