Meta business verification is the check Meta runs in Meta Business Suite's Security Center to confirm your business portfolio belongs to a real, registered business and that you're allowed to represent it. You need full control of the portfolio to start. Verification can open up some advertising, developer, billing and spending features, and Meta says a decision can take up to 14 business days.
Two things people get wrong. First, business verification is not Meta Verified: it won't give you a verified badge, which is part of the separate paid Meta Verified for businesses subscription. Second, a website problem can sink the whole application. Meta lists a site that fails to load, isn't HTTPS, or links to an error page as a reason for rejection.
Business verification vs Meta Verified
| Business verification | Meta Verified for businesses | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | A check that your portfolio belongs to a legitimate business | A paid subscription |
| Verified badge | No | Yes |
| Where you start | Security Center in Meta Business Suite | The Meta Verified sign-up process |
| Review time Meta gives | Up to 14 business days | Up to 3 business days |
| What it unlocks | Some advertising, developer, billing and spending features | Badge, impersonation protection, enhanced support and more by plan |
If the badge is what you're after, my guide to Meta Verified plans explains the subscription.
When you need to verify
Not every business needs to, or can. Open Security Center and you'll see either Start verification or Ineligible for verification. Meta lists some common reasons to verify, and says the list isn't exhaustive:
- Some advertisers can raise their daily spending limit more quickly after verifying.
- Publishers registering a Facebook Page in the News Page Index must verify.
- Businesses on the WhatsApp Business Platform may need it for certain features.
Some products ask you to verify through their own email or notification rather than Security Center. If that happens, follow those instructions instead.
How to verify your business, step by step
- On a desktop browser, go to Security Center in Meta Business Suite. If you can't open it, you probably don't have full control of the portfolio.
- Select Start verification.
- Enter your legal business name, address, phone number and website exactly as they appear on your registration. Your site must load and use https.
- Confirm the business details. If no match is found, select My business isn't listed or None of these match and upload official documents.
- Choose how to confirm your connection: email, phone, text message, WhatsApp message or domain verification with a meta tag or DNS record.
- Confirm the connection and select Done. You'll get a notification when the review is finished.
If you use monthly invoicing, Meta says you don't need to upload documents: you can submit your credit line information instead, as long as the credit line belongs to you rather than being shared with another business. And if you edit your business details later, you'll need to verify again.
Documents Meta accepts
| Document | What it can prove |
|---|---|
| Certificate or Articles of Incorporation | Legal business name and details |
| Business registration or licence document | Legal business name and details |
| Government-issued business tax document | Accepted, but self-filed tax documents aren't |
| Business bank statement | Legal business name and details |
| Utility bill | Address and phone number only, and it must show the legal business name |
Documents must be current and issued by the relevant authority. They must be in one of 21 supported languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Arabic and Mandarin, or come with an English translation stamped by a translating agency. Meta also asks you to cover personal details it doesn't need, like a social security number.
Ad accounts have their own rules for creating, closing and fixing, and our guide to Meta ad accounts walks through each one.
Why verification gets rejected
- False or misleading information, or Meta suspecting it.
- Trying to verify a portfolio you don't own or aren't authorised to represent.
- Trying to get around Meta's review system.
- A website that fails to load, isn't HTTPS, or contains a link to an error page.
If you're rejected you may be able to appeal from Security Center, or from the platform where you started, such as Commerce Manager. Meta can also remove a verified status later or act on the account if information turns out to be false. For a refresher on the wider toolkit, see my guide to what Meta Business Suite gives you for free.
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My verdict
Before you click Start verification, fix the boring things: make sure the business name matches your registration letter for letter, your website loads over https with no broken links, and you can receive a code at the business phone or email. Most of the reasons Meta gives for rejection are avoidable with a careful read-through first. And don't expect a blue tick at the end: that's Meta Verified, a separate subscription.
If you're still setting up the portfolio, our Meta Business Manager guide shows where Business Manager went and how to build one.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Meta business verification take?
Meta says a decision on your verification submission may take up to 14 business days, and you'll get a notification when the review is complete.
Does business verification give me a blue tick?
No. Meta says verifying your business in Meta Business Suite is different from Meta Verified for businesses and won't give you a verified badge.
Who can verify a business on Meta?
Someone with full control of the business portfolio, which is the highest permission level. The portfolio also has to be eligible: Security Center shows either Start verification or Ineligible for verification.
Can I use a utility bill for Meta business verification?
Only for your business address and phone number. Meta says the utility bill must show the legal business name and isn't accepted to verify the legal business name itself.
Why was my Meta business verification rejected?
Meta's reasons include false or misleading information, verifying a business you can't represent, trying to circumvent review, and a website that fails to load, isn't HTTPS or links to an error message.
