If you’ve noticed a blue checkmark next to some email senders in Gmail, you’re seeing Google’s new verification badge in action. This Gmail verified checkmark helps users identify trusted senders and it’s now available to brands that meet specific authentication and branding criteria.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get the Gmail verified checkmark, step-by-step, including the technical requirements, branding standards, and costs involved.
What Is the Gmail Verified Checkmark?
The Gmail blue checkmark indicates that a business email has been authenticated and verified by Google. This helps protect recipients from spoofed or phishing emails and improves trust in your brand’s email communication.
To earn it, your domain must pass strict email authentication and branding requirements, including a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) and a BIMI-compliant logo.
Step 1: Set Up Email Authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
Gmail requires robust email authentication to prevent spoofing and impersonation. You’ll need:
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Specifies which mail servers are allowed to send email on behalf of your domain.
- DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Cryptographically signs your messages.
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance): Aligns SPF and DKIM to enforce policies.
Important:
Your DMARC policy must be set to p=quarantine or p=reject (not p=none) and applied to 100% of your outbound messages (i.e., pct=100).
Step 2: Prepare Your Brand Logo in SVG Format
To display your brand logo in Gmail, you need to upload it in a BIMI-compatible SVG format:
- SVG Tiny Portable/Secure (P/S) version 1.2
- Max file size: 32 KB
- Square layout with solid background
- No scripts, fonts, or external references
Tip: Use a vector-based design tool and validate it through a BIMI testing tool.
Step 3: Trademark Your Logo
To qualify for Gmail verification, your logo must be officially trademarked. This is a prerequisite for obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate.
You can register your logo with:
Step 4: Obtain a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC)
A VMC is a digital certificate issued by trusted providers like DigiCert or Entrust that confirms your domain and logo ownership.
Requirements:
- Active trademark registration
- DMARC enforcement
- Legal verification process (including identity checks)
Cost: Typically ranges from $1,000–$1,500 per year, depending on the provider and validation time.
Step 5: Publish Your BIMI Record
Once you have the SVG logo and VMC, publish a BIMI record via DNS:
default._bimi.yourdomain.com TXT
"v=BIMI1; l=https://yourdomain.com/logo.svg; a=https://yourdomain.com/vmc.pem"This DNS record tells Gmail where to fetch your logo and verify your identity.
Step 6: Test & Monitor Your Setup
Use tools like:
- Google Admin Toolbox CheckMX
- BIMI Inspector
Make sure everything is properly configured. Gmail evaluates BIMI and VMC records in real time at email delivery, so errors may prevent the badge from showing up.
Why Getting Verified on Gmail Matters
| Benefit | What It Means for You |
| Trust & Credibility | Instantly recognizable as a legitimate sender |
| Better Deliverability | Higher chances of reaching the inbox, not the spam folder |
| Brand Visibility | Your logo and verification badge increase open rates |
| Phishing Protection | Helps users spot fake versions of your domain |
Getting the Gmail verified checkmark is more than just a badge, it’s a new standard in email trust and brand integrity. With email fraud and phishing on the rise, being verified tells customers you take their security seriously.If you’re ready to take your brand’s email presence to the next level but need expert guidance on strategy, trademarking, or technical setup, our team at GrowthGirls can help. We specialize in helping growing brands build trust, visibility, and engagement across every touchpoint, from email authentication to full-scale branding strategies. Let’s talk about how we can position your brand for long-term success, blue checkmark and beyond.
Get in touch with us at hello[@]growthgirls.com
