Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Phoenix, AZ

1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account. If you join the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), the state agency or sponsoring organization will ask for a taxpayer ID — an EIN satisfies this and keeps your SSN private.

   Official government source

   Free·Same day (online)

   Free

   Same day (online)

1. Arizona Department of Health Services Childcare License

   Issued by the ADHS Bureau of Child Care Licensing. An ADHS license (or, for in-home care of 5-10 children, ADHS child care group home certification) is required to provide regular compensated care for five or more children not related to the provider (ARS 36-881(3)). Requirements include facility/home inspection, DPS fingerprint clearance cards for staff and (for group homes) adult household members, health and safety training, and CPR/First Aid certification. Caring for four or fewer unrelated children does not require an ADHS license (DES certification exists for providers seeking child-care subsidy eligibility).

   Official government source

   License fees vary by facility type and capacity — see the ADHS child care licensing fee schedule·6–12 weeks

   License fees vary by facility type and capacity — see the ADHS child care licensing fee schedule

   6–12 weeks

2. Background Check — All Household Members

   Required by ADHS for all adults (18+) residing in the home where the daycare operates. Includes Arizona DPS fingerprinting clearance and federal background check. This is a mandatory prerequisite before the childcare license can be issued.

   Official government source

   DPS fingerprint clearance card: approx. $67 application per person (paid caregivers) plus fingerprinting service fees — verify current fee at psp.azdps.gov·2–6 weeks

   DPS fingerprint clearance card: approx. $67 application per person (paid caregivers) plus fingerprinting service fees — verify current fee at psp.azdps.gov

   2–6 weeks

3. Arizona Corporation Commission Business Registration

   Register your LLC or business entity with the Arizona Corporation Commission if operating under a business entity. Sole proprietors operating under a business name may optionally register a trade name with the Arizona Secretary of State ($10).

   Official government source

   $50–$85 filing fee·1–2 weeks

   $50–$85 filing fee

   1–2 weeks

1. City of Phoenix Home Occupation Permit

   Phoenix does not require or issue a home occupation permit. Home-based businesses are allowed by right as an accessory use in residential districts if they meet the Phoenix Zoning Ordinance §608 home occupation standards (business secondary to residential use, conducted within the dwelling, no outside employees, no exterior evidence, no nuisance impacts). A Use Permit under ZO §307 is needed only for activities that exceed those standards. Home daycare is different from an ordinary home occupation: care beyond the home-occupation limits may require a Use Permit under ZO §307 — confirm with Phoenix Planning & Development. State DHS childcare licensing applies separately.

   Official government source

   $0 for an ordinary home occupation (no permit exists); a Use Permit under ZO §307, with its own fee, applies only where home-occupation limits are exceeded·2–4 weeks

   $0 for an ordinary home occupation (no permit exists); a Use Permit under ZO §307, with its own fee, applies only where home-occupation limits are exceeded

   2–4 weeks

2. Phoenix — No General Business License (regulated activities only)

   The City of Phoenix does not have or issue a general business license. The Phoenix City Clerk's License Services section licenses only specific regulated activities (amusements, auctions, curb painters, escort bureaus, massage establishments, sexually oriented businesses, and vending). Most businesses need no Phoenix city license at all; if you make taxable sales you must hold an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue ($12 state license per location plus a $50 Phoenix city license fee, both administered by AZDOR).

   Official government source

   $0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR·1 week

   $0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR

   1 week

Official Sources

• azdhs.gov
• phoenix.gov
• phoenix.gov
• azcc.gov

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