Google enforces specific formatting rules when submitting location details for your Google Business Profile. If your submission is missing key address components—like a region or state—Google will reject the update and return an error message. This article explains how to troubleshoot and resolve the ADDRESS_MISSING_REGION_CODE error to ensure your address updates are accepted without issue.
Common Causes & Solutions
1. Missing state, province, or region
This is the most common cause of the error. Google requires a full and properly segmented address, including the region (such as a U.S. state or Canadian province).
→ Solution 1:
Ensure the region code is correctly included and formatted.
✅ 123 Main St, Austin, TX 78701
✅ 456 Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3B 1A7
🚫 123 Main St, Austin, 78701
🚫 456 Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montreal H3B 1A7
2. Using abbreviations not recognized by Google
Some international or localized abbreviations may not be interpreted correctly.
→ Solution 2:
Use standardized region codes that Google recognizes.
✅ Use “CA” for California, “ON” for Ontario, etc.
🚫 Avoid unofficial or outdated regional labels (e.g., “Cali”, “Ont”, “Eng”)
3. Incorrect field placement
Sometimes, the region is mistakenly entered in the wrong input field or left out entirely.
→ Solution 3:
Make sure the region code is entered in the proper state/region field, not appended to the city or postal code.
✅ City: Denver
✅ State: CO
✅ Zip: 80202
🚫 City: Denver, CO
🚫 Zip: CO 80202
4. International addresses missing administrative areas
Certain countries require a second-level administrative area (e.g., province, county, canton).
→ Solution 4:
Research the correct region designation for the country you're entering. Some examples:
-
UK: Include the county or local authority (e.g., Greater London)
-
Switzerland: Include the canton (e.g., Zurich)
-
Australia: Include the state or territory (e.g., NSW, VIC)
5. Formatting errors from autofill or bulk uploads
Bulk CSV uploads or autofill tools may drop or misplace the region field entirely.
→ Solution 5:
Double-check all fields in your bulk file and confirm that the region is mapped and labeled correctly in your spreadsheet or upload tool.
🛠 Extra Solutions & Notes
6. Update address directly on Google
Even though you can update addresses through the dba platform, it’s best practice to update them directly in Google Business Profile. Address changes are considered a “high-risk” update by Google, and even minor inconsistencies can result in delays or require reverification. Direct edits help ensure the pin is adjusted properly and the full region data is submitted.
→ Solution 6:
Use the official Google Business interface to enter the new address and adjust the map pin. This helps prevent the ADDRESS_MISSING_REGION_CODE and other related errors.
Still Seeing the Error?
If you’ve corrected all the issues above and are still receiving the ADDRESS_MISSING_REGION_CODE error, try these next steps:
-
Test the update directly in Google:
Log in to your Google Business Profile and manually update the address. If the update is rejected there, it's likely due to an issue with Google's location standards or how the region is being interpreted. -
Contact our support team:
Send us an email at help@dbaplatform.com with the business name, full intended address, and any screenshots of the error. We’ll help verify the structure and troubleshoot further.
How Long Will the Fix Take?
Once the address is properly structured and the missing region code is included, most updates will be accepted within 5 to 20 minutes. If re-verification is required or the listing is flagged for manual review, it may take longer. When in doubt, reach out to our support team for guidance and resolution.
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: ADDRESS_MISSING_REGION_CODE. Sharing this code can help speed up troubleshooting and ensure we’re all speaking the same language when resolving the issue.