This article outlines the AdSense address verification (PIN) process, detailing timelines, entry instructions, and solutions for delivery or fraud issues.
On this page
- How address verification works
- Address verification timeline
- If we can't verify your address due to fraudulent activity associated with that address
- If you have problems with your PIN
To protect the security of your account, Google requires you to verify your payments address before we can send you any payments.
Tip: Here are essential terms for managing your account and payments:
- Identity verification is a process where you provide a government-issued ID to confirm your account details and protect against fraud.
- Verification threshold is the specific amount of earnings your account must reach before you're required to verify your identity and address. The amount can vary depending on your location.
- Payment threshold is the minimum balance your earnings must reach for Google to issue a payment to your chosen payment method.
How address verification works
Address verification is a four-step process:
- You enter your payments address in AdSense when you set up your account.
- When your earnings reach the verification threshold, Google sends a unique 6-digit Personal Identity Number (PIN) to your payments address through international standard mail. Google doesn't provide a tracking number for the PIN mail, so make sure your payments address can receive standard mail.
Note: If we've asked you to verify your identity, we won't send your PIN until after you've successfully completed identity verification.
- It usually takes 3 weeks for your PIN mail to arrive. If you haven’t received your PIN mail in 3 weeks, you can request a replacement PIN.
- When you receive your PIN mailer, enter your PIN in your account immediately.
Note: If you enter your PIN incorrectly 3 times, your account will stop showing ads.
Your payments address is now verified. You'll be paid out when your account balance reaches the payments threshold, as long as there are no holds on your account and you're in compliance with the AdSense Program policies.
Address verification timeline
You'll have 4 months from the date your PIN is generated to complete address verification. If you haven't verified your payments address after 4 months, we'll stop showing ads on your pages.
If we can't verify your address due to fraudulent activity associated with that address
If the address you provided has been associated with fraudulent activity, you'll need to change your payments address to a new, valid postal address that can receive your PIN. Your new address must be different from your previous one.
After your new address is verified, you can request a PIN:
- Sign in to your AdSense account.
- Click Payments, then Verification check.
- Click Resend PIN.
If you have problems with your PIN
- If your PIN hasn't arrived, review Problems with your address verification (PIN).
- If you've requested the 4th replacement PIN mail and you still haven't received it after 3 weeks, go to our PIN troubleshooter.