What is LegitScript certification?
LegitScript certification is a third-party verification program that checks whether certain healthcare businesses, such as addiction treatment providers, online pharmacies and some telehealth or supplement companies, meet legal and regulatory standards. Ad platforms and payment companies use it as a gate. Google requires it for addiction treatment ads in the US, and Meta requires certification for some categories too.
- A verification program, not a law: platforms use it to decide who may advertise in high-risk categories.
- Required by Google for US addiction treatment ads and accepted for online pharmacy certification.
- Meta also requires certification for some categories, such as online pharmacies and addiction treatment.
- Review covers licenses, ownership, websites and practices, and certification must be kept current.
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What LegitScript certification is
LegitScript reviews businesses in categories where fraud and patient harm are common. Its healthcare programs cover areas such as drug and alcohol addiction treatment, online and mail-order pharmacies, and some telehealth and healthcare merchant categories. Applicants submit details about the business, its owners and key staff, licenses and accreditations, websites and the services it offers. LegitScript checks these against legal requirements and its own standards, and then monitors certified businesses over time.
Certification is not a government license, and it does not replace state licensing or accreditation. Its practical value comes from the platforms that rely on it. Google uses it for addiction services advertisers in the US and accepts it for online pharmacy certification. Meta requires certification for advertisers in some regulated categories, such as online pharmacies and addiction treatment, and accepts LegitScript certification for this. Some payment processors also use it to decide whether to work with a merchant.
How it applies to practice marketing
- Addiction treatment centers, detox and many IOP programs generally need certification before running Google or Meta ads for those services.
- Telehealth practices prescribing medications and pharmacies selling online should check whether their category requires it on each platform.
- Plan the timeline: the review can take weeks, so start before a launch date, not after ads are disapproved.
- Align the website: reviewers look at the same pages as patients. Claims, licenses, ownership details and policies must match the application.
- Apply on each platform: after certification, advertisers usually still apply to Google or Meta for the category.
See the LegitScript certification guide, the Google Ads healthcare policy guide and addiction treatment center marketing.
Common mistakes and limits
Certification is ongoing. Adding a location, changing ownership or launching a new site without updating the record can put certification and ad accounts at risk. Another mistake is assuming certification approves every ad. Platforms still review each ad and landing page against their own policies, and claims must still meet FTC and state rules.
Many ordinary practices, such as dental, dermatology or primary care, do not need LegitScript certification to advertise their services. Which categories require it, and the fees involved, change over time and differ by platform and country. Confirm current requirements on the platform's policy pages and with your compliance team before you apply.
Related pages from the US team
LegitScript certification guide
Who needs it, steps and timelines.
Google Ads healthcare policy guide
Certification and restricted categories on Google.
Addiction treatment center marketing
Compliant growth for treatment programs.
US healthcare marketing glossary
Every term, defined in plain English.
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Common questions
Who needs LegitScript certification?
Typically drug and alcohol addiction treatment providers that want to advertise on Google or Meta in the US, online pharmacies, and some telehealth, supplement or other high-risk healthcare merchants. Requirements depend on the platform and category, so check each platform's current policy.
Do medical or dental practices need LegitScript to run Google Ads?
Usually not. Most practices advertising consultations and procedures do not need it. Certification becomes relevant for addiction treatment, online pharmacy, prescription drug promotion and certain telehealth offers, depending on the platform.
Is LegitScript certification a legal requirement?
No. It is a private certification. Platforms such as Google and Meta, and some payment processors, require it for certain categories. Businesses still have to meet state licensing, federal law and accreditation rules separately.
Does LegitScript certification guarantee ads will be approved?
No. After certification, advertisers usually still apply to the platform for the category, and each ad and landing page is still reviewed against the platform's policies. Misleading claims can be disapproved even for certified advertisers.
A note on this guide: it explains marketing practice, not legal advice. Rules on privacy, advertising and insurance change and vary by state, so confirm anything compliance-related with your own counsel.
Need certification before you can advertise?
Book a 30-minute call. We'll check whether your services need LegitScript and plan the ad launch around it.