Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Manchester, NH

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.

$500 -- $2000 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Manchester / Hillsborough County Requirements

3 requirements
1

New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families — Child Care License

Child care centers in New Hampshire must be licensed by DCYF. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and compliance with staff-to-child ratios.

$50–$1506–12 weeks
Official government source
2

City of Manchester City Clerk — Business License

Manchester requires a Business License for regulated businesses within city limits. The City Clerk processes license applications for food service, personal care, and other regulated industries. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks
Official government source
3

Hillsborough County / Manchester Building and Fire Safety Inspection

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

$100–$3002–6 weeks
Official government source

New Hampshire State Requirements

2 requirements
1

New Hampshire — No Sales Tax

New Hampshire has no state sales tax and no local sales taxes. Businesses do not need a sales tax permit. However, businesses may be subject to the Business Profits Tax (BPT) and Business Enterprise Tax (BET). Register with the NH Department of Revenue Administration.

Free (business tax registration)Immediate (online)
Official government source
2

New Hampshire Background Check Requirement

All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in New Hampshire child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

$25–$75 per person1–4 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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