Government Certification

A practical walkthrough of Google’s certification application form: what each option asks for, how to describe your business and what to attach.

A decision guide to the four certification options, with examples of who qualifies, who does not and what to do if none of the options fit.

A step-by-step timeline of the certification process, from preparation to Google’s decision, with typical review times and what to do at each stage.

The requirements depend on the certification option you choose. This guide lists what Google asks for in each option, what changed in October 2026 and what is often missed.

“GODOS certification” is an informal shorthand for Google Ads certification under the Government Documents and Services policy. Here is what the term refers to and what it does not mean.