How to Background Check a Nanny: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
A background check is the single most important safety step before hiring a nanny. Here's exactly what to run, what it costs, and what red flags require follow-up.
What to Include in a Nanny Background Check
| Check Type | What It Finds | Required? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| National criminal records search | Felony/misdemeanor convictions in all states | Always | $15–$30 |
| Sex offender registry | Registered sex offenders in all 50 states | Always | $5–$15 |
| Identity verification / SSN trace | Confirms name, address history, SSN validity | Strongly recommended | $5–$15 |
| County criminal search | Local records not in national databases | Recommended | $15–$30 per county |
| Motor vehicle record (MVR) | Driving violations, DUIs, license status | If driving children | $10–$20 |
| Reference checks | Work history and character from past employers | Always | Free (your time) |
Step-by-Step: How to Run a Nanny Background Check
- Get written consent first. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires you to get the candidate's written consent before running a background check through a third-party service. Most background check services include a consent form. Do not skip this step — it is a legal requirement.
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Choose a background check service. Use an FCRA-compliant consumer reporting agency. Reputable options include:
- Sterling Infosystems — comprehensive, FCRA-compliant, ~$50–$80
- Checkr — widely used, simple interface, ~$30–$60
- HireRight — thorough, enterprise-grade, ~$50–$100
- HomeWork Solutions / GTM Payroll — nanny-specific services with built-in background checks
- Run a national criminal + sex offender check at minimum. This is your baseline. Look for any felony convictions, violent crimes, theft, or sex offenses. Even if you use Care.com or another platform that runs its own checks, run your own independently — you control the depth and timing.
- Add a county criminal search. National databases are compiled from public records and may miss recent charges or records from jurisdictions with slow reporting. Run a county-level search in every county where the candidate has lived in the past 7 years for maximum coverage.
- Run an MVR if driving is required. If your nanny will drive your children — to school, activities, appointments — a motor vehicle record check is essential. Look for DUI/DWI convictions, reckless driving, suspended license, or excessive violations.
- Call all references. Background checks find criminal records, not character. Call every reference and ask: How long did they watch your children? Would you hire them again? Were they ever late or unreliable? Did they ever handle a childcare emergency, and how? A candidate who cannot provide references from childcare jobs is a red flag.
- Verify employment history. Call previous employers directly to confirm the dates of employment and job title. Discrepancies between what the candidate claims and what employers confirm deserve follow-up.
Red Flags to Watch For
On the background check
- Any conviction for a violent crime, child abuse, or sex offense — disqualifying
- DUI or reckless driving if the nanny will drive your children
- Recent theft, fraud, or dishonesty-related convictions
- SSN trace showing inconsistent identity information
- Address history showing frequent moves without explanation
During reference checks
- References who are friends or family rather than past employers
- Hesitation or vagueness about the candidate's reliability or trustworthiness
- "I wouldn't hire them again" — any version of this is disqualifying
- Inability to provide any childcare-specific references
During the interview
- Resistance to a background check — this is a standard requirement and refusal is a major red flag
- Inconsistencies between the resume and what they say in the interview
- Vague or rehearsed answers about handling emergencies or child discipline
Background Check Services: What to Use
| Service | Best For | Cost | FCRA-Compliant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checkr | Simple, fast results | $30–$60 | Yes |
| Sterling | Comprehensive multi-state | $50–$80 | Yes |
| HireRight | Deep employment history + criminal | $50–$100 | Yes |
| GTM Payroll Services | Nanny-specific bundle with payroll | $75–$150 | Yes |
| Care.com SafetyCenter | Quick platform check | $35–$80 | Yes |
Never use a free online "people search" site for a nanny background check — these are not FCRA-compliant and their data is often incomplete or outdated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a nanny background check include?
A thorough nanny background check should include: (1) national criminal records search, (2) sex offender registry check in all states the candidate has lived, (3) motor vehicle record (MVR) if driving is required, (4) identity verification, and (5) reference checks with previous employers. Social Security trace to confirm identity is also recommended. Full background checks cost $30–$100 through services like Sterling, Checkr, or HireRight.
How much does a nanny background check cost?
A professional nanny background check costs $30–$100 depending on the depth of the search. Basic criminal + sex offender checks start around $30–$50. A comprehensive package including criminal, sex offender, MVR, and identity verification runs $60–$100. Nanny placement agencies typically include background checks in their service fee ($1,500–$3,000).
Can I use Care.com's background check for a nanny?
Care.com offers background checks through their platform, but experts recommend running your own independent background check in addition to any platform check. Platform checks vary in depth; a standalone check through a company like Sterling, Checkr, or HireRight gives you full control over what is searched and the source of the data. Always get written consent from the candidate before running any background check.
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