Utility Bill Requirements for GBP Reinstatement
When Google suspends your profile, a utility bill is often the most critical documentation needed. But it must meet specific requirements many businesses get wrong.
Why Google Requires Utility Bills
Utility bills prove:
- Business legitimately operates at listed address
- Ongoing operational presence
- Billing name matches business registration
- Authority to operate at that location
What Qualifies as Valid Utility Bill
Accepted types:
- Electric bill
- Gas bill
- Water bill
- Internet/cable bill
- Landline phone bill
Critical Requirements
Your utility bill MUST meet ALL criteria:
1. Business Name Match Exact legal business name as registered with state/local government.
2. Address Match Billing address must exactly match GBP address (street, suite, city, state, ZIP).
3. Recent Date From last 3 months. Older bills rejected.
4. Clear and Legible High-quality photo or scan where all information is readable.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Bill in property owner's name, not business Solution: Contact utility provider to change bill to business name with business license and property owner authorization.
Problem: Operating from home, utility in personal name Solution: Add business name to utility account or provide additional documentation (business license + home-based business authorization + lease/mortgage).
Problem: Virtual office or coworking space Solution: Virtual offices typically can't provide bills in your name - a major suspension cause. Need legitimate address with utilities in your name.
Problem: Recently moved Solution: Transfer utilities to business name immediately, wait for first bill (30-45 days) before requesting reinstatement.
How to Submit Utility Bill
- Take clear photo or scan of entire bill
- Ensure all four corners visible
- Good lighting, readable text
- Save as high-resolution PDF or JPEG
- Upload through reinstatement form
- State explicitly in explanation: "Utility bill in business name attached"
Alternative Documentation
If no utility bill possible, Google may accept:
- Business license for that address
- Lease agreement in business name
- Property tax bill in business name
- Business insurance policy
However, utility bill is always best option.
FAQ
Q: Can I use home utility bill for home-based business? A: Only if in business name or with substantial additional documentation.
Q: What if I just changed business name? A: Update utility to new name first, or provide name change documentation.
Q: Can I edit the utility bill? A: Never. Google detects edited documents. Falsified documentation = permanent suspension.
Run our diagnostic tool to check documentation readiness.