Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Lewiston, ME

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Lewiston, Androscoggin County, Maine.

Updated 2026-03-15 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 Maine

2 stops

  1. Maine Revenue Services — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Maine. Maine charges a 5.5% state sales tax (food and lodging have different rates). Register with Maine Revenue Services online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  2. Maine Background Check Requirement

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

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Lewiston / Androscoggin County

3 stops

  1. Maine Child Care Licensing — Child Care Center License

    Child care centers in Maine must be licensed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Requires background checks, facility inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance.

    Official government source

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  2. City of Lewiston Finance Department — Business License

    Lewiston requires a Business Registration for businesses operating within city limits. Contact the Finance Department for specific 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. Androscoggin County / Lewiston Building and Fire Safety Inspection

    Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards.

    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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