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Childcare License: State-by-State Guide

Childcare License applies to in-home daycare providers and childcare centers. Who issues it is the first thing that changes at the state line — sometimes a state agency, often a city or county. Each state page below names the office we verified for that state, or says plainly that we could not.

Typical cost (US range)
$25–$2,000
Typical timeline
60–180 days
Renewal
Usually annual, with unannounced inspections.

Who issues this across the US

35 jurisdictions with a named state issuer; 16 jurisdictions where we have not verified the issuing office.

What varies: the capacity thresholds, training hours, ratios, whether relative care is exempt, and the inspection regime.

Choose your state

Related filings

Most businesses that need a childcare license end up needing at least one of these too.

Business LicenseEmployer Registration