What you can find out about a cleaning business owner's background
You can check whether a cleaning business owner or employee has an active license, a suspended license, or a history of arrests through public records. Most states maintain searchable databases for business licenses, and you can request driving records and criminal history through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or court system. The information available varies by state — some publish arrest records online when ready, others require a formal request, and a few restrict what the public can see.
If you are hiring someone to clean your home or business, or if you are vetting a cleaning company before signing a contract, these records exist to help you make an informed decision. You do not need permission to look them up, and the business owner cannot prevent you from searching.
Key Takeaways
- Business license status is searchable in your state's Secretary of State database or Department of Consumer Affairs, and will show whether a license is active, expired, or suspended.
- Driving records are available from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and show license suspensions, revocations, and traffic violations — relevant if the person will be driving to your location.
- Arrest and criminal history records are held by county courts and state police, with varying levels of public access depending on your state.
- A suspended business license often means the owner failed to renew, pay fees, or meet regulatory requirements — not necessarily a sign of wrongdoing.
- You can request these records yourself at no cost or low cost, and do not need to hire a background check company to do so.
How to find a cleaning business license status
Start with your state's Secretary of State office or Department of Consumer Affairs, depending on your state's structure. Search for the business name or the owner's name in the online database. The result will show whether the license is active, expired, suspended, or revoked, and often includes the date the license was issued and when it expires or was last renewed.
A suspended license means the state has temporarily blocked the business from operating legally. This can happen for unpaid taxes, failure to renew on time, failure to complete required training, or violation of state regulations. An expired license means the owner did not renew it by the important date. Neither necessarily means the business is unsafe — it often means paperwork or fees were not handled — but it does mean the business is not currently operating with state oversight.
If you cannot find the business in the state database, ask the owner directly for their license number and the date it was issued. If they cannot produce it, that is a red flag. Some states also require cleaning businesses to carry bonding or insurance; ask whether your state requires this and request proof.
Checking driving records for suspended or revoked licenses
If the cleaning service involves someone driving to your home or business, you can check their driving record through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states allow you to request a driving record for a fee, usually between $5 and $15. You will need the person's full name and date of birth, and sometimes their driver's license number.
A suspended or revoked license means the person is not legally permitted to drive. Suspensions are usually temporary and result from unpaid fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulation of traffic violations. A revocation is more serious and typically follows a DUI conviction or repeated violations. If someone's license is suspended or revoked and they are driving to your location, they are breaking the law.
Request the record in writing or online through your state's DMV website. Some states provide when ready online results; others mail the record to you within a few business days. Keep the record for your records in case there is ever a dispute about who was working at your property.
Finding arrest and criminal history records
Arrest and criminal history records are maintained by county courts and state police. Public access varies widely by state. Some states publish searchable databases online; others require you to visit the courthouse or submit a written request. A few states restrict public access to certain types of records, particularly if charges were dropped or the person was acquitted.
Start by searching your county court's website for a public records portal. Many counties now offer online searches of criminal cases. If your county does not have an online database, visit the courthouse in person or call the clerk's office and ask how to request records for a specific person. You will need their full name and approximate date of birth. There is usually a small fee, between $5 and $25.
An arrest record shows that someone was arrested; it does not mean they were convicted. Charges can be dropped, dismissed, or result in acquittal. A conviction record shows a guilty plea or guilty verdict. When reviewing records, pay attention to the outcome, not just the arrest. A single old arrest with no conviction is different from multiple convictions for theft or violence.
What a suspended license actually means for a cleaning business
A suspended business license does not automatically mean the owner is dishonest or dangerous. Common reasons for suspension include failure to renew on time, unpaid licensing fees, incomplete continuing education, or failure to pass a routine inspection. Some suspensions are administrative — the owner straightforward missed a important date.
However, a suspension can also result from complaints about the business, failure to carry required insurance, or violation of consumer protection laws. Ask the owner directly why their license was suspended. A straightforward answer — "I forgot to renew in time" or "I was between accountants and missed the fee important date" — is different from evasion or a refusal to explain.
If the license is currently suspended, do not hire the business until it is reinstated. Operating without a valid license means you have no recourse if something goes wrong, and you may be liable if the worker is injured on your property.
Understanding what you cannot find in public records
Public records do not include civil lawsuits, complaints to the Better Business Bureau, or disputes with previous customers. If you want to know whether someone has been sued or complained about, you will need to search civil court records separately, check the Better Business Bureau website, and read online reviews. These sources are not official records, but they can reveal patterns of complaints.
Background check companies aggregate this information and sell reports, but you can gather much of it yourself for free or at low cost. The advantage of doing it yourself is that you control what you are looking for and you see the original source documents, not a third-party summary.
Steps to take before hiring a cleaning service
Request the business license number and verify it in your state's database. Ask for proof of current insurance and bonding if your state requires it. Request the owner's or employee's full name and run a driving record check if they will be driving to your location. Search county court records for any criminal history. Ask for references from previous customers and contact them.
Document everything: keep copies of the license verification, insurance proof, and any records you pull. If you sign a contract, make sure it includes the business name, license number, and the names of anyone who will be working at your property. If something goes wrong later — theft, damage, injury — you will have a clear record of who you hired and what you verified beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire someone if their business license is expired?
No. An expired license means they are not currently authorized to operate. Ask them when they plan to renew it. If they say they are in the process, ask to see proof of the renewal process. Do not hire until the license is active again.
Does an arrest record mean someone is dangerous?
No. An arrest is not a conviction. Charges can be dropped or dismissed. Look at the outcome of the case, not just the arrest. A conviction for theft or violence is more relevant to hiring someone to work in your home than a decades-old arrest that was dismissed.
What should I do if I find a criminal conviction?
That depends on the crime, how long ago it happened, and your comfort level. Many states allow people with old convictions to work in certain fields. You can ask the person about it directly — many will explain the context. You are not required to hire anyone, and you can choose to work with someone else.
Where do I find my state's business license database?
Search "[Your State] Secretary of State business license search" or "[Your State] Department of Consumer Affairs." Most states have a searchable online portal on their government website. If you cannot find it, call your state's consumer protection office and ask for the link.
How much does it cost to check these records?
Business license searches are usually free. Driving records cost $5 to $15. Criminal records cost $5 to $25 depending on the county. Background check companies charge $20 to $50 but do the searching for you. Doing it yourself takes more time but costs less.