Google Business Profiles appears to be testing a new way for businesses to verify their profiles. The new option allows business owners to submit a photo of their business location for verification.

If widely launched, this could become another useful verification method for businesses trying to prove that their location is real and that they are authorized to manage the Google Business Profile.

Google already offers several other methods for verification, including phone or text, email, live video calls, and postcards sent through the mail.

Now, some users are seeing a new option called “Submit a business photo.”

Google Tests Business Photo Verification

The new Google Business Profile verification option was spotted by Ben Fisher, who shared the update on LinkedIn.

Fisher wrote:

“We’re now seeing ‘Submit a business photo’ appear as a verification option.”

He also said:

“This could be a pretty significant change in Google Business Profile verification.”

The new option suggests that eligible businesses may be able to verify their location by uploading a photo instead of completing a video call or waiting for a verification postcard.

Here is a screenshot showing the new option:

Google Business Profiles Business Photo Verification

However, Google has not officially announced a full rollout of this verification method yet.

Google Has Not Added Photo Verification to Its Documentation

At the moment, Google has not updated its official documentation with this option.

Google’s current help documentation says that verification methods are automatically selected based on factors such as the business type, public information, location, and business hours. Businesses cannot manually choose every verification method they want.

The current documentation still lists verification options such as:

Phone or text
Email
Live video call
Postcard through the mail

Because the new business photo option is not currently listed in Google’s documentation, it may still be a limited test or an early rollout.

This also means that not every Google Business Profile owner should expect to see the option immediately.

How Could Business Photo Verification Work?

Initially, it was unclear exactly what type of photo Google would require.

For example, business owners may have wondered if they needed to photograph:

The outside of the business
The inside of the business
Business signage
Products or equipment
The complete storefront

The process appeared likely to follow some of the same ideas already used in Google’s video verification process.

Google currently asks businesses using live video verification to prove their location, business activity, and connection to the company.

However, more information has now appeared about the photo verification requirements.

What Photo Does Google Require?

According to an update shared by Ben Fisher, Google asks businesses to show two important things in the verification photo.

1. Show the Business Name on a Permanent Fixture

The business name should be clearly visible on something permanent.

For example, this could include:

A permanent business sign
Store signage
A fixed signboard
Branding attached to the building

This can help Google confirm that the business name connected with the Google Business Profile actually appears at the physical location.

2. Show the Entire Storefront in One Frame

Google also asks users to include the entire storefront in a single photo.

This is important because a close-up photo of only the business name may not provide enough information about the actual location.

Showing the complete storefront may help Google understand that the business has a genuine physical presence at the listed address.

Here is the screenshot showing the reported photo requirements:

How Is This Different From Video Verification?

Google’s existing live video verification process requires businesses to show several types of information during a video call.

For example, Google may ask users to show the following.

Your Current Location

Businesses may need to show:

Outside signs
Nearby businesses
Street signs
Other details confirming the location

These signals help Google confirm that the person completing verification is physically present at the listed business location.

Your Business or Equipment

Google may also ask businesses to show:

Products
Branded equipment
Marketing materials
Tools used to serve customers

This helps demonstrate that the business is actually operating at the location.

Proof You Manage the Business

Businesses may also need to prove that they are authorized to manage the location.

This could include showing access to:

Employee-only areas
Cash registers
Kitchens
Storage areas
Non-sensitive business documents

Business owners may also be able to show keys that open the business location.

The new photo verification method appears much simpler because it may only require specific visual evidence in a single image.

Why Could Photo Verification Be Important?

Google Business Profile verification has sometimes been difficult for businesses, especially when their available verification options are limited.

For example, waiting for a postcard can take time. Google says postcard verification codes can take up to 14 days to arrive, and the codes expire after 30 days.

Live video verification can also require the business owner or manager to be physically present at the location and available during the verification process.

A photo-based option could potentially make verification faster and easier for some businesses.

Instead of scheduling a video call or waiting for mail, an eligible business may simply need to capture the required photo and submit it to Google.

It Could Also Help Google Fight Fake Business Profiles

Google Business Profile verification exists partly to confirm that businesses are real and that the person managing the listing has the right to do so.

Google requires verification before businesses can fully manage their information and interact with customers through their profiles.

Requiring a photo showing permanent signage and the complete storefront could give Google additional visual evidence about the business.

For example, Google may be able to compare:

The business name
Storefront appearance
Business address
Existing Street View information
Other public business information

This could potentially make it harder to verify fake storefronts or businesses using locations where they do not actually operate. However, Google has not publicly explained exactly how uploaded photos will be reviewed.

Not Every Business May Get the Option

Business owners should also remember that Google controls which verification methods appear for each profile. According to Google’s help documentation, available verification methods depend on several factors, including:

Business type
Public information
Region
Business hours

Google may also require more than one verification method in some situations. Therefore, even if photo verification becomes more widely available, businesses may not be able to manually select it.

The option will likely appear only when Google’s system determines that the business is eligible.

What Should Businesses Do If They See “Submit a Business Photo”?

If the new option appears while verifying your Google Business Profile, carefully follow the instructions shown on the screen.

Based on the information currently available, businesses should make sure the photo clearly shows:

The business name
Permanent signage
The complete storefront
The surrounding physical location where possible

The photo should also be clear enough for Google to understand what it is reviewing.

Avoid submitting photos that are:

Blurry
Too dark
Closely cropped
Missing the business sign
Showing only part of the storefront

It is also a good idea to make sure the business information on your Google Business Profile matches what customers can see at the actual location.

Google Business Profile Verification Is Still Automatically Selected

One important point remains unchanged. Businesses generally cannot decide which verification option Google gives them.

Google states that verification methods are automatically determined and businesses should use the options available on their individual Business Profile. Therefore, business owners should not worry if they do not currently see the new photo option.

It may only be available to a limited number of profiles while Google tests the feature.

What Happens After Verification?

After a business completes its verification steps, Google reviews the submitted information.

Google says the review process can take up to five business days, although some profiles may be verified immediately in certain situations. Once verification is complete, the business receives confirmation and can manage its Business Profile.

This allows businesses to keep their information accurate and manage how their company appears across Google Search and Google Maps.

Final Thoughts

Google Business Profiles appears to be testing a new “Submit a business photo” verification option, giving some businesses another possible way to verify their physical location.

The reported requirements are fairly simple. Businesses need to show their business name on a permanent fixture, such as a signboard, and capture the entire storefront in one frame.

If Google expands this feature, it could make verification easier for businesses that currently need to complete a live video call or wait for a postcard.

However, the feature has not yet been added to Google’s official verification documentation. Because of this, it should still be considered a test or limited rollout for now.

Businesses should continue using the verification options provided directly inside their Google Business Profile and watch for the new photo option to appear.

Forum discussion at LinkedIn.