To verify your identity, payment information for transactions, sign-ups for Google products, services, or payment method changes, refer to the following steps.
About verification
Why we might ask you to verify- To confirm that your info 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.
Important: If we ask you to verify your account, any pending transactions are canceled. Pending charges on your bank statement disappear within 14 business days.
You need to provide:
- Legal name
- The name used on your Payments profile
- Address
- Date of birth
- An image of your government ID
- A proof of address
- An image of your payment method
Google uses the info you provide to:
- Verify your identity or payment method.
- Protect against fraud and abuse.
- Improve verification services for Google products.
Your verified info, like name and address, is stored with your Google Account. You can manage your verified info at payments.google.com.
When applicable, the info you submit is treated in accordance with the Google Privacy Policy and the Google Payments Privacy Notice.
Verify your info
- Go to payments.google.com.
- Sign in to your account.
- At the top right, click Alerts
Verify.
- If there are no alerts, click Payment methods.
- If there are no alerts, click Payment methods.
- Next to the card that must be verified, click Verify.
- Follow the on-screen instructions for your verification method.
- Repeat the steps above for each payment method that must be verified.
Verify.
Verification methods
To complete verification, you’ll be asked to use one of the following methods.
Request a 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.
- Enter the 6-digit code.
- Click Verify.
Tip: The charge or hold on your account is temporary. Charges are refunded within 30 days.
Important: The info you upload for this process is used only for identification purposes and is handled following local regulatory requirements. Please note this method isn’t available for YouTube and Google Store purchase verification.
To verify your identity or payment method, find the verification request. To find a list of accepted documents and instructions, use the link in the verification request.
Make sure your documents:
- Use the same full name in all documents that you submit
- Are updated and not expired
- Are legible
Make sure the image that you upload:
- Is an image of a document and nothing else
- Is legible
- Is in color, not black and white
- Doesn’t have blur, glare, or dim light
- Shows all 4 corners of the full document
To redact info from documents:
- To cover sensitive info, draw a dark box.
- For bank statements, redact:
- Full account numbers so that only the last 4 digits are visible.
- Any account balances or transactions. Account balances and transactions aren't required for verification purposes.
Tips:
- Make sure your name, address, and payment info are up to date at payments.google.com.
- After you submit your documents, verification may take a few days.
Fix issues with verification
If you encounter verification problems, complete the troubleshooter or find your issue below.
If you’re asked to verify your payment method, you can complete verification with a temporary hold or charge on your card transaction history or statement. If you have issues with verification codes, follow the guidelines below.
Important: The code may not appear in your transactions right away. Wait a couple of days before you troubleshoot.
To resolve an issue immediately, you can:
- If the option is available, submit documents to verify.
- The upload document method isn't available for YouTube and Google Store purchase verification.
- Use a different form of payment.
For more info, refer to fix issues with payment method verification codes.
- If you receive an email or get an error message, follow the instructions in the message.
- If you have issues when you submit documents, contact support.
- If you need help from our team to help resolve the issue, we’ll contact you after we review your info.
If your verification fails, you'll receive an email after the decision. To appeal the decision, follow the instructions in the email.
Related resources
Need more help?
If you still have issues or any questions, you can ask the community or contact us.