Google Ads Advertiser Verification: Deadlines, Documents and Paused Accounts

Gregory · Gregory Digital

2 min read

Quick answer: If Google asks you to verify, you typically have 30 days to start (the “About your business” section) and 30 more days to complete it. Miss either and the account is paused until you pass. Use documents whose names match your payments profile exactly.

Advertiser verification confirms who is paying for ads. Most businesses are asked at some point, and the main cause of trouble is mismatched names or documents.

What it means

Google notifies you by email and in your account. Where a deadline applies, Google’s policy says you have 30 days to submit the “About your business” answers and another 30 days to complete identity or business operations verification. Review can take up to about 5 business days, occasionally longer.

A paused account can’t run ads, and related accounts (for example those sharing a payment method) may also be paused.

Common causes

Ignored notification emails
Documents in a different name from the payments profile
Agency or freelancer completing it on behalf of the business incorrectly
Repeated failed attempts

How to fix it, step by step

Go to Admin → Policy → Account (previously “Advertiser verification”) to see your status and deadline.
Decide who the advertiser is: your business, or an agency advertising on its behalf. Answer accordingly.
Gather documents: government ID for the authorised person and business registration documents whose names match the payments profile exactly.
Submit and keep an eye on email for follow-up requests.
If paused, complete verification; the account is unpaused once Google verifies it.

How to stop it happening again

Start verification as soon as you are notified
Keep your legal business name consistent across Google payments, registration and website
Make sure the account owner (the business) completes it, not a contractor using their own details

Frequently asked questions

How long does Google verification take?

Google says review can take up to about 5 business days, and in rare cases up to 30 days.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

The account is paused and can run ads again only once verification is completed.

Can my agency verify for me?

An agency can manage the process, but the advertiser information should reflect who actually pays for and benefits from the ads.

Sources

Stuck on this one? Get a free ad review and you will get a short written diagnosis of what is going wrong and what to fix first.

Written by Gregory

20 years building websites and running lead generation, mostly with my own money on the line. Based in Sydney, working with clients worldwide. How I work →