Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Hartford, CT

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Connecticut Department of Revenue Services — Sales Tax Permit

   Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Connecticut. Connecticut charges a 6.35% state sales tax. Certain services are also taxable in Connecticut, which has a broader sales tax base than many states. Register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online via myconneCT)

   Free

   Immediate (online via myconneCT)

2. Connecticut Background Check Requirement

   All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in Connecticut child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

   Official government source

   $25–$75 per person·1–4 weeks

   $25–$75 per person

   1–4 weeks

1. Connecticut Office of Early Childhood — Child Care Center License

   Child care centers in Connecticut must be licensed by the Office of Early Childhood. Requires background checks, health and fire inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance. Extensive documentation required.

   Official government source

   $50–$200 depending on capacity·8–16 weeks

   $50–$200 depending on capacity

   8–16 weeks

2. City of Hartford Licenses and Inspections Division — Business License

   Hartford requires a Business License for most businesses operating within city limits. Certain regulated business types require inspection and additional permits from the Licenses and Inspections Division. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

   Official government source

   $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues·1–3 weeks

   $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues

   1–3 weeks

3. Hartford County / Hartford Building and Fire Safety Inspection

   Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards. Conducted by local fire marshal and building department.

   Official government source

   $100–$300·2–6 weeks

   $100–$300

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• Connecticut Office of Early Childhood — Child Care Center License
• City of Hartford Licenses and Inspections Division

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