Understand the screening and verification process

To participate in Local Services Ads, all businesses must pass Google’s screening and verification process. The process varies by business category and location and may include background, business registration, insurance, and license checks, and minimum review requirements.

About background checks

Note: Background checks are required in the U.S (varies by business category and location, see Requirements by Category) and Canada.

In specific business categories and locations, Local Services Ads require background checks for the business, the business owner, and their field worker roster (employees, contractors, including subcontractors, or other workers who provide services in customers' homes, workplaces, or any other properties).

The background check for business owners and their field worker rosters involve identity and criminal history checks, like cross-checks against national sex offender, terrorist, or sanctions registries in the US. At the company-level, the process includes civil litigation history, like judgments and liens from federal and state courts in the US. The background check process doesn’t involve a credit check or a credit pull.

Businesses are not charged for the background check.

Who performs the background checks

Background checks are performed by local background check partners. Background check results remain strictly confidential between the business and background check partner. Businesses should contact the local background check partner with questions about the information checked, time period covered, appeals, and more.

Businesses that have their own dedicated background check partner and process can apply for background check equivalency verification. Any businesses that are interested in this request should reach out to their Local Services onboarding point of contact. Google will review the request and decide if both the background check partner and the process meet the Google standard.

Background check partners may send Google anonymized or aggregated data for quality control purposes.

How background checks are conducted

Before running any background checks, the background check partner will give each individual the opportunity to review the necessary disclosures under state, federal, county, country, or provincial laws. The background check partner will also ensure that each individual agrees to the terms before conducting the checks. The disclosures and terms allow background check partners to conduct the checks for the Google program and any follow-up checks in the future. Our background check partners are trusted vendors who have undergone strict data security audits and take care to protect each individual’s privacy.

Who is checked

An authorized representative (business owner or manager) must complete the business entity background check on behalf of the business. If a representative owns and operates more than one business operating under the same business name, the representative is required to submit a business entity background check for each location along with their business owner background check per location. In applicable categories, the representative will provide Google’s background check partner a list of service professionals who must also complete the background check process. The background check process doesn’t involve a credit check or a credit pull.

Furthermore, the following people will be checked:

  • All owners of the business must complete a criminal background check. This background check involves identity and criminal history checks.
  • If your business is in an applicable category, every employee, independent contractor, temporary worker, contingent worker, vendor, or other worker (service professionals) who will perform core services for the customer must complete a background check. Office managers, clerical workers, customer support representatives, or others that don’t service customers directly don't need to complete background checks. This background check involves identity and criminal history checks.

What happens if you fail a background check

Businesses that fail the background check process are not eligible to participate in the Google program to which they applied. Note that the business or its workers can always contact background check partners to identify any errors, inaccuracies, or otherwise respond to background check results. After resolving any errors or inaccuracies and receiving a final decision of disqualification, a business must wait an additional 30 days to reapply for admission to the Google program. If a second application is also denied, you then must wait one year before reapplying.

About business registration checks

Depending on the country, Google verifies that businesses are registered according to relevant laws and regulations governing a given country. Businesses must provide Google proof of their business registration by uploading relevant documents, providing registration numbers, by attestation, or other means. Google will make best efforts to verify the validity of each business' registrations.

Business registration documentation options by country

Country Business Registration documentation options (in local language) Language
Austria

Umsatzsteuer-ID-Nr.

de
Belgium

BTW-nummer or Ondernemingsnummer bij de Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen

nl
Numéro de TVA or Numéro d'entreprise auprès de la Banque-Carrefour des Entreprises fr
France SIRENE / SIRET code fr
Numéro de TVA fr
Attestation de régularité fiscale (formulaire n°3666-SD) fr
Extrait Kbis fr
Germany Bescheid über die Erteilung einer Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer de
Handelsregister-Nr. de
Gewerbeanmeldung-Nr. de
Ireland VAT Tax ID en
Business Registration with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) en
Utility Bill en
Italy Visura Camerale it
Partita IVA it
Spain CIF / NIF Intracomunitario es
Número de IVA es
Switzerland Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer (for example, CHE-123.456.789 MWST) de
Numéro IDE (for example, CHE-123.456.789 TVA) fr
Numero d’identificazione delle imprese (for example, CHE-123.456.789 IVA) it
United Kingdom VAT Tax ID en
CRN from the Companies House Registry en
Utility Bill en

About insurance checks

For business categories that require general liability insurance, businesses are required to submit their certificate of insurance. The minimum insurance amount required depends on the category and location.

