Developer Verification

Developer verification is the identity and legitimacy check that platform operators require before allowing someone to publish apps. Both Apple and Google have implemented increasingly strict verification procedures to protect users from fraudulent or misleading apps and to ensure accountability for published content.

Apple’s Verification Process

Apple verifies individual developers through government-issued ID and two-factor authentication. For organization enrollments, Apple requires a valid D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet, which confirms the legal entity’s existence and registered address. Apple’s enrollment team may contact the organization directly using the phone number listed in the D-U-N-S record. The legal contact must confirm authority to bind the organization to Apple’s developer agreements.

Google Play Verification

Google requires all new developer accounts to complete identity verification, which includes providing a valid government ID and confirming a physical address through a verification code sent by mail. Organization accounts must also verify the entity’s legal name and address. Google has progressively tightened these requirements to reduce spam and low-quality submissions on the Play Store.

Common Delays and Issues

Verification delays are common when the D-U-N-S record is outdated, the legal entity name does not match enrollment details, or the listed phone number is unreachable. For Google, address verification can take one to two weeks due to physical mail delivery. Developers should ensure their business records are current and consistent across all platforms before starting enrollment.