Home Daycare Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

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

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. California CDSS — Small Family Day Care Home License

   Required for serving up to 8 children (including provider's own under age 10). Licensed by the CA Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) — San Diego Regional Office. Requirements: pre-licensing orientation, DOJ/FBI background checks for all household adults, fire safety inspection by San Diego Fire-Rescue, physician health clearance for household members, proof of liability insurance ($300,000 minimum), 15 hours of Preventive Health and Safety Practices training, and a licensing home visit.

   Official government source

   $50 application fee; annual renewal fee varies·3–6 months

   $50 application fee; annual renewal fee varies

   3–6 months

2. California CDSS — Large Family Day Care Home License

   Required for 7–14 children. Must have held a small family day care license for at least 1 year. An additional qualified adult (not a household member) must be on-site when 7–14 children are in care.

   Official government source

   $100 application fee; annual renewal fee applies·3–6 months

   $100 application fee; annual renewal fee applies

   3–6 months

3. Background Check — DOJ and FBI Fingerprints

   All adults 18+ living in or regularly present at the facility must submit fingerprints to the CA DOJ and FBI via LiveScan. Results reviewed as part of licensing.

   Official government source

   $70–$100 per person·2–6 weeks

   $70–$100 per person

   2–6 weeks

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

   15 hours of approved training in child CPR, first aid, and health/safety procedures required before license issuance.

   Official government source

   $50–$150·Completed before license issuance

   $50–$150

   Completed before license issuance

1. City of San Diego — No Separate Zoning Permit Required

   California law (Health & Safety Code §1597.40) prohibits the City of San Diego from requiring a zoning permit or use permit for a small family day care home (up to 8 children) in any residential zone. Large family day care homes (7–14 children) are also permitted by right in residential zones with neighbor notification. Contact the City of San Diego Development Services at 619-446-5000 for property-specific questions.

   Official government source

   Free·No zoning approval required

   Free

   No zoning approval required

2. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating in San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the City of San Diego Office of the City Treasurer. This is a registration/tax requirement, not a license. Apply online through the City Treasurer's portal.

   Official government source

   $34–$125 annually (based on number of employees and gross receipts)·1–2 weeks

   $34–$125 annually (based on number of employees and gross receipts)

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• CA CDSS — Family Child Care Homes
• City of San Diego — Business Tax
• City of San Diego — Development Services

Related Guides