Uploading guidelines for insurance (North America):

  • The document must be active and valid for at least 14 days after the time of submission.
  • The name on the documentation must match the name you want to advertise with. If different, attach additional documentation such as a Doing Business As (DBA) document, proving the affiliation.
  • The business address listed must cover the service area you want to advertise in.
  • The general liability insurance amount must be equal to or greater than the amount required, depending on your business category and location. The amount required will be displayed on the insurance upload screen on your business verification dashboard.
  • In the United States and Canada, the best document to provide is a valid Certificate of Insurance that includes a signature. Be sure the name on your insurance matches the name you’ve used to sign up for Local Services Ads. If your insurance is under a different name, provide a Doing Business As (DBA) document.
  • The document must be signed.
  • A policy number must be displayed.
  • The document must be legitimate and non-editable.

Uploading guidelines for insurance (Europe):

Provide your public or general liability insurance document stating the coverage amount, company/owner name, and address. Note that employer liability insurance is not accepted. If your insurance is ongoing and does not expire, you will be required to supply proof of payment for the last year to confirm the insurance is still valid.

About license checks

Depending on the country, Google verifies that businesses hold applicable state, provincial, and/or country-level licenses for businesses and owners/managers, to the extent possible. The licenses Google has verified for each business are displayed on their provider profile. Google validates these licenses against the state or country databases.

Businesses must also confirm that they hold applicable county, city, and province-level licenses, and that all service professionals are appropriately licensed.

About Advanced Verification

For some business categories, advertisers will be required to complete Advanced Verification to prevent fraudulent businesses from advertising on Google using false identities. The Advanced Verification process combines a review of your Google Ads account (if applicable), publicly available data, and video interviews conducted by Google. The check includes inquiries into business registration validity and evidence of fraudulent or misleading business practices.

About review requirements

Most businesses are required to have reviews associated with their ads before going live. Minimum review requirements depend on the category your business is signing up for.

Requirements by category for US businesses

Acupuncturist

Acupuncturists assess and treat patients using acupuncture theory and technique.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Field Worker
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Animal rescue

Animal rescue service providers ensure animals in need are rescued and rehabilitated properly.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • N/A
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Appliance repair

An appliance repair professional is a service provider that works on the maintenance, repair, and installation of appliances, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Auto glass

An auto glass professional is a service provider that repairs cracked car windows, among other services.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Bankruptcy lawyer

Bankruptcy law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy, foreclosure, debt resettlement, personal, agricultural, and corporate bankruptcy, and repossession, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each bankruptcy lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Beauty school

Beauty schools provide classes that teach students how to perform cosmetology services on customers. 

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Individual license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Business lawyer

Business law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as business litigation, business transactions, business formation, commercial contracts, partnership agreements, and shareholder disputes, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each business lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Carpenters

A carpenter is a service provider that works on cabinetry, decking, drywalling, shelving, and remodeling, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Carpet & Upholstery cleaning

A carpet and upholstery cleaning professional is a service provider that specializes in the cleaning and maintenance of carpet, flooring, and furniture upholstery, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Child care

Child Care professionals provide care and supervision for the development of children kindergarten through elementary school.
  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (U.S. Child Care professionals are required to renew proper licensing and background check information in accordance with their U.S. state requirements)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General Liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • State level license/ credential for each child care professional
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Contract lawyer

Contract law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as contract disputes, contract negotiation, contract review, partnership agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and commercial contracts, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each contract lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Countertop services

A countertop professional is a service provider that works on kitchen and bathroom countertops, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Criminal lawyer

Criminal law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as domestic violence, drug possession, felonies, federal crimes, petty crimes, and restraining orders, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each criminal lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Dance instructor

Dance instructors provide dance lessons and formal instruction for students looking to learn the art of dance.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • N/A
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Disability lawyer

Disability law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as short and long-term disability, SSA applications, appeals, and benefits, supplemental security income, veteran’s disability, and worker’s comp, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each disability lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Driving instructor

Driving instructors provide group classes or one-to-one instruction for students who want to learn how to operate and drive a car or commercial vehicle.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Instructor check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Individual license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

DUI lawyer

DUI law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each DUI lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Electrician

An electrician is a service professional that works on the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, among other services.

Note: The electrician category is considered an urgent category because consumers will often call an electrician for time-sensitive, urgent needs (exposed wiring, critical electronic failure, etc.).

