Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Nashua, NH

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

Updated 2026-03-15 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 New Hampshire

2 stops
  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.

    Official government source

    Free (business tax registration)Immediate (online)

  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.

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Nashua / Hillsborough County

3 stops
  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.

    Official government source

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  2. City of Nashua City Clerk — Business License

    Nashua requires a Business License for regulated business types. Contact the City Clerk for requirements applicable to your business category. 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

  3. Hillsborough County / Nashua Building and Fire Safety Inspection

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

    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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