Google enforces strict formatting and validation rules for business addresses submitted through the dba platform. If the address you provide doesn’t meet their standards or contains inconsistencies, it may trigger the INVALID_ADDRESS error. This article outlines common causes and provides actionable solutions to help you resolve the issue and ensure your updates are accepted.
Best Practices
While you can submit address updates through the platform, it's considered best practice to update your business address directly in Google Business Profile. Google treats major changes—like address updates—as sensitive information and may require re-verification or trigger delays if submitted through third-party platforms. Making the change directly in Google helps reduce the risk of triggering verification issues or delays, ensures the pin is properly adjusted at the time of the update, and increases the likelihood that your changes are accepted smoothly. This extra step can save time and prevent unnecessary complications. To see how to update your address directly through Google, see this how-to article.
Common Causes & Solutions
1. Missing or incomplete address components
Google requires specific address fields to be completed in full, including street address, city, state/province, postal code, and country.
→ Solution 1:
Double-check that your address contains all required fields:
✅ 123 Main St, Springfield, IL 62704, USA
🚫 123 Main St, Springfield
2. Invalid or unrecognized street names or abbreviations
Overuse of abbreviations, typos, or non-standard formatting can cause address validation to fail.
→ Solution 2:
Spell out street types where possible and avoid uncommon abbreviations:
✅ 456 Elm Street
🚫 456 Elm Strt
🚫 456 E. Elm
3. P.O. Boxes or mail drop locations
Google does not accept PO Boxes or virtual office addresses as physical business locations.
→ Solution 3:
Use a valid, physical storefront or office address:
✅ 789 Oak Avenue
🚫 P.O. Box 123
🚫 101 Virtual Suite #5
4. Address does not match known geographic data
Google cross-references addresses against its internal geographic databases. If your entry doesn't align with known locations, it may be flagged.
→ Solution 4:
Use Google Maps to verify the exact address formatting. If your location isn’t recognized, try adjusting it to match Google’s preferred format:
✅ Enter address as displayed on Google Maps
🚫 Custom or alternate formatting
5. Extra data in the address field
Including business names, unit numbers in the wrong field, or special characters can confuse validation.
→ Solution 5:
Use the appropriate fields for each part of the address:
✅ Suite numbers go in the designated “Address Line 2” field
🚫 “Acme Inc – 123 Main St” in a single line
6. Recently developed or renamed streets
New developments or renamed streets may not yet exist in Google’s location database.
→ Solution 6:
If the location is new, try:
-
Verifying it exists on Google Maps
-
Adding it via Google Maps' “Add a Missing Place” tool
7. Address includes characters Google can’t process
Non-Latin characters, emojis, or formatting like all caps may interfere with validation.
→ Solution 7:
Use standard Latin alphabet characters and proper casing:
✅ 123 Main St
🚫 123 MAIN ST
🚫 123 メインストリート
🛠 Extra Solutions & Notes
8. Location is a Service Area Business (SAB)
If you operate without a physical storefront and serve customers at their locations, the address might need to be hidden.
→ Solution 8:
Mark your business as a Service Area Business in Google and leave the address field blank (or hidden), while setting your service areas manually.
Still Seeing the Error?
If you’ve reviewed and corrected all potential causes listed above but still receive the INVALID_ADDRESS error, try the following steps:
Test the address directly in Google
Log in to your Google Business Profile and attempt to edit the address manually. If it’s rejected, Google may not support the location format or address yet.
Reach out to our support team
If the error persists, contact us at help@dbaplatform.com. Include the business name, attempted address, and any screenshots if available. We’ll work with you to investigate the issue further.
How Long Will the Fix Take?
For minor formatting or component issues, once corrected, updates typically go live within 48 hours. If the issue stems from unrecognized addresses, PO Boxes, or other restrictions, resolution may take up to a few days, depending on Google’s validation systems. In those cases, don’t hesitate to contact our support team for personalized assistance.
How to Update Your Business's Google Information Through dba
If you're unsure how to update your GBP details through the dba platform—or just need a quick refresher—we’ve got you covered. Our step-by-step guide walks you through how to make edits to your profiles efficiently and accurately.
👉 Click here to view the guide on updating GBPs through dba
Looking for the Error Code?
If you're working with support or need to reference this issue more technically, the error code associated with this message is: INVALID_ADDRESS. Sharing this code can help speed up troubleshooting and ensure we’re all speaking the same language when resolving the issue.