Change your address directly in Google Business Profile

The fastest way to change your business address on Google is through Google Business Profile, the tool Google uses to display your business information in Search and Maps. You do not need to contact Google — you update it yourself, and the change usually appears within a few days.

Go to google.com/business and sign in with the Google account linked to your business. Search for your business name. If you manage multiple locations, select the one you want to update. Click the address field under "Location" on the left side of the screen, then click the pencil icon to edit. Type your new address and click "Apply."

Google will ask you to verify the change. Most of the time, you can verify immediately by clicking a link in an email Google sends you. Some businesses receive a postcard in the mail instead — this takes one to two weeks. Once verified, your new address appears on Google Search and Google Maps.

Key Takeaways

  • You update your address in Google Business Profile, not by contacting Google directly, and changes usually show within a few days after verification.
  • Google sends a verification email to the account owner; click the link in that email to confirm the address change immediately.
  • If you do not have access to the email account linked to your business profile, you will need to regain access or transfer ownership before you can change the address.
  • If your business moved but you kept the same phone number, update the address first, then check that your phone number and website are still correct.
  • Duplicate business listings on Google can cause confusion; if you find duplicates, you can merge them or mark the old one as permanently closed.

What happens if you do not own the business profile

If someone else created the Google Business Profile for your company, you may not have permission to edit it. You can request ownership by going to the business profile, clicking the three-dot menu, and selecting "Claim this business." Google will send a verification code to the email address you provide.

If the original owner does not respond or is unreachable, you can still request ownership by verifying that you work for the business. Google may ask for a business license, tax ID, or other proof. This process takes longer than a standard verification — sometimes one to two weeks.

Handling duplicate listings when you move

When you change your address, Google sometimes creates a duplicate listing for your old location. Check Google Maps by searching your business name and looking for multiple results. If you see duplicates, open each one and look for a three-dot menu. Select "Suggest an edit" and then "This business has closed" or "This is a duplicate of another business."

You can also merge listings if you own both profiles. In Google Business Profile, go to the location with the old address, click the menu, and select "Merge locations." Choose the correct current location to merge into. This keeps your review history and prevents customers from finding outdated information.

Updating related information at the same time

When you move, check that your phone number, website, hours, and service area are still correct in your profile. Customers often rely on this information to contact you or find you on Maps. If your business moved but your phone number stayed the same, you do not need to change it — just update the address.

If you moved to a different city or region and your service area changed, update that too. In Google Business Profile, click "Service area" and adjust the radius or list of cities you serve. This prevents customers in areas you no longer serve from finding your business.

What to do if Google asks for verification by postcard

If Google sends a postcard instead of an email verification, it arrives at the address you listed. The postcard contains a verification code you enter into Google Business Profile. This usually takes one to two weeks from when Google mails it.

If you moved to a new address and the postcard goes to your old location, you may not receive it. Before you change your address, make sure the email account linked to your profile is one you can access. If it is not, update the email address first, then change the business address. This way, Google can send the verification email to an inbox you monitor.

Changing your address on Google if you use a PO box or virtual office

Google does not allow PO boxes or virtual office addresses as your primary business address unless your business is actually located there. If you use a mailbox service, Google may reject the address or mark your listing as unverified. If your business operates from a virtual office or coworking space, you can use that address as long as you actually work there.

If you need to use a mailing address that is different from your physical location, add it in the "Service area" section instead of the main address field. This tells customers where you physically operate while keeping your mailing address separate.

Troubleshooting when your address change does not appear

If you changed your address in Google Business Profile but it still shows the old one after a week, the change may not have been verified. Log back into your profile and check the "Location" section — if it shows a yellow warning icon, verification is still pending. Check your email (including spam) for a verification message from Google.

If you cannot find a verification email, click the address field again and select "Verify now" or "Send verification email again." If Google is asking for a postcard verification and you have moved, contact Google Business Profile support through the help menu in your profile. Explain that you moved and cannot receive mail at the old address, and ask if they can send the postcard to your new location instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my new address to show on Google Maps?

After you verify the address change, it usually appears on Google Maps within a few days. Sometimes it takes up to a week. If it has been longer than a week and your profile shows the old address, check that verification was completed — look for any warning icons in your Google Business Profile.

Can I change my address without verifying it?

No. Google requires verification before the new address appears publicly. You can enter the new address in your profile immediately, but it will not show to customers until you verify it by clicking the email link or entering the postcard code.

What if my business moved but I want to keep the old address showing?

You should not do this. Showing an old address confuses customers and can result in your profile being suspended or removed. If you moved, update your address. If you still use the old location for something (like mail delivery), you can add that information in the business description instead.

Do I need to update my address on other sites when I change it on Google?

Yes. Changing your address on Google Business Profile does not automatically update it on your website, social media, Yelp, Apple Maps, or other directories. You should update your address everywhere customers might find you to avoid confusion.

What happens to my reviews and rating when I change my address?

Your reviews and rating stay with your business profile when you change the address. They do not disappear or reset. This is why it is important to update your address rather than create a new profile — a new profile starts with zero reviews.