Can I Use My Home Address for My Business?

Operating from home is common, but using residential addresses on GBP has strict guidelines. Get these wrong and face suspension.

Home Address Rules: The Basics

Key distinction is customer interaction:

• If customers visit your home location: May show address (with requirements)
• If you travel to customers' locations: Must hide address as SAB

When Home Addresses Are Allowed

You can show your home address if:

• Customers legitimately visit your home for business
• You have proper business signage visible from street
• Local zoning permits business operations
• You can provide proof during verification

Examples: home consultants, tutors, home salons, home-based retail where customers visit.

When Home Addresses Must Be Hidden

Hide your address if:

• You travel to customers' locations
• Customers never visit your home
• You work primarily remotely or online
• Administrative tasks only at home

In these cases: Register as SAB, use home address only for verification (hidden from public), define service areas.

Signage Requirements for Home Businesses

If showing home address:

• Visible from street or entrance
• Matches GBP name exactly
• Permanent (not temporary or handwritten)
• Professional and legible

Without proper signage, suspensions occur even with legitimate addresses.

Zoning and Legal Compliance

• Ensure compliance with local zoning ordinances
• Obtain necessary business licenses and home occupation permits
• Google may request proof during verification or appeals

Privacy Concerns

Showing home address means:

• Address becomes publicly searchable
• Risk of unexpected visitors
• Personal safety considerations

If privacy matters, operate as SAB or find commercial space.

FAQ

Q: Can I use home address if customers only visit occasionally? A: If visits are rare, operate as SAB with hidden address. Visible addresses are for businesses where in-person interaction is primary.

Q: Do I need business signage at home? A: Yes, if showing address publicly. Signage proves legitimate customer-facing operations.

Q: Can I use my apartment address? A: Yes, if you serve customers there and have landlord permission. Expect extra scrutiny.

Use our diagnostic tool to check if you're compliant.