Where Google shows your business address and why it matters
When someone searches for your business on Google, they see your address in the Knowledge Panel — the box on the right side of search results on desktop, or near the top on mobile. They also see it on Google Maps. If that address is wrong, customers will show up at the wrong location, call a number that doesn't reach you, or assume your business has closed. Google pulls this information from multiple sources, and updating it requires you to claim ownership of your business listing first.
The process is straightforward once you know where to look. You will work in Google Business Profile, which is Google's tool for managing how your business appears across Google Search and Maps. You do not need to be a web developer or pay anyone to do this — you can do it yourself in about ten minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Your business address appears on Google Search and Google Maps, and updating it requires you to claim your business in Google Business Profile first.
- If you have never claimed your business, you will search for it on Google, find the listing, and click "Claim this business" to get your free guide.
- Google will send you a postcard to your business address to verify you own it — this step takes five to seven business days.
- Once verified, you can change your address, hours, phone number, and other details directly in Google Business Profile without waiting for approval.
- If your business has moved, update the address as soon as possible so new customers find the correct location.
Finding and claiming your business on Google
Start by searching for your business name on Google. Look at the Knowledge Panel on the right side of the results (on mobile, scroll down past the map). If you see your business listed there with an address, that listing already exists — you just need to claim it. If you do not see your business, you will need to create a listing first by going to google.com/business and selecting "Create a new business".
To claim an existing listing, click anywhere on the Knowledge Panel or the map result. This opens your business information. Look for a button that says "Claim this business" or "Own this business?" Click it. Google will ask you to sign in with a Google account — use one you check regularly, because Google will send you messages there about your listing.
If the listing shows a different owner or you cannot find a claim button, click the three dots menu and select "Suggest an edit." You can then request changes, though this route takes longer because Google reviews your request before making changes public.
Verifying ownership through the postcard
After you claim your business, Google sends a postcard to the address on file. This postcard contains a verification code. You will need this code to confirm you own the business and unlock the ability to edit your listing. The postcard typically arrives in five to seven business days, though it can take up to two weeks depending on your location and mail service.
While you wait for the postcard, you can still access your Google Business Profile and see what information is currently listed. You just cannot publish changes until you enter the verification code. When the postcard arrives, open your Google Business Profile, go to the "Account" section, and select "Verify location." Enter the code from the postcard exactly as it appears.
If you do not receive the postcard after two weeks, you can request a new one or use an alternative verification method. Some businesses can verify by phone or email instead — Google will show you these options if they are available for your business type.
Updating your address after verification
Once Google confirms your ownership, updating your address takes just a few clicks. Open your Google Business Profile and look for "Business information" or "Info" in the left menu. Find the address field and click the pencil icon to edit it. Type the new address carefully — Google will show you suggestions as you type, and you should select the correct one from the dropdown rather than typing it freehand, because this helps Google match it to the right location on Maps.
After you enter the new address, click "explore" or "Save." The change goes live when ready on Google Search and Maps — you do not need to wait for approval. Customers searching for your business will see the updated address right away.
If you are moving to a new location but want to keep serving your old area, you can add a service area instead of changing your address. This tells customers you serve their neighborhood even though your office is elsewhere. You can set this up in the same "Business information" section by selecting "Service area" instead of a physical address.
Updating other business details at the same time
While you are in Google Business Profile updating your address, take a moment to check your phone number, website, hours, and business category. These details matter just as much as your address — a wrong phone number or outdated hours frustrate customers as much as a wrong address does.
Your phone number should be the one customers actually call. If you have multiple locations, each one gets its own listing with its own phone number. Your hours should reflect when customers can actually reach you or visit — if you are closed on Sundays, make sure that shows. Your website should be your main business website, not a social media page.
You can also add photos, a business description, and links to your social media. These are optional, but they make your listing more complete and help customers understand what you do before they contact you.
What to do if your address keeps reverting to the old one
Sometimes Google shows an old address even after you update it. This happens because Google pulls information from multiple sources — your website, directory listings, social media, and user submissions — and if most of those sources still show the old address, Google may revert to it. To fix this, update your address everywhere it appears online, not just in Google Business Profile.
Start with your own website. Make sure the address in your footer, contact page, and any location pages shows the new address. Then update any directory listings you use — Yelp, Apple Maps, Facebook, LinkedIn, your local chamber of commerce website, or industry-specific directories. The more places that show the new address consistently, the more confident Google becomes that the change is real.
If you have claimed your business in Google Business Profile and updated it there, but the old address keeps appearing, you can report it as incorrect. In Google Business Profile, go to "Account" and select "Help" — then choose "Report an issue." Describe what is happening, and Google's support team will investigate.
Moving your business and keeping customers informed
If you are relocating, update your address in Google Business Profile as soon as you know the new location — ideally before you move. You can also add a post or announcement to your Google Business Profile letting customers know about the move and when you will be at the new address. This appears on your Knowledge Panel and helps prevent confusion.
Consider keeping the old address visible for a few weeks if you are in the middle of a transition. Some businesses add a note like "Moving to [new address] on [date]" in their business description so customers see both locations. Once you are fully moved and settled, remove any reference to the old address.
If you have multiple locations, each one needs its own Google Business Profile listing. Do not try to manage them all from one account — create separate listings for each address, then link them together in Google Business Profile by adding them all to the same organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the address change to show up on Google Maps?
The change appears on Google Search and Maps within minutes of you saving it in Google Business Profile, as long as you have verified your business. You do not need to wait for approval. However, it can take a few days for the change to appear in Google's mobile app if you have it cached locally.
What if I do not have a physical address because I work from home?
You can use your home address in Google Business Profile, but you can also choose to hide it and show only a service area instead. Go to "Business information" and select "Service area" rather than a physical address. This tells customers you serve their location without revealing where you work.
Can I update my address without waiting for the verification postcard?
No — you must verify ownership before you can publish changes. However, you can request an alternative verification method (phone or email) if available for your business type, which is faster than waiting for the postcard. Look for "Verify location" in your Google Business Profile account settings.
What happens to my old address listing if I move to a new location?
When you update your address in Google Business Profile, the old address is replaced with the new one. The old address does not stay as a separate listing unless you create a new location listing for it. If you want to keep serving the old area, use a service area instead of a physical address.
Do I need to update my address on my website too, or just on Google?
You should update it everywhere — your website, social media, directory listings, and Google Business Profile. Google uses information from all these sources to verify your address is correct. If most of them still show the old address, Google may revert your listing to match them.