Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Verified 2026-08-28 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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 Maryland

2 stops

  1. Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland (6% state rate; Maryland has no local sales taxes). Retail product sales are taxable. Some services are also taxable — notably cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building (janitorial/commercial cleaning) under Md. Tax-General §11-101(m): commercial cleaning businesses must collect 6% on the service itself, while residential cleaning is not taxable. Sales of photographs (portrait/wedding) are taxable as tangible personal property. Registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is free.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via bFile)

  2. Maryland Background Check Requirement

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

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Annapolis / Anne Arundel County

3 stops

  1. Maryland State Department of Education — Child Care Center License

    Child care centers in Maryland must be licensed by the Office of Child Care (OCC) within the Maryland State Department of Education. Includes facility inspection and background checks for all staff.

    Official government source

    No application fee ($0); license renewed every 2 years at no cost6–12 weeks

  2. Annapolis — No General Business License Required

    Neither the City of Annapolis nor the State of Maryland requires a general business license. The Annapolis Department of Finance does not license businesses. Annapolis licenses only specific activities (peddlers/mobile vendors, bed-and-breakfasts, rental housing, trade contractors) through the City Clerk and Licenses & Permits Division. Businesses selling goods need a Maryland trader's license from the Anne Arundel County Clerk of the Circuit Court, and opening a commercial space in Annapolis requires a Certificate of Use from Planning and Zoning.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business license exists; activity-specific licenses, if applicable, have their own feesNot applicable

  3. Anne Arundel County / Annapolis Building and Fire Safety Inspection

    Child care centers must pass a fire inspection by the local fire authority (Annapolis Fire Marshal within city limits) and show compliance with local building and zoning codes as part of Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care licensing. Building safety, fire suppression, and child-proofing standards are checked.

    Official government source

    Inspection fees vary — confirm with the Annapolis Fire Marshal's Office and city permitting2–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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