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Google Guaranteed Badge: Cost & Requirements 2026

Everything you need to know about the Google Guaranteed badge in 2026: what it costs, how to qualify, how long verification takes.

What is the Google Guaranteed badge?

A green checkmark next to your business name in Google Local Service Ads. It tells searchers that Google has verified your license, insurance, and background — and that Google reimburses customers up to $2,000 if they're unhappy.

How much does it cost?

No fee for the badge itself. You pay per lead through LSA ($6–$130 by industry).

Requirements

  1. Eligible category (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, locksmith, etc.).
  2. Valid business license.
  3. General liability insurance ($1M+).
  4. Background checks on owner and field staff.
  5. Physical service area.
  6. Claimed Google Business Profile.

How long does verification take?

Most businesses: 2–5 weeks. Background checks are the bottleneck.

Why some businesses get rejected

  • Expired license or name mismatch.
  • Insurance below state minimum.
  • Owner has a recent felony.
  • Category not yet eligible in your market.

Is it worth it?

Yes — the badge alone typically lifts conversion by 50–100%. Get started here.

Need help putting this into practice?

Get a free LSA + GMB audit from Kectick. No pitch, just clarity.

Request my free audit

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