When you sign up for Google Ads and set up billing, we may need to verify your identity and that you own the payment method you used.
About verification
Why we might ask you to verify
- To verify that your information is correct when you access specific content.
- To verify your identity when you complete a transaction with Google.
- We find unusual activity or transactions.
- We need more info for legal or regulatory reasons.
What information you may be asked to provide
- Your legal name
- The name used on your Payments profile
- Address
- Date of birth
- An image of your government ID
- An image of your payment method
How we use your information
- Verify your identity or payment method.
- Protect against fraud and abuse.
- Improve verification services for Google products.
How to complete verification
If you need to verify your payment information during sign-up, you'll get a message after you enter your billing information. We'll also send an email to the email address that you provided when you signed up and to relevant admins if the account is part of a manager account. The email comes from noreply-payments@google.com with 'Verify your payment method' in the subject line.
You can verify your identity and payment method using either the link in the account alerts section or in the email. Follow the instructions to upload a photo or copy of the requested documents.
- Verify via the red banner alert or account notification – Click the Fix it button in the 'Verify your payment information' alert.
- Verify by email – Click Verify now in the email and sign in using the email that you provided when you signed up; for example, admin@myadsaccount.com.
Verification code
- Click Get code.
- Go to your payment method issuer’s website and sign in to your account.
- In your transaction history, find a temporary charge of less than $1.95 USD called 'GOOGLE'. The verification code is the last 6 digits.
- The amount of the temporary charge varies by the type of currency.
- You should get the code right away, but it can take up to 7 days.
- Tip: The charge or hold on your account is temporary. Charges are refunded within 30 days.
- Return to your Google Ads account.
- Enter the 6-digit code.
- Click Verify.
Upload documents
- Use the same full name in all documents that you submit.
- Are updated and not expired.
- Are legible.
- Is an image of a document and nothing else
- Is in colour, not black and white
- Is not blurry, glary or dimly lit
- Shows all 4 corners of the full document
After you submit your documents, verification may take a few days.
Fix issues with verification
Fix issues with verification codes
Learn how to fix issues when you try to verify payment methods with a verification code
Fix issues with document verification
To resolve the issue:
- If you receive an email or get an error message, follow the instructions in the message.
- If you need assistance from our payments team to help resolve the issue, we’ll contact you after we review your info.
Failed verification
If your verification was not approved, you'll receive an email shortly after the decision. To appeal the decision, follow the instructions in the email. You can also try signing up using a different payment method.