Short answer
Only three groups can be certified to advertise covered government documents and services on Google Ads: government providers (federal, state or local governments), authorized providers (non-government organizations explicitly authorized by a government on an official government website), and advertisers covered by a regional or business exclusion that Google lists for a category. All of them must apply for certification.
Key takeaways
- Being a legitimate, registered business is not enough.
- Authorization must be explicit, public and specific to the document or service.
- Exclusions exist only for certain categories and regions or business types.
- Every group goes through Google’s certification form.
Government providers
Google defines government providers as federal, state or local governments. Examples include a national passport office, a state motor vehicle agency or a city council promoting its own permit services. Government providers apply for certification, but Google says they do not need to complete advertiser verification as Step 2. When certified, they do not receive the automatic “Not a government website” disclosure.
Authorized providers
Authorized providers are non-government organizations that a government has authorized to provide a specific document or service. Since 5 October 2026, Google requires that:
- the provider’s domain is linked from an official, publicly accessible government website and explicitly referenced as authorized for that document or service;
- the domain promotes only the authorized document or service;
- ads target only the authorized regions, except for electronic travel visas and authorizations, border entrance travel documents and U.S.-based Trusted Traveler programs.
Typical examples are accredited partners listed in a government-managed directory, or specialists listed on an official regulatory portal. Details: authorized provider requirements.
Regional and business exclusions
For some categories, Google lists regions or business types as exclusions. For example, the driver licenses category lists driving schools, driving lessons and driving training providers as a business exclusion. Other categories list countries as regional exclusions. Advertisers covered by an exclusion still apply for certification and select the exclusion option.
See our policy reference for the categories and exclusions.
Everyone else
Private businesses that help people obtain covered documents, but are not authorized and not covered by an exclusion, generally cannot run ads promoting those services. This includes many “application assistance”, “fast-track” and “form-filling” services. Read certification for private government service providers for realistic options.
Our interpretation
Advertisers who do not promote covered documents or services, such as publishers or consultants, are not a “group” in the policy. If their ads were restricted by mistake, the form’s “not in scope” option is the route to ask Google to reconsider.
Common misconceptions
| Misconception | What the policy says |
|---|---|
| “We are registered with the government, so we are authorized.” | Business registry entries and trade licenses are listed as examples that do not count. |
| “We have a contract with a government supplier.” | Commercial contracts are listed as examples that do not count. |
| “A government blog mentioned us.” | Articles or blog posts, even on government websites, are listed as examples that do not count. |
| “Our account is verified, so we can advertise.” | Advertiser verification confirms identity; it does not grant certification. |
| “We are authorized in one country, so we can target others.” | Targeting must match the authorization, except for three transnational categories. |
Which group does your business belong to?
How Google tells the groups apart
In Google’s certification form, each group selects its own option and supplies different evidence:
| Group | Form option | Key evidence | Search ad disclosure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government provider | Government provider | Government domain(s) | No automatic “Not a government website” disclosure |
| Authorized provider | Authorized, non-government provider | Official government website linking to the domain | “Not a government website” |
| Exclusion | Regional or business exclusion | Category and excluded region or business | “Not a government website” |
Non-government groups also complete advertiser verification, so Google sees the legal identity behind each domain.
Frequently asked questions
Can a travel agency advertise visa services?
Only if it meets the authorized-provider criteria for the specific visa or travel authorization, or another option applies. Electronic travel visas and authorizations are transnational, so the geographic rule is different, but authorization is still required.
Can a law firm advertise immigration advice?
Legal advice is not the same as promoting direct acquisition of a document. If the firm’s ads were restricted, it can use the “not in scope” option, as long as it does not offer to obtain documents.
Related guides
- Google Ads government documents and services verification (main guide)
- Which certification option fits you
- Google Ads government certification
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.
