The blue checkmark tells customers they are talking to the real business rather than an impostor. A number without it still works normally: it is a trust marker, not a requirement to use the platform.
Meta's eligibility criteria (as of October 8, 2026): the business complies with the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy, has been registered on the WhatsApp Business Platform for at least 30 days, belongs to a business portfolio that passed Business Verification, has two-step verification enabled on the number, and has an approved display name. Numbers used with the WhatsApp Business app are not eligible.
The request is made from WhatsApp Manager or through the API. If it is rejected, the business can submit a new request after 30 days. Meta also notes that a number without OBA status does not appear when users search for the business inside WhatsApp, unless they saved it as a contact.
OBA status is separate from Meta Verified, the paid subscription that gives WhatsApp Business app users a verified badge. The WhatsApp Business verification guide compares the two routes.
