Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Meridian, ID

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Meridian, Ada County, Idaho.

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 Idaho

2 stops

  1. Idaho State Tax Commission — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Idaho. Idaho charges a 6% state sales tax. Some cities have local option taxes. Register with the Idaho State Tax Commission online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via TAP)

  2. Idaho Background Check Requirement

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

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Meridian / Ada County

3 stops

  1. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare — Child Care Facility License

    Child care centers in Idaho must be licensed by the Division of Family and Community Services. Requires background checks, health and safety inspections, and compliance with staff ratios.

    Official government source

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  2. City of Meridian Development Services — Business License

    Meridian requires a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and Certificate of Occupancy before opening a business. Specialty licenses are issued by the city clerk for regulated industries. 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. Ada County / Meridian 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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