For this reason, electricians undergo an additional level of screening, including service professional background checks.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Service professional check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Estate lawyer

Estate law professionals assist clients in drafting and implementing legal documents, including wills, trusts, and deeds and provide advice and guidance for matters such as probate, guardianship, and power of attorney.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each estate lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Family lawyer

Family law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as adoption, child support, divorce, guardianship, prenups & marital agreements, spousal support, and property division, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each family lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Fencing services

A fencing professional is a service provider that works on fence design, installation, repair, and maintenance, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Financial planners

A financial planner helps organize and optimize finances and plan for retirement and other financial goals.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Professional check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • License checks for each financial planner in the firm
  • No minimum review requirement

First aid training

First aid trainers provide classes to individuals looking to learn first aid skills and techniques.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • N/A
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Flooring services

A flooring professional is a service provider that works on floor installation, repair, and sanding, and refinishing, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Foundations services

A foundations professional is a service provider that works on installing, raising, repairing, maintaining, and waterproofing basements, crawl spaces, and other foundations, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Funeral home

Funeral homes provide burial and funeral services for families of the deceased.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Individual license on state level*
    • Minimum review requirement:
      • One review

Garage door

A garage door professional is a service provider that works with overhead and garage door systems, among other services.

Note: The garage door category is considered an urgent / duress category because consumers will often call a garage door provider for time-sensitive, urgent needs (garage door won’t open or close).

For this reason, garage door providers undergo an additional level of screening, including service professional background checks, and Google’s Advanced Verification screening process.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Service professional check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

General contractor

A general contractor is a service provider that provides material and builds services necessary for building construction.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General Liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Handyman

A handyman is a service provider who is widely skilled in repairs focused on home improvement, fixes, or enhancements.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Home inspector

A home inspector assesses the safety and condition of a property, usually in the home services sector.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Home security

A home security service provider sets up and inspects all security hardware (locks, alarms, cameras, motion detectors, etc) for a home/property security system.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Field Worker check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Home theater

A home theater service provider delivers and installs home theaters and theater parts to customer homes.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

House cleaning

House cleaning professionals perform standard or deep cleans on offices or homes among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review (starting June 30, 2022, this requirement will change to 5 reviews)

HVAC

An HVAC professional installs, maintains, and repairs furnaces and central air conditioning systems, among other services.

Note: The HVAC category is considered an urgent category because consumers will often call an HVAC for time-sensitive, urgent needs (heater is broken in freezing temperatures).

For this reason, HVAC professionals undergo an additional level of screening, including service professional background checks.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Service professional check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review (starting June 30, 2022, this requirement will change to 5 reviews)

Immigration law

Immigration law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as asylum, visa applications, green cards, citizenship, naturalization, deportation, and employment for non-citizens.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each immigration lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

IP lawyer

IP law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as copyright, franchises, IP strategy, licensing, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and technology transfer, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each IP lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Junk removal

Junk removal professionals remove and dispose of or donate appliances, waste, furniture, or other items.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Labor lawyer

Labor law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as employment contracts, sexual harassment, unpaid overtime, whistleblowing, and wrongful termination, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each labor lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Landscaping services

A landscaping professional is a service provider that designs, installs, and maintains gardens and landscapes, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Language instructor

Language instructors provide language learning and tutoring services.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Service professional check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • N/A
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Lawn care

Lawn care professionals maintain lawns including installation, and maintenance such as weed control, mowing, and seeding among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Litigation lawyer

Labor law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as case assessment, civil, commercial, and criminal litigation, mediation, and settlement, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each litigation lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Locksmith

A locksmith is a service professional that works with locks, keys, and security systems among other services.

Note: The locksmith category is considered an urgent/duress category because consumers will often call a locksmith for time-sensitive, urgent needs (locked out of home, car, or office).

For this reason, locksmiths undergo an additional level of screening, including service professional background checks, and Google’s Advanced Verification screening process.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Service professional check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Malpractice lawyer

Malpractice law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as medical malpractice, diagnosis errors, treatment errors, and medical negligence, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each malpractice lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Massage school

Massage schools provide classes or one-to-one instruction for students who want to learn how to perform massage services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Individual license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Moving

Moving professionals pack, move, store, and unpack belongings among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Personal injury lawyer

Personal injury law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as assault & battery, auto, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents, dog bites, injury from DUI, product liability, and wrongful death, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each personal injury lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review (starting June 30, 2022, this requirement will change to 5 reviews)

Personal trainer

Personal trainers provide fitness scheduling, training, and routine to individuals looking for specific fitness training or lessons.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • N/A
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Pest control

Pest control professionals inspect and remove various types of pests including bugs, rodents, and wildlife among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Pet adoption

Pet adoption centers and service providers rehabilitate and rehome stray, lost, abandoned, or surrendered animals.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • N/A
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Pet boarding

Pet boarding professionals care for pets overnight. Some may offer additional services, including grooming among other services.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • N/A
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Pet grooming

Pet grooming professionals clean and groom pets among other services.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Pet training

Pet training service professionals service pet owners who are looking to train their pets or learn how to better understand their pets.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • N/A
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Plumber

Plumbers are service professionals who deal with pipes, drains, sewers and the appliances in your home that connect to these systems. Sometimes they may also service gas or other services.

