Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Newark, DE

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Newark, New Castle County, Delaware.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
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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 or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Delaware

2 stops

  1. Delaware — No Sales Tax

    Delaware has no state or local sales tax. Instead, Delaware levies a Gross Receipts Tax on the seller of goods or provider of services, based on total receipts. Register with the Delaware Division of Revenue.

    Official government source

    Free (gross receipts tax registration)Immediate (online)

  2. Delaware Background Check Requirement

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

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Newark / New Castle County

3 stops

  1. Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing — Child Care Center License

    Child care centers in Delaware must be licensed by the Office of Child Care Licensing. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance.

    Official government source

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  2. City of Newark City Clerk — Business License

    Newark requires a Business License from the City Clerk for businesses operating within city limits. 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 revenues1–3 weeks

  3. New Castle County / Newark Building and Fire Safety Inspection

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

    Official government source

    $100–$3002–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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