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GODOS certification for advertisers in United States
Get GODOS certified to run Google Ads for US government documents like SSN, ESTA, Global Entry, EIN and Green Card Lottery services. Expert help.
If your business advertises US government documents or related services on Google Ads — think Social Security cards, ESTA travel authorization, Global Entry enrollment, or Employer Identification Numbers — you fall under Google's Government Documents and Services (GODOS) policy. This policy restricts who can promote these services, and only certified governments and authorized providers may run such ads.
For advertisers targeting the United States, that means completing Google's GODOS certification and advertiser verification program before your campaigns can go live. Without certification, Google will either disapprove your ads or automatically append a "Not a government website" disclosure to your Search ads — a signal that can hurt trust and click-through rates.
We are an independent consultancy that guides US-focused advertisers through every step: policy audits, ad-copy and landing-page compliance, Google and government verification, and suspension appeals. We are not affiliated with Google and cannot guarantee outcomes, but we help you present the strongest possible application so decisions go smoothly.
What's Restricted in the United States
The US market has a wide range of government documents and programs that trigger GODOS restrictions. If your ads, keywords, or landing pages relate to any of the following, you will almost certainly need certification and verification before Google allows your campaigns to run.
- Social Security Numbers (SSN) and Social Security Card applications, replacements, or corrections
- ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System) enrollment
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and other trusted traveler program registrations
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) applications and related IRS tax ID services
- DV Green Card Lottery (Diversity Immigrant Visa Program) registration and assistance
- Passports, visas, driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and background checks
How Certification Works for US Advertisers
Google treats government-adjacent advertising cautiously because these services are frequently associated with scams and misleading fees. To advertise legally in the United States, you generally need two things: GODOS certification for your specific service category, and completion of Google's advertiser verification program, which confirms your business identity and legal standing.
Our role is to prepare you for both. We review your account against the current policy, tighten your ad copy so it clearly distinguishes your service from official government channels, and optimize your landing pages to meet Google's transparency expectations. When you're ready, we assist with the certification and verification submissions and help you respond to any follow-up requests from Google.
- Policy audit of your account, keywords, ads, and landing pages against GODOS rules
- Ad-copy compliance so claims are accurate and non-deceptive
- Landing-page optimization with clear pricing, disclaimers, and non-affiliation notices
- Google and government verification assistance to confirm your identity and eligibility
- Suspension appeals and reinstatement if your account has already been flagged
- Ongoing compliance consulting as policies and enforcement evolve
Region-Specific Pitfalls to Avoid
US advertisers commonly run into trouble by blurring the line between a private facilitation service and an official government provider. If you charge for help with an EIN, ESTA, or Green Card Lottery entry that consumers could obtain directly from the government, your messaging must make that distinction unmistakably clear.
Remember that unless you are a certified government provider, Google automatically adds a "Not a government website" disclosure to your Search ads. Trying to hide or contradict this — or implying an official affiliation you do not have — is a fast route to disapproval or suspension. The good news is that policy violations typically come with a warning at least 7 days before account suspension, which gives you a window to correct issues if you act quickly.
- Implying government affiliation or using official seals, logos, or agency names deceptively
- Omitting service fees or failing to state that free official channels exist (e.g., direct EIN or ESTA applications)
- Using domain names or ad text that mimic official government sites
- Running ads before certification and verification are complete
- Ignoring warning notices instead of remediating within the notice window
Frequently asked questions
Do I need GODOS certification to advertise SSN or Social Security Card services in the US?+
Yes. Social Security Numbers and Social Security Card services fall under Google's GODOS policy. Unless you are a certified government entity or authorized provider, you must obtain certification and complete advertiser verification before your ads can run, and Google will add a "Not a government website" disclosure to your Search ads.
Can a private company advertise ESTA, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck assistance?+
Private facilitation companies can advertise these services, but they must be certified under GODOS and pass Google's verification program. Your ads and landing pages must clearly state that you are not the government, disclose your fees, and note that consumers may apply directly through official channels.
My Google Ads account was suspended for EIN or Green Card Lottery ads. Can it be reinstated?+
Reinstatement is often possible. We review the suspension reason, correct the underlying compliance issues in your ads and landing pages, and prepare an appeal. Google typically issues a warning at least 7 days before suspension, so acting promptly on any notice improves your chances. Final decisions rest with Google.
Are you affiliated with Google or the US government?+
No. We are an independent consultancy and are not affiliated with Google or any US government agency. We help you navigate the GODOS certification and verification process and cannot guarantee approval, as all decisions are made solely by Google.