Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Des Moines, IA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.

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 Iowa

2 stops

  1. Iowa Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Iowa. Iowa charges a 6% state sales tax; local option sales taxes of up to 1% may apply. Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via eFile & Pay)

  2. Iowa Background Check Requirement

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

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Des Moines / Polk County

3 stops

  1. Iowa Department of Human Services — Child Care Center License

    Child care centers in Iowa must be licensed by the Iowa DHS. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance.

    Official government source

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  2. City of Des Moines Development Services Department — Business License

    Des Moines requires a Business License for regulated businesses and a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial spaces. The Development Services Department processes permits. 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. Polk County / Des Moines 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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