Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Evansville, IN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Updated 2026-03-14 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 Indiana

2 stops

  1. Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in Indiana. Indiana charges a flat 7% state sales tax with no additional local sales tax. Register online via INBiz.

    Official government source

    $25 one-time registration feeImmediate (online via INBiz)

  2. Indiana Background Check Requirement

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

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Evansville / Vanderburgh County

3 stops

  1. Indiana Family and Social Services Administration — Child Care Center License

    Child care centers in Indiana must be licensed by FSSA Division of Child Services. Requires background checks, health inspection, and staff ratios compliance.

    Official government source

    $100–$300 depending on capacity6–12 weeks

  2. City of Evansville Department of Metropolitan Development — Business License

    Evansville requires zoning approval and a Certificate of Occupancy 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. Vanderburgh County / Evansville Building and Fire Safety Inspection

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

    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

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides