Short answer
You apply through Google’s “Government documents and services: Apply for certification” form. You choose one of four options, then provide the domains used in your ads, option-specific details, your Google Ads customer ID and contact details, and attach your documentation. Google asks for one request per domain and says it will inform you of the outcome within 10 business days.
Key takeaways
- Choose the option first; the form shows different questions for each one.
- Authorized providers must enter the official government website that links to their domain.
- The “not in scope” option requires a rationale and a warranty.
- Prepare one complete request per domain. Do not resubmit duplicates.
Before you open the form
- Your Google Ads customer ID (the 10-digit number at the top of your account).
- The exact domain(s) used in your ads’ final URLs.
- The covered category of document or service you promote. See the category list.
- Your evidence: for authorized providers, the URL of the government page; for exclusions, the excluded region or business.
- Files to attach, as PDF or image files.
Choosing your certification option
The form lists four options, shown here in Google’s order:
- “I qualify as a government provider”
- “I qualify as an authorized, non-government provider”
- “I qualify for a regional or business exclusion”
- “I believe my ads should not be in scope of this policy, as I am not promoting government documents and services”
If you are unsure, read certification eligibility first. Choosing the wrong option is a common reason for rejection.
Fields for each option
Government provider
Enter the government domain(s) you will use. Use the official government domain, not a campaign microsite on a commercial domain.
Authorized non-government provider
Enter the authorized domain(s) and the official government website from which your domain is linked and explicitly referenced as authorized. Give the deep URL of the page that names you, not just the government homepage.
Practical recommendation
Open the government page in a private browser window before you submit. Check that it is publicly accessible, that it links to the exact domain in your ads, and that it names the specific document or service you promote.
Regional or business exclusion
Enter the domain, select the category of document or service, and state the excluded region you target or your excluded business type. Only categories with exclusions in Google’s policy can use this option.
Not in scope
Enter the domain(s) whose ads were disapproved and describe your business and why you target keywords related to government documents or services. You must also confirm a warranty that no ad you place will promote government documents and services.
Our interpretation
A good rationale explains what you actually sell and why the keyword overlap exists. For example, an immigration law firm offering paid legal advice might explain that it gives advice and does not submit, process or sell official applications. Keep it factual and short.
Account and contact fields
The form asks for a contact name, the end customer company name, the login email, a contact email, your Google Ads customer ID and optional CC addresses. Agencies applying for a client should enter the client’s legal company name as the end customer.
Attaching documentation
The form asks you to attach a copy of your documentation but does not list specific documents. Attach what proves the option you chose. In our view, a clear, labeled set of files is easier to review:
| Option | Useful evidence (our recommendation) |
|---|---|
| Government provider | Official letter or page confirming the body’s ownership of the domain |
| Authorized provider | Screenshot and URL of the government page that links to your domain; the authorization document if the government issued one |
| Exclusion | Proof of operating in the excluded region or as the excluded business type, for example a driving school registration |
| Not in scope | Usually none beyond your description; screenshots of your landing page can help |
Never upload documents you are not entitled to share, and remember that business licenses and contracts do not count as government authorization on their own.
After you submit
- Complete advertiser verification if required. The details must match your form.
- Wait for Google’s decision. Do not submit another request for the same domain.
- Once approved, appeal or resubmit the affected ads.
Common application mistakes
- Entering a homepage URL instead of the page that names your domain.
- Listing domains that are not used in the ads, or omitting redirect domains that are.
- Choosing “not in scope” while the landing page offers to submit official applications.
- Using a trading name in the form and the legal name in verification.
- Submitting several requests after hearing nothing for a few days.
Would you like your application information reviewed before you submit it?
Example rationale for the “not in scope” option
Keep the rationale short, factual and consistent with your website. An illustrative example for a law firm:
“We are a law firm providing paid legal advice on immigration matters. We do not submit, process or sell visa or passport applications, and our website does not offer to obtain any government document. We use keywords such as visa requirements because our clients ask for advice on these topics.”
Practical recommendation
Only write what is true and visible on your landing page. If your site offers to “apply for you”, this option does not fit.
Final check before you submit
- The option matches your real situation.
- Every domain used in your ads is listed, and only those.
- Government page URLs open publicly and point to your domain.
- Company name and customer ID are correct.
- Attachments are readable and labeled.
- You have not submitted a request for this domain already.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the certification form?
Google links to it from its Government documents and services policy page. We list the form under Official sources below. Some advertisers call it the “GODOS” form; see what GODOS certification means.
Can an agency apply for a client?
The form asks for the end customer company name and the Google Ads customer ID, which suggests agencies can submit on behalf of clients. The client’s details must match the client’s verification.
Can I apply for several domains?
The form accepts the domain(s) used in your ads. Avoid separate duplicate requests for the same domain.
Related guides
- Google Ads government certification (main guide)
- Certification for authorized providers
- The certification process step by step
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.
