Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in St. Louis, MO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in St. Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri.

Verified 2026-08-28 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 St. Louis / St. Louis City

3 stops

  1. Missouri DESE Office of Childhood — Child Care Facility License

    Child care centers and group child care homes in Missouri must be licensed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Office of Childhood, which took over licensing from DHSS in 2022. Licensing requires background checks, facility inspections (fire, sanitation), and staff training requirements.

    Official government source

    No application fee6–12 weeks

  2. City of St. Louis License Collector — Business License

    St. Louis City is an independent city (not part of St. Louis County) and requires a Graduated Business License (GBL) from the License Collector's Office before commencing business. The license must be renewed annually; renewal applications and payment are due before June 1 to avoid penalties.

    Official government source

    $200 initial fee ($100 if starting between January 1 and May 31); annual renewal is graduated by number of St. Louis employees, from $200 (0-2 employees) up to $37,5001–3 weeks

  3. Child Care Fire Safety and Building Inspections (State Division of Fire Safety / City Occupancy Permit)

    Child care centers in Missouri must pass fire safety inspections conducted by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety's Fire Safety Inspection Unit — during construction, before opening, and annually after licensure — covering smoke alarms, extinguishers, exits, and hazardous-area separation. In the City of St. Louis, the building itself must also pass the Commercial Occupancy Permit process (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire marshal inspections). Contact the Division of Fire Safety at (573) 522-6207 to schedule.

    Official government source

    $80-$160 (City occupancy permit, by square footage); confirm any state inspection fees with the Division of Fire Safety2–6 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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