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.

Updated 2026-03-14 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. 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 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

    $75 (initial application)6–12 weeks

  2. City of Annapolis Department of Finance — Business License

    The City of Annapolis requires a Business License in addition to any state or county requirements. 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. Anne Arundel County / Annapolis 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

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Official Sources

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