In July of 2023, Google announced new verification requirements for Google Play developer accounts. These requirements are designed to enhance trust and transparency for end users, so users can be certain that apps are indeed being offered by the developer named on the Google Play listing. 

Below, we break down everything you need to know about the associated timelines and practical steps to take to ensure your own developer account is verified officially by Google Play — which hopefully makes your future Play Store app publishing increasingly seamless.

Key takeaways

• All developers must provide and verify a developer email address that will be shown on Google Play.
• Organizations must provide and verify a developer phone number that will be shown on Google Play.
• New developers may be required to verify ownership of their website. Other developers can optionally provide and verify a website to help Google verify your identity, which Google recommends you do to help them keep the Play Store safe.

Google Play developer account verification: A timeline

Below is a timeline of important dates that app developers should be aware of, all a part of Google’s developer account verification process:

July 12, 2023: Google Play Console updates its policy regarding new account verification requirements. The policy now states that new developer accounts require additional verifications before they can be used to publish apps in the Google Play Store. 

November 8, 2023 to February 29, 2024: Developers that are required to complete Play Console verifications are able to choose a preferred date/deadline to do so.

May 2024 to February 2025: Developers can now complete verification in the Play Console 60 days before their preferred deadlines, and prevent their profile and apps being removed from Google Play.

What information does Google require to verify your organization developer account?

Here are the key pieces that Google needs you to provide for your organization’s developer account verification:

• Your organization’s legal name and address (also required for personal accounts)
• A D-U-N-S number — a 9-digit unique ID that you create through Dun & Bradstreet (specifically for organizations). 
• A contact phone number and email address for Google Play users to contact you 
• A contact phone number and email address for Google itself to contact you (also required for personal accounts)
• An official document (like a?) that verifies your identity (also required for personal accounts)
• An official document that verifies your organization

Note: Official documents must be issued by a trustworthy authority (i.e. the government, tax authorities, a chamber of commerce, business registries, and more). And, remember that developer account verification will fail if submitted with unofficial or unsupported documents.

8 simple steps to verify your Google Play Console developer account

Follow the comprehensive steps below to verify your Google Play Console developer account before your deadline:

1. Access the Play Console Home page.
2. Navigate the Home page until you are prompted to begin the verification process. Then, select ‘Get Started.’
3. On the next screen, you’ll find a listing of sections that need to be completed. These are:some text
   • Confirm your account type
   • Link a payments profile
   • Provide account information
   • Provide contact details

Begin the completion process by selecting ‘Start.’

4. Select your account type — a choice between ‘Organization account’ and ‘Personal account.’ Remember that this selection cannot be changed in the future. Once you choose your account type, select ‘Next.’
5. Select or create a payments profile. As mentioned above, organization-level accounts must include a D-U-N-S number. 
6. Confirm that the payment profile details are accurate, and then select ‘Next.’
7. Enter your public contact information alongside any other information that will be displayed on your screen (via Play Console), then select ‘Next.’
8. Review the accuracy of your profile information, and select ‘Confirm and save.’

Note: Sometimes identity verification may be required in the final step. So, be sure to provide a valid government-issued ID and supporting documentation to successfully complete the verification stage.

Post-verification: What happens next?

After submitting, be prepared to wait, as verification may take a few days. When complete, you will receive an email notification indicating your account has been successfully verified.

Have more questions about navigating Google Play? Check our documentation, or get in touch with a Median expert here.

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