Legacy badge guide · updated July 14, 2026
Google Guaranteed vs Google Screened: what changed
Google Guaranteed, Google Screened, and License Verified by Google were former Local Services Ads badge labels. Google now uses one Google Verified badge for eligible advertisers that complete the required checks. The former labels still appear in searches and older marketing copy, so current agency claims need a date and source.
Short answer
The current badge is Google Verified
Google consolidated advertiser badging under Google Verified. Eligible existing advertisers that had completed the required checks moved to the new badge automatically. New advertisers earn it after completing the checks required for their category and market.
| Term | Earlier use | Current treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Google Guaranteed | Commonly used for home service providers that passed the applicable screening. It included a limited money-back benefit for eligible bookings. | Legacy label. Eligible advertisers moved to Google Verified. The money-back benefit was discontinued. |
| Google Screened | Commonly used for professional service firms that completed applicable license and background checks. | Legacy label. Eligible advertisers moved to Google Verified. |
| License Verified by Google | Used where license verification was the principal badge distinction. | Legacy label under the single-badge model. |
| Google Verified | Introduced as the single badge across eligible Local Services advertisers. | Current badge. Exact checks still vary by category and market. |
Money-back guarantee
The former benefit ended
Google’s current badge page says eligible consumers may request reimbursement only for services booked through Local Services Ads before December 7, 2025. Requests must be submitted within 30 days of the initial service completion date. Recheck the current US Help page before citing this deadline later.
Ad ranking
The badge change did not change ad rank
Google states that the badging change itself does not affect Local Services Ads ranking. Moving to Google Verified is not a ranking tactic.
What agencies can claim
Use precise language
- Document experience helping a service provider complete current verification steps.
- State Google Partner or Premier Partner status only when the company has a current source.
- State individual Google Ads certifications separately.
- Describe Google Guaranteed or Google Screened work as historical experience.
Claims to question
Ask for the source behind the wording
- “Google Verified agency” with no explanation.
- “Google LSA certified” with no named credential.
- “Guaranteed results” tied to a former badge.
- A Partner badge used to imply Google endorsement.
- An old Guaranteed or Screened logo presented as current.
Frequently asked questions
Legacy badge questions
01
What is Google Guaranteed?
Google Guaranteed was a former Local Services advertiser badge. It showed that an eligible provider completed the applicable screening and included a limited consumer money-back benefit for eligible bookings.
02
What is Google Screened?
Google Screened was a former Local Services advertiser badge for eligible professional service categories that completed applicable license, business, and background checks.
03
Is Google Guaranteed still available?
Not as the current badge for new US advertisers. Google moved eligible advertisers to Google Verified and discontinued the former money-back benefit.
04
Is Google Screened still available?
Current US Local Services guidance uses Google Verified as the single badge for eligible advertisers. Google Screened remains a legacy search term.
05
What replaced Google Guaranteed and Google Screened?
Google Verified replaced the former badge labels for eligible Local Services advertisers. Required checks still depend on category and location.
06
What were Google Guaranteed requirements?
Requirements varied by category and market. They could include identity, business registration, licenses, insurance, background checks, and review-rating requirements.
07
What were Google Screened requirements?
Professional service advertisers commonly faced business, license, owner, and background checks before the badge appeared.
08
Should an agency profile list old badge experience?
Yes, when the timing is clear. It should appear as historical advertiser-support experience, not as a current agency credential.
Official sources