Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Updated 2026-03-13 8 stops $300–$800 est. 3–6 months from application to license issuance (California licensing is thorough)
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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/corporation. Also needed for accepting Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy payments. Free to obtain from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of California

5 stops

  1. California CDSS — Small Family Day Care Home License

    Required to operate a small family day care home serving up to 8 children (including the provider's own children under age 10) in California. Licensed by the CA Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD). Requirements include: pre-licensing orientation (online), application and background check submission, home fire safety inspection, health clearance from a physician for all household members, proof of liability insurance ($300,000 minimum), Preventive Health and Safety Practices training (15 hours), and a licensing visit. Annual renewal required.

    Official government source

    $50 application fee; $0 for initial license (waived for homes serving subsidized children); annual renewal fee varies3–6 months from application to license issuance

  2. California CDSS — Large Family Day Care Home License

    Required for 7–14 children (including provider's own under 10). All small family day care requirements apply, plus: the provider must have been licensed as a small family day care home for at least 1 year, an additional qualified adult must be present at all times when caring for 7–14 children.

    Official government source

    $100 application fee; annual renewal fee applies3–6 months

  3. Background Check — DOJ and FBI Fingerprints

    All adults 18+ living in or regularly present in the facility must submit fingerprints to the California DOJ and FBI through the CDSS LiveScan process. Results are reviewed as part of the licensing process.

    Official government source

    $70–$100 per person (LiveScan processing fees)2–6 weeks

  4. Preventive Health and Safety Practices Training (15 Hours)

    California requires 15 hours of training in Preventive Health and Safety Practices, including CPR, first aid, and health and safety procedures for children. Must be completed before license issuance. Approved courses available online through the California Child Care Initiative Project and other providers.

    Official government source

    $50–$150Completed before license issuance

  5. California Seller's Permit (if applicable)

    Child care services are generally not subject to California sales tax. A Seller's Permit is not required for pure child care services. However, if you sell goods (e.g., meals, supplies) separately, register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

2 stops

  1. City of Los Angeles — No Separate Zoning Permit Required

    California law (Health & Safety Code §1597.40) prohibits cities and counties from denying a small family day care home (up to 8 children) in any residential zone. No local zoning permit or use permit is required. Large family day care homes (7–14 children) are a permitted use in single-family residential zones and require only a notification to neighbors, not a conditional use permit. Contact the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety at 311 if you have questions about your specific property.

    Official government source

    FreeNo zoning approval required for small family day care

  2. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

    All businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance and pay the applicable Business Tax. For child care, the rate is based on gross receipts. Register online through the LA City Business Portal.

    Official government source

    $0 for first year (new business exemption); $100–$300/year thereafter depending on gross receipts1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$800 · 3–6 months from application to license issuance (California licensing is thorough)

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Official Sources

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