Business screening and verification requirements

As part of Google’s screening and verification process, businesses seeking to advertise with Local Services Ads are required to complete appropriate background checks and have appropriate licences and insurance, as applicable. These requirements may include, but aren't limited to:

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification (select verticals only)
• Fieldworker identity verification (select verticals only)

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Verified Google Business Profile (EMEA select countries only)

Business registration requirements

• Business check
• Verified Google Business Profile (EMEA select countries only)

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance
• Verified Google Business Profile (EMEA select countries only)

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state or province level
• Owner licence on state or province level
• Verified Google Business Profile (EMEA select countries only)

Minimum review requirements

• Up to five reviews
• Verified Google Business Profile (EMEA select countries only)

Note: If your account is matched to an existing business on maps, you'll need to verify your Google Business Profile to continue serving Local Services Ads. This is applicable for providers in EMEA.

Depending on your business type and the state or province and country in which you operate, additional requirements may also be necessary to advertise on Local Services Ads. Learn more about the screening and verification process.

We recommend starting the screening and verification process as soon as possible after you’ve created your Local Services Ads account. On average, this process takes 3–4 weeks to complete after submitting your documents.

To learn what’s required to complete your screening and verification and start advertising on Local Services, review your business’s requirements below.

Review your requirements by selecting your country and your business category

Vehicle care

Vehicle care businesses include services like towing, tyre shop, car wash, vehicle repair shop/garage and vehicle body shop. Find your business in the list below and review your screening and verification requirements. If you’re not sure which category your business falls into, review the business description to determine if your services match.

Towing

A towing service professional offers vehicle towing and roadside assistance.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Tyre shop (currently available in California and Florida only)

A tyre shop service professional installs and maintains car tyres.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Car wash

A car wash service professional cleans car interiors and exteriors.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Vehicle repair shop/garage

A vehicle repair shop/garage service professional repairs and maintains cars.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance
• Garage keepers liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Vehicle body shop

A vehicle body shop service professional works on the exterior of damaged cars.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance
• Garage keepers liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Beauty (currently available in California and Florida only)

Beauty businesses include services like hair salon, barber shop, nail salon, waxing or hair removal, tattoo studio and piercing studio. Find your business in the list below and review your screening and verification requirements. If you’re not sure which category your business falls into, review the business description to determine if your services match.

Hair salon

Hair salons provide haircuts, colouring, styling, treatments, extensions and plaiting.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Barber shop

Barber shops provide shaves, beard and moustache grooming, trimming, treatments and dyeing.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Nail salon

Nail salons provide manicures and pedicures.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Waxing or Hair removal

Waxing or hair removal services provide facial and body hair treatment and eyebrow styling.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Tattoo studio

Tattoo studios provide permanent skin art and tattoo cover-ups.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Piercing studio

Piercing studios provide piercings, such as ear, nose, tongue, navel and more.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Healthcare

Find your business in the list below and review your screening and verification requirements. If you’re not sure which category your business falls into, review the business description to determine if your services match.

Allergist

An allergist is a healthcare provider who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma, allergies and other immunologic diseases.

Background check requirements

• Provider check
• Practice check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance (practice)
• Professional liability or medical malpractice insurance (provider)

License requirements

• Practice license on state level*
• Provider license on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Audiologist

An audiologist is a healthcare provider who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and balance disorders.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Chiropractor

A chiropractor is a healthcare provider who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions associated with the body's muscular, nervous and skeletal systems.

Background check requirements

• Provider check
• Practice check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance (practice)
• Professional liability or medical malpractice insurance (provider)

License requirements

• Practice license on state level*
• Provider license on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Dentist

A dentist is a health care provider who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions associated with the teeth, gums, and mouth.

Background check requirements

• Provider check
• Practice check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance (practice)
• Professional liability or medical malpractice insurance (provider)

License requirements

• Practice license on state level*
• Provider license on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a healthcare provider who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions associated with the skin, hair and nails.

Background check requirements

• Provider check
• Practice check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance (practice)
• Professional liability or medical malpractice insurance (provider)

License requirements

• Practice license on state level*
• Provider license on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Dietitian

A dietician is a healthcare provider who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with food and nutrition.

Background check requirements

• Provider check
• Practice check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance (practice)
• Professional liability or medical malpractice insurance (provider)

License requirements

• Practice license on state level*
• Provider license on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Occupational therapist

An occupational therapist is a healthcare provider who specialises in helping individuals improve their physical ability to perform daily tasks.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is a healthcare provider who performs medical and surgical treatments for conditions associated with the eyes.

Background check requirements

• Provider check
• Practice check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance (practice)
• Professional liability or medical malpractice insurance (provider)

License requirements

• Practice license on state level*
• Provider license on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Optician

An optician is a healthcare provider who provides primary vision care and specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of vision changes and eye diseases.

Background check requirements

• Provider check
• Practice check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance (practice)
• Professional liability or medical malpractice insurance (provider)

License requirements

• Practice license on state level*
• Provider license on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Orthopaedic surgeon

An orthopaedic surgeon is a healthcare provider who specialises in surgical and non-surgical treatment of injuries to the musculoskeletal system.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a healthcare provider who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of teeth and jaw irregularities.

Background check requirements

• Provider check
• Practice check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance (practice)
• Professional liability or medical malpractice insurance (provider)

License requirements

• Practice license on state level*
• Provider license on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Physical Therapist

A physical therapist is a healthcare professional who provides treatment and management for injuries or chronic conditions using massage techniques and exercises.

Background check requirements

• Provider check
• Practice check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance (practice)
• Professional liability or medical malpractice insurance (provider)

License requirements

• Practice license on state level*
• Provider license on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Plastic surgeon

A plastic surgeon is a healthcare professional who specialises in elective cosmetic surgery.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Podiatrist

A podiatrist is a healthcare provider who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions associated with feet, ankles and lower legs.

Background check requirements

• Provider check
• Practice check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance (practice)
• Professional liability or medical malpractice insurance (provider)

License requirements

• Practice license on state level*
• Provider license on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Primary care physician

A primary care physician is a healthcare professional who practices general medicine, provides routine checkups and diagnoses and treats common medical conditions.

Background check requirements

• Provider check
• Practice check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance (practice)
• Professional liability or medical malpractice insurance (provider)

License requirements

• Practice license on state level*
• Provider license on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Other requirements

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) verification

Home services

Home services include providers like locksmiths, cleaners, painters, landscapers or others who service private residences and businesses.

Find your business in the list below and review your screening and verification requirements. If you’re not sure which category your business falls into, review the business description to determine if your services match.

Appliance repair

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

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

Architect (currently available in California and Florida only)

Architects work in the construction industry designing new homes, businesses and the spaces around them.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Bathroom remodelling

A bathroom remodeller is a service provider who upgrades and installs bathroom appliances and finishes.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Carpenters

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

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Carpet and upholstery cleaning

A carpet and upholstery cleaning professional is a service provider who specialises 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

Worktop services

A worktop professional is a service provider who works on kitchen and bathroom worktops, among other services.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Drain expert (currently available in California and Florida only)

Drain experts are service providers who specialise in the installation of drains for the removal of water from homes, yards and buildings.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Electrician

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

Note: The electrician category is considered an urgent category because consumers often call electricians for time-sensitive, urgent needs, such as exposed wiring and critical electronic failures.

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

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

Fencing services

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

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Flooring services

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

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Foundations services

A foundations professional is a service provider who 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Garage door

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

Note: The garage door category is considered an urgent category because consumers often call garage door professionals for time-sensitive, urgent needs, such as a garage door that won’t open or close.

For this reason, garage door providers undergo an additional level of screening, which includes 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

General contractor

A general contractor is a service provider who provides material and builds services necessary for building construction.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Home insulation (currently available in California and Florida only)

Home insulation professionals are service providers who install insulation in residential buildings to improve energy efficiency and provide a more even temperature throughout the home. Insulation removal doesn't include asbestos abatement.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence 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 and motion detectors) for a home or property security system.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Field worker check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Home cinema

A home cinema service provider delivers and installs home cinemas and cinema parts to customers’ homes.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:
  • 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 often call HVAC professionals for time-sensitive, urgent needs, such as a heater that's broken in freezing temperatures.

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

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:
  • 5 reviews

Interior designer (currently available in California and Florida only)

An interior designer plans, researches, coordinates and manages the enhancement of building interior spaces.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Rubbish removal

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

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

Kitchen Remodelling

A kitchen remodeller is a service provider who upgrades features in the kitchen.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Landscaping services

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

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

Locksmith

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

Note: The locksmith category is considered an urgent category because consumers often call locksmiths for time-sensitive, urgent needs, such as being locked out of a 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

Moving

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

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

Painter

A painter is a service provider who specialises in painting home interiors and exteriors.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Pest control

Pest control professionals inspect and remove various types of pests, including bugs and rodents.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

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 often call plumbers for time-sensitive, urgent needs, such as a 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

Pool cleaner

Pool cleaners provide pool cleaning services, upkeep and hygiene maintenance.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Pool contractor

Pool contractors provide pool remodelling, repairs and additional installation services.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:
  • 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Siding services

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

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Snow removal

Snow removal service providers ensure that 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

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Solar energy contractor

Solar energy contractors provide services, such as solar system installation, repair and monitoring.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:
  • 5 reviews

Water damage services

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

Professionals in some areas may need additional licences to perform mould remediation or assessment services. Review each provider’s profile to learn more about the licences that Google has verified.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*
• IICRC certification**

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

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

Window repair

Window repair professionals install and repair windows 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

Minimum review requirements

• 3 reviews

Learning

Learning businesses include services and service providers like dance instructors, preschools, tutors or businesses that provide educational classes or services.

