Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Kansas City, MO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri.

Verified 2026-08-19 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 Missouri

2 stops

  1. Missouri Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods in Missouri. The state rate is 4.225%; local rates vary by city and county. Register online with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. Missouri Background Check Requirement

    All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in Missouri child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI. Note: Missouri child care licensing moved to the DESE Office of Childhood in 2021; background checks are governed by RSMo 210.1080.

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Kansas City / Jackson County

3 stops

  1. Missouri Department of Social Services — Child Care Facility License

    Child care centers in Missouri are licensed by the DESE Office of Childhood (child care licensing), which requires background checks, facility inspection, and staff training.

    Official government source

    Unverified - confirm any application fee with DESE Office of Childhood (573-522-8762)6–12 weeks

  2. Kansas City City Clerk / Revenue Division — Business License

    Kansas City, MO requires every business operating in the city to register for a city business license with the Finance Department's Revenue Division (Business License Office, Form RD-100 / Quick Tax online). Renewed annually; since Jan 1, 2026 renewals also require business personal-property tax documentation if the business owns/leases tangible assets.

    Official government source

    Fee is calculated from the business's gross receipts under KCMO Code Ch. 40 (varies by business category); no flat range - contact the Revenue Division (816-513-1120) or see the fee tables with Form RD-100.1–3 weeks

  3. Jackson County / Kansas City Building and Fire Safety Inspection

    Child care centers in Kansas City must pass building and fire-safety inspections (safety, ADA, fire suppression, child-proofing) conducted by the KCMO Fire Marshal and City Planning & Development building officials.

    Official government source

    Varies by inspection type; unverified2–6 weeks

Terminus

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

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides