Current Google terminology · updated July 14, 2026
Google Verified for Local Services Ads (LSA)
Google Verified is the current badge for eligible Local Services advertisers that complete the required screening and verification. It applies to the local service provider advertising on Google. It is not a credential for the marketing agency that manages the account.
Direct answer
What the Google Verified badge means
Google says new advertisers must complete the Local Services screening and verification process to receive the badge. Existing eligible advertisers that completed their requirements transition automatically. The badge appears on the Local Services Ads profile and may appear on other Google surfaces.
The exact checks vary by business category and location. They may include identity, business registration, license, insurance, background, Google Business Profile, and minimum-rating requirements. Advertisers can be asked to repeat checks when their risk level or business information changes.
What it supports
Advertiser eligibility
The advertiser completed the checks required for its category and market. The profile may show which verifications Google completed, including advanced checks where applicable.
What it does not prove
No agency endorsement or performance score
The badge does not certify a management agency, prove lead quality or revenue, or mean Google endorses the advertiser. Google says the badge transition itself does not affect LSA ranking.
Source of truth
Use the account dashboard and current help pages
Requirements can change by category, market, business information, and risk level.
Requirements and process
Google Verified requirements and application steps
The advertiser completes the process through its Local Services Ads account. The required checks depend on the business category, location, ownership, and people performing the work.
Required evidence
Google Verified requirements
Google may require business registration, owner identity, licenses, insurance, background checks, a matching Google Business Profile, and a minimum review rating. The account dashboard lists the requirements for that advertiser.
Account process
How to get Google Verified
Open the Local Services Ads account, submit each requested record, complete owner or worker checks, and resolve mismatches or expired documents. Google applies the badge after confirming the applicable requirements.
Current and former labels
Google Verified compared with Google Guaranteed and Google Screened
The old labels describe earlier advertiser-badge programs. They do not describe a current agency certification.
Google Guaranteed
Google Verified vs Google Guaranteed
Google Verified is the current advertiser badge. Google Guaranteed was an earlier badge with a limited consumer money-back benefit. Google discontinued that benefit and moved eligible advertisers to Google Verified.
Google Screened
Google Verified vs Google Screened
Google Screened was an earlier badge for eligible professional service advertisers. Google Verified now covers eligible advertisers under one badge, while screening requirements still vary by category and market.
Hiring an agency
Questions to ask about verification help
- Which checks apply to my exact category and market today?
- Which tasks will the agency handle, and which tasks require the owner or field workers?
- Who will own the Google Business Profile, LSA account, billing, and source documents?
- How will the agency track expirations, resubmissions, and account notices?
- What happens to access and records when the engagement ends?
Claim checks
How LSAAgencies treats badge language
An agency profile may document experience helping advertisers with verification. The directory will not label that agency Google Verified. Partner status and individual certifications require their own current sources.
See the credential and evidence rules →Frequently asked questions
Google Verified questions
01
Is Google Verified the same as Google Guaranteed?
No. Google moved eligible Local Services advertisers to one Google Verified badge and discontinued the money-back guarantee attached to the former Google Guarantee badge.
02
Can an LSA agency call itself Google Verified?
The badge applies to the Local Services advertiser. An agency should describe its Partner status, individual certifications, or documented verification-support experience.
03
Are the checks the same for every business?
No. Requirements vary by category, location, and advertiser. The account dashboard and current US requirements page show the applicable steps.
04
Does Google Verified improve ad ranking?
Google says the badge transition itself does not affect Local Services Ads ranking. The badge is not a ranking shortcut.
Official sources