Note: The plumbing category is considered an urgent category because consumers will often call a plumber for time-sensitive, urgent needs (such as hot water outage).

For this reason, plumbing professionals undergo an additional level of screening, including service professional background checks.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Service professional check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Pool cleaner

Pool cleaners provide pool cleaning services, upkeep, and hygiene maintenance.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Pool contractor

Pool contractors provide pool remodeling, repairs, and additional installation services.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Preschool

Preschool professionals provide early childhood development programs that combine learning and play.
  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (U.S. preschool professionals are required to renew proper licensing and background check information in accordance with their U.S. state requirements)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General Liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • State level license/credential for each teacher or professional
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Real estate agents and brokers

Real estate agents help buy, sell, or rent property.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Professional check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • License checks for each real estate agent in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review (starting June 30, 2022, this requirement will change to 5 reviews)

In some states, real estate agents (including brokers and realtors) must complete a background check in order to secure a professional license. In those states, Local Services does not perform a separate background check. If a real estate agency is operating in a state where a separate business background check and business owner background check is required, it will note on their profile that they have passed both. See below for state-specific details.

Screened Real Estate Agents whose profiles do not specifically note that they have passed business owner or business entity background checks, have received the Google Screened badge based on the background check requirement of their state’s professional licensing.

U.S. States that do not require background checks for real estate agents and brokers:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
 

Real estate lawyer

Real estate law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as residential and commercial real estate, encroachment, foreclosure, neighbor and HOA disputes, property damage, purchase agreements, trespassing, and title services, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each real estate lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Roofing

Roofing professionals install, repair, and maintain the shingles, gutters, and venting on your roof, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review (starting June 30, 2022, this requirement will change to 5 reviews)

Sewage systems

Sewage system service providers maintain and upkeep sewage systems in need of sanitary compliance or repairs.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Siding services

A siding professional is a service provider that installs, repairs, maintains, remodels, and removes siding, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Snow removal

Snow removal service providers ensure snow is removed from public or private roads and roadways for safe travel after a snowfall.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • N/A
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Tax lawyer

Tax law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as tax audits, international taxes, corporate taxes, estate planning taxes, and tax litigation, among other services.
  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each traffic lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Tax specialist

Tax specialists are professionals that offer tax planning, tax preparation, tax filing, and IRS audit representation, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Professional check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional Liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • License checks for each tax specialist in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Traffic lawyer

Traffic law professionals provide advice and guidance for matters such as parking tickets, reckless driving, speeding tickets, traffic tickets, and suspended license, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • N/A (attorneys are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a license to practice law)
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional liability insurance*
  • License requirements:
    • State bar license checks for each traffic lawyer in the firm
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Tree service

Tree service professionals plant, remove, and maintain trees, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review (starting June 30, 2022, this requirement will change to 5 reviews)

Tutor

Tutors are subject experts who provide group or one-on-one classes for students.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
    • Instructor check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • N/A
  • License requirements:
    • N/A
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Veterinarian

Veterinarians provide medical services and treatments for household pets and animals.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • Professional Liability
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Veterinarian license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Water damage services

Water damage professionals clean and inspect water damage issues such as mold, sewage, and paint damage, among other services.

Professionals in some states may need additional licenses to perform mold remediation or assessment services. Review each provider’s profile to learn more about the licenses Google has verified.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
    • IICRC certification**

**Professionals with this certification may need additional licenses to repair water damage issues.

  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Weight loss service

Weight loss service providers help individuals looking to lose weight with guidance and meal plans for achieving their weight loss goals.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • N/A
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Window cleaning

Window cleaning professionals clean windows, mirrors, skylights, and gutters, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Window repair

Window repair professionals install and repair widows and may also service skylights, doors, and other types of glass, among other services.

  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • General liability insurance
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

Yoga studio

Yoga studio professionals provide yoga focused lessons, classes, and workshops.
  • Background check requirements:
    • Business check
    • Owner check
  • Insurance requirements:
    • N/A
  • License requirements:
    • Business license on state level*
    • Owner license on state level*
  • Minimum review requirement:
    • One review

*In some areas, attorneys are not required to carry malpractice insurance.

* = where applicable by state law. Google encourages you to review each provider’s profile to learn more about the licenses it has checked.

Note: If you are advertising through a partner affiliate, the above information does not apply to you. Learn more about partner affiliate providers
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