Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Tucson, 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. Plan 4–6 weeks for clearance processing.

   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). An LLC is recommended for liability protection when caring for children.

   Official government source

   $50–$85 filing fee·1–2 weeks

   $50–$85 filing fee

   1–2 weeks

1. City of Tucson Home Occupation Permit

   Tucson has no separate home occupation permit. When the business location on a City of Tucson business license application is a residence inside city limits, the applicant completes and signs a Home Occupation Form — a listing of restrictions on home-based business activity (traffic, signage, storage, etc.) — submitted with the license application at the License Section, 201 N. Stone Ave. Group childcare at a residence can exceed ordinary home-occupation limits — confirm zoning with Tucson Planning & Development Services; Arizona DHS childcare licensing applies separately.

   Official government source

   $0 beyond the city business license ($25 application + $50/year) — the Home Occupation Form has no separate fee·2–4 weeks

   $0 beyond the city business license ($25 application + $50/year) — the Home Occupation Form has no separate fee

   2–4 weeks

2. City of Tucson Business License

   All businesses operating in Tucson must obtain a City of Tucson business license from the License Section (Business Services Department, Taxpayer Assistance Division), 201 N. Stone Ave. Under Tucson Code Sec. 19-39 the application fee is $25 and the annual license fee is $50 (prorated by quarter in the first year); renewal is due January 1 each year ($75 if delinquent). Home-based businesses also submit a Home Occupation Form with the application. The separate Arizona/city TPT license for taxable sales is administered by the Arizona Department of Revenue ($12 state + $20/year Tucson city license renewal).

   Official government source

   $25 application fee + $50/year license fee (first year prorated by quarter; $75 late renewal)·1 week

   $25 application fee + $50/year license fee (first year prorated by quarter; $75 late renewal)

   1 week

Official Sources

• azdhs.gov
• tucsonaz.gov
• tucsonaz.gov
• azcc.gov

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