Complete Documentation Checklist for GBP Reinstatement

Successfully reinstating a suspended Google Business Profile (GBP) requires submitting proper documentation that proves your business exists and operates legitimately at the claimed address. This checklist covers all required documents based on your business type.

Universal Requirements (All Businesses)

Business License or Registration:

• Current and valid (not expired).
• Must show your legal business name exactly as registered with your state/country.
• Should include your business address if possible.

Utility Bill:

• Must be recent (within 90 days).
• Must show your business name and address exactly as listed on your GBP.
• Acceptable utilities: electricity, gas, water, internet, landline phone.
• Not acceptable: mobile phone bills, PO Box addresses.

Government-Issued ID:

• Driver's license or passport of the business owner or authorized representative.
• Used to verify identity during video verification (if required).

Storefront Businesses

Photos of Physical Location:

• Exterior photo showing clear, visible signage with your business name.
• Interior photos showing your business operations.
• Photos should be recent and clearly identifiable.

Lease Agreement or Property Deed:

• If you don't own the property, provide a current lease agreement showing your business name.
• If you own the property, provide a copy of the deed or mortgage statement.

Signage Requirements:

• Your business name must be prominently displayed on exterior signage.
• Signage must be visible from the street or parking area.
• Temporary or paper signs are not acceptable.

Service Area Businesses (SAB)

Proof of Business Operations:

• Business license or registration (required).
• Vehicle registration showing your business name (if branded vehicle).
• Photos of branded work vehicle with business name/logo.
• Insurance certificate (general liability or professional liability).

Service Area Documentation:

• Utility bill at your business address (even if hidden on GBP).
• Proof that you operate from the listed address (home-based is acceptable if legally permitted).

Operating Agreement or DBA:

• If operating under a different name than your legal name, provide DBA (Doing Business As) registration.

Professional Services (Licensed)

Professional License:

• Medical license (doctors, dentists, therapists).
• Legal license (lawyers, attorneys).
• Contractor license (plumbers, electricians, HVAC).
• Real estate license (agents, brokers).
• Any other industry-specific licensing or certification.

Malpractice or Professional Liability Insurance:

• Current certificate of insurance showing coverage.

Home-Based Businesses

Proof of Legal Operation:

• Home occupation permit (if required in your area).
• Business license showing your home address.
• Utility bill in your name at the home address.

Zoning Compliance:

• Documentation showing home-based business is legally permitted in your area.
• Some municipalities require specific permits for home-based businesses.

Multi-Location Businesses

Headquarters Documentation:

• Corporate registration documents.
• Proof of authority to manage GBP listings (if submitting on behalf of locations).

Location-Specific Documents:

• Separate utility bills for each location.
• Separate photos of signage for each location.
• Individual business licenses if required by local jurisdiction.

High-Risk Categories

Additional Scrutiny for:

• Locksmiths: State locksmith license, bonding certificate.
• Bail bonds: State bail bond license, surety company affiliation.
• Dispensaries: State cannabis license, local permits.
• Pharmacies: Pharmacy license, DEA registration.

Extra Documentation:

• Proof of insurance specific to your industry.
• Industry association memberships.
• State or federal certifications.

Document Submission Best Practices

File Formats:

• PDF preferred for text documents.
• JPEG or PNG for photos.
• Keep file sizes under 5MB per document.

Quality Requirements:

• Documents must be clear and legible.
• No blurry photos or hard-to-read text.
• Ensure all text is visible and not cut off.

Naming Conventions:

• Use descriptive file names: "ABC_Plumbing_Business_License.pdf"
• Avoid generic names like "document1.pdf"

Common Documentation Mistakes

Mismatched Names:

• Business license shows "ABC Services LLC" but GBP lists "ABC Services"
• Utility bill is in owner's personal name, not business name.

Expired Documents:

• Business license expired 6 months ago.
• Outdated photos showing old signage or previous business.

Wrong Address:

• Documents show a different address than what's on GBP.
• Utility bill is for a different location.

Insufficient Proof:

• Only submitting one document when multiple are required.
• Photos don't clearly show business name or signage.

Submission Process

1. Organize Your Documents:

• Create a folder with all required documents clearly labeled.
• Review each document for accuracy and clarity.

2. Submit Through Proper Channel:

• Use the Google Business Profile Help form for reinstatement requests.
• Attach all documents in a single submission if possible.
• Provide a brief, professional explanation of what was corrected.

3. Follow Up:

• Save confirmation emails or ticket numbers.
• Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
• Be patient—reviews can take 3-14 business days.

After Reinstatement

Maintain Documentation:

• Keep digital copies of all documents for future reference.
• Update documentation when you renew licenses or move locations.
• Take new photos annually to keep records current.

Having complete, accurate documentation ready before submitting your reinstatement request dramatically increases your chances of approval and speeds up the process.