How to Verify a Caregiver in California: Registry Lookup, Licensing and Background Checks

In California, caregivers who work for licensed home care agencies must be registered on the state’s Home Care Aide Registry, run by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Registration requires a fingerprint (Live Scan) background check, a tuberculosis test, and required training. Families can look up a caregiver’s registration and an agency’s Home Care Organization (HCO) license on the CDSS website. Before hiring, confirm both, and ask the agency how it screens, trains and supervises caregivers.

Letting someone into your parent’s home is a big decision. California has specific rules for non-medical home care, and a few minutes of checking can give your family real peace of mind. It can also help you spot unlicensed operators who put families at legal and financial risk. Knowing how to verify a home care aide in California protects your parent and helps you choose a licensed, accountable agency.

This guide explains California’s requirements, how to look up caregivers and agencies, and questions to ask.

What does California require of home care aides?

• Registration: Listed on the CDSS Home Care Aide Registry
• Background check: Live Scan fingerprinting through the California DOJ and FBI
• Tuberculosis screening: TB test or clearance
• Training: Required entry-level training before working with clients and annual training after
• Age: At least 18
• Renewal: Registration must be renewed periodically

Caregivers employed by a licensed Home Care Organization must meet these requirements. Independent caregivers can also register, but registration alone doesn’t mean they’re insured or employed by an agency.

What does a Home Care Organization (HCO) license mean?

Agencies that send non-medical caregivers into clients’ homes must hold an HCO license from CDSS. Licensed agencies must:

• Employ registered home care aides
• Maintain liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and a dishonesty or fidelity bond
• Follow state rules on hiring, training and client rights
• Be subject to state oversight and complaint investigations

Nona’s Home Care is licensed as California HCO #374700282.

How do you look up a caregiver on the Home Care Aide Registry?

1. Get the caregiver’s full name and, ideally, their Home Care Aide (HCA) registration number.
2. Go to the California Department of Social Services website and find the Home Care Aide Registry search.
3. Search by name or registration number.
4. Confirm the registration is active and not expired.
5. Ask the agency if anything doesn’t match.

How do you verify an agency’s license?

1. Ask the agency for its HCO license number. It should be listed on its website and paperwork.
2. Use the CDSS facility or licensee search to look up the license.
3. Confirm the license is active and the business name and address match.
4. Review any public inspection or complaint information available.

What should you ask an agency about screening and training?

• Are all caregivers W-2 employees, not contractors?
• Are they registered on the Home Care Aide Registry?
• What background checks do you run beyond Live Scan, such as reference checks?
• What training do caregivers get, including dementia care?
• How do you supervise caregivers and check in on clients?
• What happens if a caregiver calls out sick?
• Are you insured and bonded?

For more questions, see 12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an In-Home Caregiver in California.

What are the risks of unlicensed or private caregivers?

• No background check: Unknown history
• No insurance: Your family may be liable for injuries
• Employer obligations: You may owe payroll taxes, overtime and workers’ comp
• No backup: No coverage when the caregiver is sick
• No oversight: No one supervises care quality

Private caregivers usually charge $25 to $30 per hour, compared with $40 to $50 per hour for a licensed agency depending on the level of care, but the family assumes all legal liability and insurance costs.

See private caregiver vs. agency in California.

What if you have concerns about a caregiver?

Tell the agency right away. Licensed agencies must respond to concerns, and you can request a different caregiver. For suspected abuse or neglect, contact Adult Protective Services, and you can file a complaint with CDSS about a licensed agency. See what families should know about caregivers for seniors.

What red flags should you watch for when hiring a caregiver?

Most families verify credentials before hiring, but some warning signs show up in how a caregiver or agency behaves.

• Reluctance to share license or registry information. Legitimate agencies and caregivers are used to being checked.
• Cash-only arrangements. Payment off the books can leave your family exposed to legal and tax risk.
• Pressure to start immediately without an assessment or written care plan.
• Vague answers about backup coverage or who to call after hours.
• No written agreement. Rates, services, and policies should be clear before care begins.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off during the hiring process, it is worth asking more questions or looking elsewhere.

How do you keep verifying quality after care begins?

Verification does not end on day one. Check in with your parent regularly about how visits are going, and ask open questions like what did you do together today. Drop by unannounced now and then if you live nearby. Review visit notes or care logs if the agency provides them.

Ask the agency how often a supervisor checks on care and whether caregivers receive ongoing training. A good agency welcomes questions and treats concerns seriously. Knowing how to verify home care aide California credentials is important, and staying involved after care starts is what keeps quality high over time.

What should you do if a caregiver’s registration lapses?

Home care aide registrations must be renewed. If you discover that a caregiver’s registration has expired or is not listed, contact the agency right away and ask for an explanation. Licensed agencies are responsible for making sure their caregivers meet state requirements.

If you hired privately, you are responsible for checking the status yourself. Keep a note of renewal dates so you can confirm the caregiver remains in good standing.

What should be in your caregiver verification file?

Keeping a simple file makes it easy to confirm credentials and respond if a question ever comes up. Include the agency’s license number and the date you checked it, each caregiver’s name and Home Care Aide Registry number, the date you verified their registration, the agency’s written service agreement, and proof of the agency’s insurance if you requested it.

If you hire privately, add copies of identification, background check results, references, and your written employment agreement. Update the file whenever a new caregiver starts or a registration is renewed.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if a caregiver is registered in California? Search the Home Care Aide Registry on the California Department of Social Services website.

Do home care aides need a background check in California? Yes. Registered aides complete Live Scan fingerprinting through the DOJ and FBI.

How do I know if a home care agency is licensed? Ask for the HCO license number and verify it on the CDSS website.

Is a registered caregiver the same as a licensed agency? No. Registration applies to individual aides; licensing applies to agencies that employ them.

Are Nona’s caregivers registered? Yes. Nona’s is a licensed California Home Care Organization (#374700282) and employs registered home care aides.

Verify a home care aide in California: key points

To verify a home care aide in California, use the Home Care Aide Registry lookup on the CDSS website to confirm registration, which requires a Live Scan background check, a TB test, and training. Then use the HCO license lookup to confirm the agency itself holds a current Home Care Organization license.

Knowing how to check a home care agency license in California and the registered home care aide requirements helps you avoid unlicensed providers. Ask agencies about the California caregiver background check process, training, supervision, and backup coverage. Private caregivers usually charge $25 to $30 per hour, but the family assumes all legal liability and insurance costs, while licensed agencies charge $40 to $50 per hour depending on the level of care. See 12 questions to ask before hiring an in-home caregiver and private caregiver vs. agency in California.