Update (2026): The certificate landscape has changed since this post. Entrust exited mark-certificate issuance in 2025. Compare today’s VMC and CMC requirements and current issuers before choosing a certificate.
Gmail still reserves its BIMI verified checkmark for logos backed by a VMC. A CMC-backed logo can appear in Gmail without the checkmark.
In May 2023, Google announced the checkmark and an information tooltip for qualifying VMC backed BIMI senders. Google said the treatment would help users identify messages from legitimate senders and distinguish them from impersonators.
“Strong email authentication helps users and email security systems identify and stop spam, and also enables senders to leverage their brand trust. This increases confidence in email sources and gives readers an immersive experience, creating a better email ecosystem for everyone.” Google
What did Gmail’s 2023 BIMI checkmark change?
The checkmark gave Gmail a VMC specific visual treatment beyond logo display. It didn’t make the icon universal across providers or extend it to CMC-backed logos.
Entrust exited mark-certificate issuance in 2025. Current senders should compare today’s VMC and CMC requirements and check which providers support BIMI today.
With exceptional email security knowledge and industry experience, Faisal is hands-on and dedicated CSE for Red Sift.