Background Checks No Longer Required for Some LSA Verticals

Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) are the sponsored “Google Screened” businesses that show above the map pack and recently started showing in the local finder results on mobile as well. LSAs are available currently for a variety of business verticals and 11 countries including the US and Canada.

Lawyers and real estate agents in certain states are no longer required to complete background checks on LSAs. Until recently lawyers (from all types of law) and real estate agents in all 50 states were required to complete a background check as part of the process to begin advertising on LSAs. Google’s support documents confirm that is no longer the case.

Lawyers with “active law licenses” and real estate agents in 29 of the 50 states will no longer be required to complete a background check.