Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

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. Georgia DECAL — Family Child Care Home License

   Required to operate a family child care home in Georgia serving 3–6 children not related to the provider (caring for 1–2 unrelated children does not require a DECAL license). Licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Requirements include: pre-licensing training (10 hours), background checks through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and FBI for all household members 17+, fire/environmental inspection by local fire marshal, first aid and CPR certification, and a home licensing visit. Annual renewal required.

   Official government source

   $25 application fee; annual renewal fee applies·6–12 weeks from application to license

   $25 application fee; annual renewal fee applies

   6–12 weeks from application to license

2. Georgia DECAL — Group Day Care Home License

   Required if caring for 7–18 children in a residential setting. Must have a second qualified caregiver on-site. Enhanced standards apply under DECAL Rules and Regulations for Group Day Care Homes.

   Official government source

   $50 application fee; annual renewal fee applies·8–14 weeks

   $50 application fee; annual renewal fee applies

   8–14 weeks

3. Background Check (GBI + FBI Fingerprinting)

   All household members age 17+ and any employee must submit fingerprints to the GBI and FBI. Background check must clear the Georgia Sex Offender Registry, Georgia Violent Sex Offender Registry, and DECAL's Child Protective Services Index.

   Official government source

   $40–$60 per person·2–4 weeks

   $40–$60 per person

   2–4 weeks

4. Pre-Licensing Training (10 Hours)

   10 hours of pre-licensing training required, covering child development, health and safety, and DECAL regulations. Approved courses available through DECAL's Bright from the Start training portal.

   Official government source

   $0–$100·Completed before license issuance

   $0–$100

   Completed before license issuance

5. CPR and First Aid Certification

   Current infant/child CPR and first aid certification required. Must be maintained throughout the license period.

   Official government source

   $50–$100·Same day

   $50–$100

   Same day

1. City of Atlanta Zoning — Home-Based Child Care

   Family day care homes serving up to 6 children are a permitted accessory use in single-family residential zones in Atlanta and do not require a special use permit. Providers must still obtain a City of Atlanta Business License and comply with the Georgia DECAL licensing requirements. Contact the City of Atlanta Office of Zoning and Development at 404-330-6145 to verify compliance for your specific address.

   Official government source

   Free (no separate zoning permit required)·N/A

   Free (no separate zoning permit required)

   N/A

2. City of Atlanta Business License

   All businesses operating within Atlanta city limits must obtain a business license from the Atlanta Office of Revenue. Apply online through the Atlanta permitting portal.

   Official government source

   $75–$200 annually (based on business type and gross receipts)·1–3 weeks

   $75–$200 annually (based on business type and gross receipts)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Georgia DECAL — Apply for a License
• Georgia DECAL — Background Checks
• City of Atlanta — Business License

Related Guides