Short answer
Google’s Government Documents and Services policy applies worldwide. Countries appear in it in two ways: as examples of documents in a category (for example ESTA for the United States) and as regional exclusions for specific categories (for example business identifiers in India). So the answer for any country depends on the category. No country is simply exempt or simply “requires certification” across the board.
Key takeaways
- Always ask: which category, which country, which kind of advertiser?
- An example naming a country does not limit the category to that country.
- A regional exclusion applies to the listed category only.
- Authorized providers must target their authorized regions, except for three transnational categories.
How countries appear in the policy
- Examples: Google illustrates categories with national documents, such as DBS checks in the United Kingdom or the NIF/NIE in Spain. These help you recognize a category; they are not a list of the only countries covered.
- Regional exclusions: for some categories Google lists regions where the category is treated as an exclusion. Advertisers apply for certification and select the exclusion; the form asks which excluded region they target.
- Transnational categories: electronic travel visas and authorizations, border entrance travel documents and U.S.-based Trusted Traveler programs are exempt from the geographic targeting rule for authorized providers.
20 countries, category by category
The table shows how Google’s policy page (as reviewed on 7 October 2026) refers to each country. “None listed” means the policy page does not list a regional exclusion for that country. It does not mean the country is outside the policy.
| Country | Mentioned as an example | Listed as a regional exclusion for |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Examples: SSN, EIN, Social Security Card, ESTA/EVUS, U.S.-based Trusted Traveler programs, DV/Green Card lottery | None listed |
| United Kingdom | Examples: enrolled deed poll, CRN, HMRC employer registration, DBS, ULEZ, SORN, VED, Youth Mobility Scheme ballot | License plate numbers |
| Canada | Example: eTA (electronic travel authorization) | Public road access fees and passes; license plate numbers |
| Australia | Examples: Proof of Age Card, ABN | Public road access fees and passes |
| India | Example: ration card (regional identification) | Business identifiers |
| Germany | Example: Führungszeugnis (criminal background check) | Health insurance; vehicle owner registration; license plate numbers |
| France | Examples: carte d’identité, extrait de casier judiciaire, Crit’Air, carte grise | Business identifiers; fishing licenses |
| Italy | — | Driver licenses |
| Belgium | — | Vehicle owner registration; license plate numbers |
| Spain | Examples: NIF/NIE, CIF | Criminal background checks |
| Netherlands | Example: VOG (criminal background check) | None listed |
| Norway | — | Hunting or fishing licenses |
| New Zealand | Example: Community Services Card | None listed |
| Philippines | Example: eTravel Card (border entrance travel document, transnational) | None listed |
| Pakistan | — | Unclaimed tax rebates; license plate numbers |
| Bangladesh | — | Public road access fees and passes |
| Brazil | — | Criminal background checks; public road access fees and passes |
| Colombia | — | Business identifiers; criminal background checks; public road access fees and passes |
| Israel | — | Healthcare; driver licenses; public road access fees and passes |
| Peru | — | Business identifiers; healthcare and health insurance; public road access fees and passes |
What Google says
Other countries also appear in the policy, for example Ireland and Denmark as examples, and Argentina and Taiwan as regional exclusions. Check Google’s current policy page for the full and current list.
Our interpretation
A regional exclusion is specific. For example, Germany is listed for health insurance, vehicle owner registration and license plate numbers, but not for criminal background checks, where the Führungszeugnis is given as an example of a covered document. Advertisers in Germany offering background-check services would not be covered by an exclusion.
Reading the table correctly
- Is my country listed as an exclusion for my category? If yes, the exclusion option may apply to you, and you still apply for certification.
- Not listed? The normal rules apply: government provider, authorized provider or not in scope.
- Transnational category? Authorization is still required, but targeting may extend beyond the authorizing country.
Country guides
Each country in the table links to a detailed, category-specific guide. All 20 guides are listed on our country guides page. For your own situation, use the eligibility checker.
Advertising in several countries?
Frequently asked questions
Does the policy apply in my country?
The policy applies globally. Whether you need certification depends on the category you promote and your role. Exclusions apply to specific categories and regions only.
Can I target several countries with one certification?
Authorized providers must target the regions matching their authorization, except for the three transnational categories. Government providers and exclusions depend on their own scope.
Why are some countries missing?
This overview covers 20 countries we plan to research in depth. Google’s policy names other countries too.
Related guides
- Policy reference: categories and exclusions
- What counts as a government document or service
- Authorized provider requirements
Official sources
Google updates its policies and help pages. We last checked these sources on 7 October 2026. If this article and Google’s documentation differ, Google’s documentation applies.
