To get on Google Maps, create a Google Business Profile at business.google.com/add (or claim the listing that may already exist on Maps) and complete verification. Google’s help center says adding or claiming a business is free. Until you verify, the profile is not fully under your control.
A Business Profile is the card that shows your address, hours, phone, photos and reviews when someone searches for your kind of business on Google Search or Maps. This guide follows Google’s help pages as of October 2026. Once you are verified, the next step is reviews: see How to Get Google Reviews for Your Local Business.
What do you need before you start?
You need a Google Account (any email address works) and a correct business address. Google asks that the address meet its address guidelines, and that is where many requests get stuck. Keep your business phone handy too, since it can be used for verification.
How do you create a new profile?
Use this path when your business does not show up on Search or Maps:
- Go to business.google.com/add.
- Click “Add your business to Google”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add your business details.
- Select a verification option and complete the steps.
What if your business is already on Maps?
Many businesses already have a listing created by Google or by customers. Claim it instead of creating a duplicate. On a computer:
- Open Google Maps and search for your business name and city.
- Select “Claim this business”, then “Manage now”.
- Pick a verification option and follow the instructions.
On a phone, open the Google Maps app, search for the business, tap “About”, then “Claim this business” and “Manage now”. If someone else has already verified the profile and you are authorized to manage the business, Google says you can request ownership from the current owner.
What are the verification methods?
Google decides which methods you see, based on business type, public information, region and business hours. According to the help page, you cannot choose or change the method, and sometimes you need more than one. The possible ones:
- Phone or text: you must be able to answer the business phone or read its texts. Automated phone menus (IVR) cannot receive the code.
- Email: the address is shown on the verification screen, and you follow the instructions sent to it.
- Live video call: only during business hours and while you are at the location. You show your location (an outside sign or street sign), your business or equipment, and something that proves you manage it, such as a cash register.
- Postcard: most codes arrive within 14 days, and the code expires after 30 days.
- Instant verification: in some cases, verifying your website with Search Console verifies the profile right away.
How long does it take?
After you finish the steps, Google reviews your information for up to 5 business days, and rarely longer. If you use a postcard, add mail time. In our view, if video or phone is offered, take it: it avoids waiting on the mail.
What makes verification fail?
- Editing details while you wait for the postcard. Changing your name, address or category after requesting a code makes the code invalid.
- Requesting a second code. The new one cancels the first and can slow things down.
- Sharing the code. Google will never ask for it. Anyone who does is trying to take over your profile.
- Using an IVR phone line. The code will not get through.
- An address outside the guidelines. Check it before you submit.
If the “Get verified” button comes back, verification was not completed. Try again or use another method. If Google asks for more information, it is usually after recent changes to your business details, and you redo verification with what it requests.
What should you do once verified?
You get a confirmation email and can add owners and managers. Fill in hours, photos and a description, and start asking for reviews. If you later want to advertise on Google, read Google Ads Channel Prioritization and Budget Caps Explained first. A verified profile is the starting point, and where you rank on Maps depends on other factors.
Who is this not for?
Businesses that do not serve customers at a location, or that have no address that follows Google’s rules. If you only sell online, a different route usually fits better, such as Google’s free product listings.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to be on Google Maps?
No. Google’s help page says adding or claiming a business is free.
How long until my business shows up?
It depends on verification. Postcards usually arrive within 14 days, and Google’s review takes up to 5 business days after you finish the steps.
Can I choose the verification method?
No. Google decides which methods are available, and you pick among the ones shown.
What if my postcard code expires?
Codes are valid for 30 days. After that, go back to your profile and request verification again, without changing your name, address or category while you wait.
