If you’ve found a verified Google Business Profile for your business but no longer have access to it, perhaps a previous staff member verified it, or login details have been lost, you’ll need to request ownership of the verified profile to manage it moving forward.
Do Not: Attempt to create a new listing. This will result in a duplicate, which is likely to be suspended.
You Must: Follow the ownership request process before you can contact Google Business Profile support or appeal a denial.
Top Tip: Use a domain email with Owner attached to the websites connected Google Search Console.
Requesting Ownership of a Google Business Profile
I am going to provide two options for requesting / claiming ownership:
- For the normal business user
- More technical and agency user
Everyday Business User (Non Technical)
For Storefront or Hybrid Businesses
- Go to: business.google.com/create
- Begin typing your business name.
- Select your business from the drop-down list. Do not select “Create a business with this name.”
- If the listing is already verified, you’ll see a message: “Someone else manages this business on Google.”
- Click Request Access.
- Complete the form, including:
Level of access requested (Owner)
Your relationship to the business
Contact name and number
Tick the box to share your details with the current owner - Click Submit.
Technical / Agency Business User
- Grab this URL string: https://business.google.com/arc/p/
- Then using your proffered GBP tool, get the profiles Place ID
- Place ID Example: ChIJZxB9g4Gcd0gRpjP7WrFT_g0
- Combine URL String and Place ID
- https://business.google.com/arc/p/ChIJZxB9g4Gcd0gRpjP7WrFT_g0
Once submitted, the current owner receives an email almost immediately. They will have the option to:
- Grant ownership
- Add you as a manager
- Reject the request
If they approve, you’ll be notified, and ownership is transferred. If they reject the request, you’ll also be notified. If there’s no response after 3–7 days, Google may allow you to verify the profile yourself.
Top Tip: Use the Google account connected to your business’s website via Google Analytics or Google Search Console when making the request. This increases the likelihood of a successful transfer, especially if the current owner is inactive.
What Happens If There’s No Response
If the current owner doesn’t respond after three days, Google allows you to check your request status via the confirmation email.
- If no response after 7 days, you may see an “Appeal Now” link.
- If Google can verify your account through Analytics or Search Console, they may unverify the inactive owner and allow you to verify the profile again yourself.
- Inactive owners (often seen by Google as bouncing emails or outdated contact details) will typically be unverifiable, and their access will be removed.
Google takes care to ensure the right owner manages the profile, and will attempt multiple follow-ups before initiating a forced transfer.
Requesting Ownership of a Service Area Business (SAB)
Everyday Business User (Non Technical)
The process differs slightly for SABs (no physical address shown):
- Go to: business.google.com/create
- Enter business name and details exactly as listed.
- Proceed to verification (typically via postcard).
- Once verified, you’ll see a conflict message: “This listing is already owned.”
- Click to request access and fill in the request form as above.
Technical / Agency Business User
- Grab this URL string: https://business.google.com/arc/p/
- Then using your proffered GBP tool, get the profiles Place ID
- Place ID Example: ChIJZxB9g4Gcd0gRpjP7WrFT_g0
- Combine URL String and Place ID
- https://business.google.com/arc/p/ChIJZxB9g4Gcd0gRpjP7WrFT_g0
Once submitted, the process follows the same path as a storefront business.
Top Tip: Claiming a SAB using a Google account connected to the business’s Google Search Console can significantly improve your success rate.
Bulk-Verified Accounts
If you’re managing multiple locations under a bulk-verified account, upload the spreadsheet and select the location in question.
If you see a conflict message, you’ll also be able to request access from the current owner. They will receive a notification to approve or reject the request.
After Ownership Transfer
Once approved, a 7-day hold is applied to new owners or managers. During this period, they won’t be able to:
- Remove other managers or transfer ownership
- Transfer primary ownership
- Delete or undelete the profile
This holding period is in place to protect against abuse or accidental mismanagement.
Get Your Ownership Done
Claiming ownership of a verified Google Business Profile ensures that your business’s most visible online listing is accurate, accessible, and secure. Always use your connected business email where possible and avoid duplicate creations.
If you need support or the ownership process stalls, Google Business Support is the best route for escalation.
Online Ownership provides a business profile consultation service, feel free to drop us a line to see if we can help.
Related Articles
- Google Business Profile Account Management for Owners and Managers
- How to Transfer Ownership of a Google Business Page
- Google Business Profile Suspension Appeal Denied – Here’s Why
- Unverified and Soft-Suspended Google Business Profiles Can Still Rank!
- Verification Help via Status Tool for Google Business Profiles
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