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
- Eligible category (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, locksmith, etc.).
- Valid business license.
- General liability insurance ($1M+).
- Background checks on owner and field staff.
- Physical service area.
- 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 auditKeep reading
Google Local Service Ads: Complete 2026 Guide
Everything local service businesses need to know about Google Local Service Ads (LSA) in 2026: how they work, real costs, the Google Guaranteed badge.
How to Rank in the Google Map Pack (Top 3) in 2026
Step-by-step guide to ranking your business in Google's Top 3 Map Pack: GMB optimization, reviews, citations, on-page local SEO.