Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Fort Smith, AR

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
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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 Arkansas

2 stops

  1. Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Arkansas. Arkansas charges a 6.5% state sales tax; local city and county taxes are additional. Register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point)

  2. Arkansas Background Check Requirement

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

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Fort Smith / Sebastian County

3 stops

  1. Arkansas Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education — Child Care License

    Child care centers in Arkansas must be licensed by the Division of Child Care. Requires background checks, facility inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance.

    Official government source

    $50–$150 depending on capacity6–12 weeks

  2. City of Fort Smith Finance Department — Business License

    Fort Smith requires a Business License for all businesses within city limits. Fees are based on business type and size. 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. Sebastian County / Fort Smith Building and Fire Safety Inspection

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

    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

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Official Sources

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