Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $300–$800 est. 10-20 weeks
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Michigan

3 stops

  1. MI Office of Great Start - Family Group Child Care Home License

    Required by the Michigan Department of Education Office of Great Start for home daycare providers caring for 1-6 unrelated children. The licensing process includes a home inspection, fire safety inspection, background checks (ICHAT, Central Registry), CPR/First Aid training, and pre-service training hours.

    Official government source

    Free (state license)8-16 weeks

  2. Group Family Child Care Home License (7-12 children)

    For providers caring for 7-12 children in a home setting, Michigan requires a Group Family Child Care Home license from LARA Bureau of Community and Health Systems. Stricter requirements including additional staff, enhanced inspections, and fire safety measures apply.

    Official government source

    Free (state license)10-20 weeks

  3. Background Check - ICHAT and Central Registry

    All adults residing in or working at the home daycare must submit to Michigan's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) check and Central Registry clearance for child abuse/neglect. Required as part of the state licensing process.

    Official government source

    $10-$50/person2-4 weeks

City of Detroit / Wayne County

2 stops

  1. Detroit Zoning Compliance (Group R-3)

    Home daycare operations in Detroit's residential zones are regulated under the Group R-3 occupancy classification. Operators must verify zoning compliance with Detroit BSEED. Larger group family daycare homes may require a Certificate of Occupancy and additional inspections.

    Official government source

    $50-$2002-6 weeks

  2. Certificate of Occupancy (for larger operations)

    Required from Detroit BSEED for home daycare facilities caring for 7 or more children (Group Family Care Home). Confirms the premises meet fire safety, egress, and building code requirements for group childcare use.

    Official government source

    $100-$3002-4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$800 · 10-20 weeks

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Official Sources

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