Mike Blumenthal reports Google is limiting some of the verification options for new businesses.

If a business is “new to Google” then Google may require a physical post card be delivered to the new business for verification the slow way. I assume this is just an additional form of Google spam prevention.

The quote Mike has from Google reads:

Of course this will delay the process for new businesses to authorize their businesses with Google, but I also hope this helps reduce some of the Google Maps spam.

Forum discussion at Google Places Help.