Who actually needs Google Ads Advanced Verification?
Google lists it for garage door services in the United States and locksmith services in the United States and Canada, across both Google Ads and Local Services. Its restricted-business policy says the same thing from the other direction: ads for locksmith and garage door repair services are restricted in the US, and to advertise you must apply for advanced verification.
What happens to my ads until it clears?
They do not run. That is the whole reason this page exists: a locksmith or garage door advertiser can have a perfect account, a good budget and a fast site, and still serve nothing until verification is granted. Build the campaigns by all means, but plan the launch date around the check.
What does Google actually look at?
A review of your Google Ads account where there is one, publicly available data such as state registrations and professional licences, and video interviews conducted by Google. At company level it checks business registration validity and evidence of unauthorised or misleading practices, and at owner level it checks professional licence validity where one applies.
Is there really a video interview?
Yes. Google says you must agree to participate in a video interview and to have that video recorded. Treat it as the main event rather than a formality, because the answers are checked against your documents and your website.
Does it expire?
Google may ask you to re-verify once every 12 months, and may ask sooner if something significant changes, such as moving locations or changing websites. Worth remembering before a rebrand or a new domain.
Can I advertise a price like a $29 service call?
Not in a text ad. Google states that service call fees and minimum or starting prices must not be included in any text ads, and that discounts and coupons must not appear in text ads promoting emergency or repair services. Prices shown anywhere have to include all applicable fees and taxes, and variable services need a genuine range.
What do you charge to help with it?
A flat $1,000, split $500 up front and $500 once the verification has passed. If it does not pass, the second $500 is not due. That covers the account and site review, preparing the application and the documents, fixing the policy problems on the site, and getting you ready for the recorded interview.
Can you guarantee I get verified?
No. Google decides, and anyone promising otherwise is selling something they do not control. What we can do is remove the reasons applications get refused, make sure your paperwork and your website agree with each other, and prepare you properly for the interview.