Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Birmingham, AL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Alabama

2 stops

  1. Alabama Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Alabama. Alabama's state sales tax rate is 4%. Local city and county sales taxes are additional and can be significant (total rates range from 5–10%). Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue via My Alabama Taxes (MAT).

    Official government source

    Free1–5 business days (online via MAT)

  2. Alabama Background Check Requirement

    All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in Alabama child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Birmingham / Jefferson County

3 stops

  1. Alabama Department of Human Resources — Child Care Facility License

    Child care centers in Alabama must be licensed by the Alabama DHR Division of Child Care. Requires background checks, fire and health inspections, and compliance with staff-to-child ratios.

    Official government source

    $50–$150 depending on capacity6–12 weeks

  2. City of Birmingham License and Revenue Division — Business License

    Birmingham requires an Occupational License for all businesses operating within city limits. License fees are based on gross revenues. The License and Revenue Division processes applications. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  3. Jefferson County / Birmingham Building and Fire Safety Inspection

    Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards. Conducted by local fire marshal and building department.

    Official government source

    $100–$3002–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides