Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in New Orleans, Orleans County, Louisiana.

$500 -- $2000 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

New Orleans / Orleans County Requirements

3 requirements
1

Louisiana Department of Education — Child Care Center License

Child care centers in Louisiana must be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Education, Bureau of Family Support. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and compliance with staff-to-child ratio requirements.

$50–$150 depending on capacity6–12 weeks
Official government source
2

City of New Orleans Bureau of Revenue / Department of Safety and Permits — Business License

New Orleans requires a City Business License (Annual Business Tax) and a Certificate of Occupancy for all businesses. The Bureau of Revenue handles business taxes; the Department of Safety and Permits handles occupancy and zoning. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks
Official government source
3

Orleans County / New Orleans 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.

$100–$3002–6 weeks
Official government source

Louisiana State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Louisiana Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Louisiana. Louisiana's state sales tax rate is 4.45%. Louisiana has a complex tax structure with local parish sales taxes that can bring the total rate to 8–12%. Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and separately with each applicable parish.

Free1–5 business days (online)
Official government source
2

Louisiana Background Check Requirement

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

$25–$75 per person1–4 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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