Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Louisville, KY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.

Updated 2026-03-15 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 Kentucky

2 stops

  1. Kentucky Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or certain services in Kentucky. Kentucky charges a flat 6% state sales tax with no local sales taxes (most transactions). Certain services including telecommunications, digital products, and some repair services are also taxable. Register online with the Kentucky Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via Kentucky One Stop Business Portal)

  2. Kentucky Background Check Requirement

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

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Louisville / Jefferson County

3 stops

  1. Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Child Care Center License

    Child care centers in Kentucky must be licensed by the CHFS Division of Child Care. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and compliance with staff-to-child ratios.

    Official government source

    $50–$150 depending on capacity6–12 weeks

  2. Louisville Metro Revenue Commission — Business License

    Louisville (Louisville Metro / Jefferson County) requires an Occupational License for all businesses. The Revenue Commission processes license applications and collections. 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. Jefferson County / Louisville 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