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.

Updated 2026-03-14 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 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 Department of Social Services — Child Care Facility License

    Child care centers and group homes in Missouri must be licensed by the Division of Social Services, Family Support Division. Requires background checks, facility inspection, and staff training.

    Official government source

    $50 (application)6–12 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 Business License from the License Collector's office. 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. St. Louis City / St. Louis Building and Fire Safety Inspection

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

    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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