Policy explainer
The Google GODOS policy, explained
Understand what’s restricted, who can advertise, and what you need to run compliant ads.
What is the GODOS policy?
Google restricts ads that promote direct acquisition of certain government documents and services. Only certified governments and authorized providers may run these ads. Everyone else must apply for Google certification and complete advertiser verification — otherwise a “Not a government website” disclosure is automatically added, or ads are disapproved.
Who needs to apply?
- Advertisers promoting documents/services in the restricted list
- Businesses in excluded regions (still must apply to be excluded)
- Advertisers wrongly caught by the policy who need an exclusion
Restricted categories
The policy covers around 17 categories. Explore them and how we help:
PassportsElectronic travel visas & authorizationsBorder entrance travel documentsU.S. Trusted Traveler programsResidency lotteriesDriver licensePublic road access fees & passesVehicle owner registrationLicense plate numberRegional identification numbersBirth & death certificatesName or address changesBusiness identifiersCriminal background checksHealth & welfare benefitsUnclaimed tax rebatesHunting & fishing licenses
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