Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Phoenix, AZ

1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Issued by the IRS at no cost. Required if you have any employees (including assistant caregivers), operate as an LLC, or need a business bank account. Also needed if you participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which provides meal reimbursements for qualifying home daycares.

   Official government source

   Free·Same day (online)

   Free

   Same day (online)

1. Arizona Department of Health Services Childcare License

   Issued by ADHS Bureau of Child Care Licensing. A state childcare license is required if you care for 5 or more children who are not your own, or if you operate a commercial daycare facility. The licensing process includes a facility inspection, background checks for all household members over 18, health and safety training, CPR/First Aid certification, and a fire inspection. Home daycares with fewer than 5 unrelated children may qualify for an exempt status.

   Official government source

   $100–$300/year·6–12 weeks

   $100–$300/year

   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

   $25–$75 per person·2–6 weeks

   $25–$75 per person

   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 name. For a home daycare, sole proprietor status with a DBA filed with the Maricopa County Recorder is also an option.

   Official government source

   $50–$85 filing fee·1–2 weeks

   $50–$85 filing fee

   1–2 weeks

1. City of Phoenix Home Occupation Permit

   Required to operate a home-based business including a home daycare in a Phoenix residential zone. The city's home occupation standards limit signage, traffic, employees, and the scale of the business. Certain residential zones may restrict or prohibit group home/daycare uses — confirm with Phoenix Planning & Development before applying.

   Official government source

   $50–$150·2–4 weeks

   $50–$150

   2–4 weeks

2. City of Phoenix Business License

   Required for all businesses operating within Phoenix city limits, including home-based daycare operations. Obtained through the Phoenix Finance Department.

   Official government source

   $50/year·1 week

   $50/year

   1 week

Official Sources

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

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