Google AdSense PIN Verification: Complete Guide to Address Verification

Reached the AdSense payment threshold? Google will send you a PIN to verify your address before releasing payments. This guide walks you through the entire PIN verification process.

PIN verification is a security measure that protects both you and Google. While it can feel like an extra hurdle, completing it correctly ensures your payments reach the right person at the right address.

What Is PIN Verification?

PIN verification is Google's way of confirming you live at the address in your AdSense account. Google mails a postcard containing a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) to your registered address. You then enter this PIN in your AdSense account to verify ownership.

Why Google Requires PIN Verification

• Fraud prevention: Confirms the account holder exists at the stated address
• Tax compliance: Ensures payments go to the correct legal entity
• Payment security: Protects against unauthorized account access
• Identity confirmation: Validates you are who you claim to be

"Address verification helps protect your account and ensures that payments reach you securely."

— Google AdSense Help Center

When Google Sends Your PIN

Google automatically sends your PIN when your earnings reach a specific threshold.

Payment Threshold for PIN

Currency	Verification Threshold
US Dollars (USD)	$10
Euros (EUR)	€10
British Pounds (GBP)	£10
Indian Rupees (INR)	₹1,000
Nigerian Naira (NGN)	₦1,600

The threshold varies by currency but is generally equivalent to $10 USD. Once you cross this threshold, Google automatically generates and mails your PIN.

Timeline Overview

1. Earnings reach verification threshold
2. Google generates PIN within 24-48 hours
3. PIN mailed via standard postal service
4. Delivery time: 2-4 weeks (varies by location)
5. You have 4 months to enter the PIN

Receiving Your PIN

Understanding what to expect helps you prepare for the PIN arrival.

What the PIN Mail Looks Like

• Standard white envelope or postcard
• Google LLC return address
• 6-digit PIN printed inside
• Instructions for entering the PIN

Expected Delivery Times

Region	Typical Delivery	Maximum Wait
United States	1-2 weeks	3 weeks
Europe	2-3 weeks	4 weeks
Asia	2-4 weeks	5 weeks
Africa	3-5 weeks	6 weeks
South America	2-4 weeks	5 weeks

Tracking Your PIN

You can check PIN status in your AdSense account:

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1. Go to AdSense → Payments
2. Click "Verify address"
3. View PIN status and send date

How to Enter Your PIN

Once your PIN arrives, entering it takes just a few minutes.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Log into AdSense:

   Go to adsense.google.com and sign in

2. Navigate to payments:

   Click "Payments" in the left sidebar

3. Find verification section:

   Look for "Verify address" or PIN notification

4. Enter your PIN:

   Type the 6-digit code exactly as shown

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5. Click submit:

   Confirm your entry

After Successful Verification

Once verified, you will see:

• Confirmation message in your account
• Address marked as verified
• Payments enabled (once you reach payment threshold)

Important Notes

• You have 3 attempts to enter the correct PIN
• After 3 failed attempts, you must request a new PIN
• PIN codes are case-sensitive—enter exactly as shown
• PINs expire after 4 months

Requesting a New PIN

If your PIN does not arrive or expires, you can request another.

How to Request a New PIN

1. Wait at least 3 weeks after the first PIN was sent
2. Go to AdSense → Payments → Verify address
3. Click "Resend PIN"
4. Confirm your address is correct
5. Submit request

PIN Request Limits

• Maximum 3 PIN requests total
• After 3 requests without verification, alternative methods required
• Each request restarts the delivery timeline

Before Requesting a New PIN

Verify these details first:

• Check your address is 100% correct
• Confirm postal service delivers to your location
• Look for the mail carefully—it can look like junk mail
• Ask household members if they received it

Troubleshooting Issues

PIN Never Arrived

If your PIN does not arrive after 4 weeks:

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1. Verify your address is spelled correctly
2. Check with your local post office
3. Look through all mail—the envelope is plain
4. Request a new PIN

Wrong PIN Entered

If you entered an incorrect PIN:

• Double-check the code on your mail
• Ensure no extra spaces or characters
• Try again (you have 3 attempts)
• Request new PIN if all attempts fail

Address Changed

If you moved before receiving your PIN:

1. Update your address in AdSense immediately
2. Go to Payments → Manage settings
3. Edit your payment address
4. Request a new PIN to the updated address

PIN Expired

PINs expire 4 months after being sent. If expired:

• Request a new PIN
• The old PIN will no longer work
• New PIN sent to your current registered address

International Publisher Tips

Publishers outside the US face unique challenges with PIN delivery.

Address Formatting

Format your address for international mail:

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• Use your local address format
• Include postal/ZIP code
• Add country name in English
• Avoid special characters

Common International Issues

Issue	Solution
Slow postal service	Wait full 4-6 weeks before requesting resend
Address too long	Use abbreviations, multiple address lines
No postal delivery	Use PO Box or alternative address
Customs delays	Mail should not be held—contact post office

Alternative Verification

After 3 failed PIN attempts, Google may offer alternative verification:

• ID verification through document upload
• Phone verification in some regions
• Contact AdSense support for assistance

After PIN Verification

Once verified, you are almost ready to receive payments.

Next Steps

1. Set up payment method:
   • Add bank account or payment address
   • Select payment type (wire transfer, check, etc.)
2. Complete tax information:
   • Submit required tax forms
   • US publishers: W-9
   • Non-US publishers: W-8BEN
3. Reach payment threshold:
   • Typically $100 for most payment methods
   • Payments issued once threshold reached

Payment Schedule

After full verification:

• Payments processed around the 21st of each month
• For earnings from the previous month
• Delivery time depends on payment method

For more information on getting started with AdSense, see our complete AdSense approval guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PO Box for PIN verification?

Yes, Google can send PINs to PO Boxes. Just ensure the PO Box is registered in your name and you check it regularly. Some publishers in rural areas or countries with unreliable postal service successfully use PO Boxes for verification.

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What if I share an address with someone else?

Each AdSense account must have a unique address associated with a unique person. If multiple people at the same address have AdSense accounts, each person needs their own PIN sent to their name at that address. Make sure mail recipients know to save any Google mail.

Can I get my PIN faster?

Unfortunately, no. Google only sends PINs via standard postal mail for security reasons. Express or expedited shipping is not available. The best approach is to ensure your address is correct from the start and wait patiently.

What happens if I do not verify within 4 months?

If you do not enter your PIN within 4 months, Google will stop showing ads on your site. Your earnings remain in your account, but you cannot access them until verification is complete. You can request a new PIN to restart the process.

Is PIN verification required every year?

No, PIN verification is a one-time process for each address. Once verified, you do not need to verify again unless you change your payment address. If you update your address, Google may require new verification.