Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Fort Wayne, IN

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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 fee·Immediate (online via INBiz)

   $25 one-time registration fee

   Immediate (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 person·1–4 weeks

   $25–$75 per person

   1–4 weeks

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 capacity·6–12 weeks

   $100–$300 depending on capacity

   6–12 weeks

2. City of Fort Wayne Department of Neighborhood Code Enforcement — Business License

   Fort Wayne requires a Certificate of Occupancy and any applicable city licenses before operating a business. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

   $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues·1–3 weeks

   $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues

   1–3 weeks

3. Allen County / Fort Wayne 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–$300·2–6 weeks

   $100–$300

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• Indiana Family and Social Services Administration — Child Care Center License
• City of Fort Wayne Department of Neighborhood Code Enforcement

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