Google enforces specific rules when managing service areas for your Google Business Profile. When submitting updates through the dba platform, an incorrectly formatted or unsupported location may trigger the INVALID_SERVICE_AREA_PLACE_ID error. This article explains how to identify the root cause of the issue and ensure your service area updates are accepted successfully.
Common Causes & Solutions
1. Nonexistent or Invalid Place ID
The most common cause of this error is a Place ID that does not correspond to a valid, recognized location in Google Maps.
→ Solution 1:
Double-check the Place ID by verifying it through the Google Place ID Finder.
✅ Use Place IDs tied to real-world regions, cities, or postal codes
🚫 Avoid using Place IDs tied to PO Boxes or unofficial regions
2. Unsupported Types of Places
Google only supports certain types of locations as service areas — typically broader areas like cities, states, or postal codes. Neighborhoods, landmarks, or specific addresses are not accepted.
→ Solution 2:
Only use appropriate geographic areas such as:
✅ City-level areas (e.g., Denver, CO)
✅ Postal codes (e.g., 94103)
🚫 Specific street addresses or landmarks (e.g., Statue of Liberty, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway)
3. Using Coordinates Instead of Place IDs
If latitude/longitude coordinates or textual addresses are submitted instead of valid Place IDs, this error can be triggered.
→ Solution 3:
Ensure you're submitting the actual Place ID — a string that looks like this:
✅ ChIJ2eUgeAK6j4ARbn5u_wAGqWA
🚫 37.4219999,-122.0840575
🚫 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA
4. Outdated or Deprecated Place IDs
Sometimes, previously valid Place IDs become deprecated or are merged into other regions, rendering them invalid for updates.
→ Solution 4:
Use the Place ID Finder to confirm the ID is still active. If it’s no longer supported, generate a new Place ID for the desired area.
🛠 Extra Solutions & Notes
5. Check Place ID Format
Google Place IDs always begin with ChI and are typically 27 characters long. Submitting improperly formatted strings will result in a rejection.
→ Solution 5:
Ensure Place IDs are copied completely and correctly with no typos or truncation.
Best Practices
While it’s possible to update service areas through the platform using Place IDs, we recommend making these changes directly within the Google Business Profile Manager interface. Google is especially sensitive to service area updates, and making edits through the dashboard can help reduce the risk of triggering re-verification or data rejection.
Still Seeing the Error?
If you’ve reviewed all potential causes and the INVALID_SERVICE_AREA_PLACE_ID error persists:
-
Test the update directly on Google:
Log into your GBP and attempt to manually update the service area. If the update fails there as well, it likely confirms the Place ID is unsupported. -
Contact our support team:
Send an email to help@dbaplatform.com with your business name, address, and the Place ID(s) you're trying to use. We’ll help you troubleshoot and find valid alternatives.
How Long Will the Fix Take?
Once the issue is corrected (i.e., a valid Place ID is used), updates typically process within 5–20 minutes. If verification is required or Google’s system flags the update for manual review, it may take longer. If so, we recommend reaching out to our team for further 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_SERVICE_AREA_PLACE_ID. Sharing this code can help speed up troubleshooting and ensure we’re all speaking the same language when resolving the issue.