Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Springfield, MO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Springfield, Greene County, Missouri.

Verified 2026-09-02 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 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 Springfield / Greene County

3 stops

  1. Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education — Child Care Facility License

    Child care centers and group homes in Missouri must be licensed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood. Licensing requires background checks, facility inspections (fire safety and sanitation), and staff training requirements.

    Official government source

    No state application fee6–12 weeks

  2. City of Springfield Finance Department — Business License

    The City of Springfield requires a business license for essentially every business selling products or services within city limits, issued by the Finance Department's Licensing Division. Apply at least two weeks before beginning business. Licenses expire December 31 and may be renewed without penalty through January 31. The city has nearly 200 license categories; your fee is assigned after the Licensing Division reviews your application.

    Official government source

    Varies by category: flat-rate categories commonly $10-$100/year, and gross-receipts categories use the standard scale ($10 up to $5,000 in receipts; $20 from $5,001-$10,000; $20 base plus $0.50 per additional $1,000 to $100,000, $0.35 per $1,000 to $200,000, $0.25 per $1,000 above that). Confirm your category with the Licensing Division, 417-864-1617.Apply at least 2 weeks before starting business

  3. Greene County / Springfield Building and Fire Safety Inspection

    Child care centers must pass fire safety and building inspections as part of Missouri (DESE) licensing, covering safety, accessibility, and fire protection. Inspections involve the fire marshal and the local building department (Springfield Building Development Services). Fees vary by inspection type; confirm with Building Development Services (417-864-1059) and your licensing specialist.

    Official government source

    Varies; confirm with Springfield Building Development Services2–6 weeks

Terminus

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

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