To help you feel confident when booking a provider through Local Services, Google requires all businesses advertising on our platform to undergo various levels of screening procedures. The screening process varies by type of service, the country you’re in, and whether the service provider advertises directly with Google or through one of our partner affiliates. These screening processes may include background checks, verification of insurance or licenses to the extent permitted by applicable laws.
How Google screens Local Services businesses that advertise directly on our platform
Local Services businesses that advertise directly with Google undergo the following screening procedures. You’ll be able to recognize these providers because their profiles will have a note that says they have passed Google’s screening and qualification process for the particular category in which they’re advertising. This process varies by category but may include license, insurance, and background checks.
If you're a business looking to advertise on Local Services, sign up here.
Background checks
Business owners, and in some cases, service professionals at Local Services businesses that advertise directly with Google, may undergo background checks by third-party risk management companies with which Google has partnered.
Depending on the type of service and country in which the service is located, the business may undergo the following types of background checks:
- Business entity background check: A civil litigation history check of the business for evidence of negligent or substandard performance of services, such as judgments and liens from federal and state courts in the US.
- Business owner background check: A background check for all owners of the business. This may include identity and criminal history checks, such as cross-checks against national sex offender, terrorist, and sanctions registries in the US.
- Service professional background check: In an applicable categories, every employee, independent contractor, temporary worker, contingent worker, vendor, or other worker who will perform core services for the customer (service professionals) must complete a background check. Office managers, clerical workers, customer support representatives (or others that don’t visit customers) don't need to complete background checks. This may include identity and criminal history checks, such as cross-checks against national sex offender, terrorist, and sanctions registries in the US.
You can read more about the requirements in our policy for Local Service ads.
License checks
Depending on the country, Google verifies that advertisers hold applicable state, provincial and/or country-level licenses for businesses and owners or managers, to the extent practical. The licenses Google has verified for each advertiser are displayed on their provider profile. Advertisers must also confirm that they hold applicable county, city, and province-level licenses, and that all workers are appropriately licensed. Note that in some cases where a business is on the border of two states, the provider may not be authorized to work in both states.
Google encourages you to review each provider’s profile to learn more about the licenses it has reviewed.
Insurance checks
Whenever applicable, each provider's business must carry general liability insurance coverage for work performed.
Advanced verification
Advertisers in some business categories may need to undergo Google’s advanced verification screening. Advanced verification screening may include a review of the company’s Google Ads account, publicly available data and video interviews conducted by Google. The check may also include inquiries into business registration validity, and evidence of fraudulent or misleading behavior.Other screening
Google also continues to collect ratings and reviews from people who hired Local Services providers. As described in our policy, serious or repeatedly negative customer feedback may result in lower rankings (including not showing at all).
Requirements by category for US businesses
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*
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each bankruptcy lawyer in the firm
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each business lawyer in the firm
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*
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*
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each contract lawyer in the firm
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*
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each criminal lawyer in the firm
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each disability lawyer in the firm
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each DUI lawyer in the firm
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 need (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*
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each estate lawyer in the firm
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each family lawyer in the firm
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*
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:
- General liability insurance
- License requirements:
- License checks for each financial planner in the firm
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*
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*
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 need (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*
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*
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 need (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*
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each immigration lawyer in the firm
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each IP lawyer in the firm
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*
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each labor lawyer in the firm
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*
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*
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each litigation lawyer in the firm
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 need (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*
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each malpractice lawyer in the firm
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*
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each personal injury lawyer in the firm
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*
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 need (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*
Real estate agents
Real estate agents help buy, sell, or rent property.
- Background check requirements:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Professional check
- Insurance requirements:
- General liability insurance
- License requirements:
- License checks for each real estate agent in the firm
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each real estate lawyer in the firm
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*
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*
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:
- General liability insurance
- License requirements:
- License checks for each tax specialist in the firm
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:
- Business check
- Owner check
- Insurance requirements:
- Malpractice insurance where required by law
- License requirements:
- State bar license checks for each traffic lawyer in the firm
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*
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.
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*
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*
* = where applicable by state law. Google encourages you to review each provider’s profile to learn more about the licenses it has checked.
How providers from partner affiliate networks are screened
Some Local Services businesses don’t advertise directly with Google, but instead are shown to you as members of one of our partner affiliate networks. These types of affiliate businesses aren’t screened through Google’s processes, but instead are screened by the relevant partner affiliate's procedures. You can recognize these providers by the partner’s logo on their profile page along with a note indicating that they are affiliated with that partner. We encourage you to review each partner’s screening procedures through the links provided below.
Service providers from HomeAdvisor
Providers that come from HomeAdvisor have gone through HomeAdvisor’s screening process. Learn more on the HomeAdvisor website
Service providers from Thumbtack
Providers that come from Thumbtack have had someone affiliated with their business background checked by Thumbtack. Learn more on the Thumbtack website
Service providers from Networx
Providers that come from Networx have gone through Networx’s screening process. Learn more on the Networx website
Service providers from Homesnap
Providers that come from Homesnap have gone through Homesnap’s screening process. Learn more on the Homesnap website