Find your business in the list below and review your screening and verification requirements. If you’re not sure which category your business falls into, review the business description to determine if your services match.

Beauty therapy college

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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• 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

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence 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

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• 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
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Individual licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Pre-school

Preschools provide early childhood development programmes that combine learning and play.

Background check requirements

• N/A (US pre-schools are required to renew proper licensing and background check information in accordance with their US state requirements)

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• State level licence/credential for each teacher or professional

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

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

Licence requirements

• N/A

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous businesses include services like storage, insurance agency and mobile phone or laptop repair. Find your business in the list below and review your screening and verification requirements. If you’re not sure which category your business falls into, review the business description to determine if your services match.

Storage

Storage businesses provide self storage, document storage and moving and storage, among other services.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Insurance agency (currently available in California and Florida only)

Storage businesses provide self storage, document storage and moving and storage, among other services.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Mobile phone and laptop repair

Mobile phone or laptop repair services provide repairs for mobile devices, such as screen replacement, hardware and software repair and data recovery.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

People care

People care businesses include services like child care centres and funeral services.

Find your business in the list below and review your screening and verification requirements. If you’re not sure which category your business falls into, review the business description to determine if your services match.

Child care

Child Care centres provide care and supervision for the development of children, preschool through primary school.

Background check requirements

• N/A (US child-care centres are required to renew proper licensing and background check information in accordance with their US state requirements)

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• State level licence/credential for each child care professional

• 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Individual licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Pet care

Pet care businesses include services like pet adoption agencies, groomers and veterinarians.

Find your business in the list below and review your screening and verification requirements. If you’re not sure which category your business falls into, review the business description to determine if your services match.

Animal rescue

Animal rescue service providers ensure that animals in need are rescued and rehabilitated properly.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• N/A

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Pet adoption

Pet adoption centres and service providers rehabilitate and rehome stray, lost, abandoned or surrendered animals.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check

Insurance requirements

• N/A

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence 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

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence 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
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence 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

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• 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 insurance*

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Professional services

Professional services businesses include providers like lawyers and real estate agents.

Find your business in the list below and review your screening and verification requirements. If you’re not sure which category your business falls into, review the business description to determine if your services match.

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.

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each bankruptcy lawyer in the firm

• 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.

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each business lawyer in the firm

• 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.

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each contract lawyer in the firm

• 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.

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each criminal lawyer in the firm

• 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.

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each disability lawyer in the firm

• 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.

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each DUI lawyer in the firm

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Estate lawyer

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

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence 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.

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each family lawyer in the firm

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Financial planners

A financial planner helps organise and optimise finances, plan for retirement and other financial goals.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Professional check

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• Licence checks for each financial planner in the firm

Minimum review requirements

• N/A

Immigration lawyer

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

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence 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.

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each IP lawyer in the firm

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Employment lawyer

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

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each employment lawyer in the firm

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Litigation lawyer

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

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each litigation lawyer in the firm

• 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.

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each malpractice lawyer in the firm

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Personal injury lawyer

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

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each personal injury lawyer in the firm

• Minimum review requirement:
  • 5 reviews

Estate agents and brokers

Estate agents help buy, sell or rent property.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Professional check

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• Licence checks for each estate agent in the firm

In some states, estate agents (including brokers and realtors) must complete a background check in order to secure a professional licence. 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 be noted on their profile that they have passed both. See below for state-specific details.

Screened estate agents whose profiles do not specifically note that they've 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.

US states that require background checks for estate agents and brokers:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Vermont

• Minimum review requirement:
  • 5 reviews

Property lawyer

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

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each property lawyer in the firm

• 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.

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each tax lawyer in the firm

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Tax specialist

Tax specialists are professionals who 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*

Licence requirements

• Licence 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 licence, among other services.

Identity verification requirements

• Business owner identity verification
• Fieldworker identity verification

Background check requirements

• N/A (lawyers are required to pass a background check in order to obtain a licence to practise law)

Insurance requirements

• Professional liability insurance*

Licence requirements

• State bar licence checks for each traffic lawyer in the firm

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Wellness

Wellness businesses include services like personal trainers, yoga studios and acupuncturists.

Find your business in the list below and review your screening and verification requirements. If you’re not sure which category your business falls into, review the business description to determine if your services match.

Acupuncturist

Acupuncturists assess and treat patients using acupuncture theory and technique.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Field worker check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

First aid trainer

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

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

Massage therapist

Massage therapists provide manual therapeutic treatment to the body's soft tissues and joints to promote wellness and alleviate pain and stress.

Background check requirements

• Business check
• Owner check
• Service professional check

Insurance requirements

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

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

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• 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

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence 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

Licence requirements

• Business licence on state level*
• Owner licence on state level*

• Minimum review requirement:

  • One review

* = Where applicable by local law. Google encourages you to review each provider’s profile to learn more about the licences it has checked.