Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $200–$600 est. 8–16 weeks to complete background checks, health exam, fire inspection, and receive DCFS license
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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/corporation. Also needed for accepting Child Care Development Fund (CCDF)/CCAP subsidy payments. Free to obtain from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Illinois

5 stops

  1. Illinois DCFS — Family Day Care Home License

    Required to operate a family day care home in Illinois caring for 4–8 children (from more than 2 families other than the provider's family). Homes caring for fewer than 4 unrelated children do not require a DCFS license. Licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Requirements include: application, background check for all household members 13+, health examination, fire safety inspection by local fire marshal, first aid and CPR training, and a licensing visit. Annual renewal required. Chicago applications are processed through the DCFS Chicago/Cook County office.

    Official government source

    Free (no application fee)8–16 weeks from application to license

  2. Illinois DCFS — Family Day Care Home Registration

    For homes caring for 1–3 children from other families (not requiring a full license), DCFS offers a voluntary registration program. Registration requires background checks but is a lighter process than full licensure. Voluntary registration can help providers accept CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) subsidy payments.

    Official government source

    Free4–8 weeks

  3. Background Check (Illinois State Police + FBI)

    All household members age 13+ must complete a background check through the Illinois State Police and FBI. Checks include the Illinois Sex Offender Registry, Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Registry, and DCFS Child Abuse/Neglect Tracking System (CANTS).

    Official government source

    $60–$80 per person2–6 weeks

  4. Health Examination

    The provider and all household members must complete a health examination form signed by a licensed physician. This verifies no communicable diseases and overall health suitability.

    Official government source

    $50–$150 (physician visit cost)1–2 weeks

  5. CPR and First Aid Training

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

    Official government source

    $50–$100Same day

City of Chicago / Cook County

1 stop

  1. City of Chicago — Home Occupation Permit (if applicable)

    Chicago's Zoning Ordinance permits family day care homes (caring for up to 8 children) as a home occupation in most residential zones. A Home Occupation License from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) may be required. State-licensed family day care homes are generally permitted in all residential zones. Contact Chicago BACP at 312-744-2400 to confirm requirements for your specific address.

    Official government source

    $125–$250 for Home Occupation License (if required)2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$600 · 8–16 weeks to complete background checks, health exam, fire inspection, and receive DCFS license

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Official Sources

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