Daycare Permit Requirements in Las Vegas, NV

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada.

Verified 2026-08-19 8 stops $600–$1,800 est. 10–20 weeks
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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

2 stops

  1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

    Issued by the IRS at no cost. Required if you employ staff, operate as an LLC or corporation, or participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which provides meal reimbursements for qualifying daycares. Apply online for immediate issuance.

    Official government source

    FreeSame day (online)

  2. USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Enrollment (optional)

    Federally funded program administered through the Nevada Department of Agriculture (which administers child nutrition programs in Nevada) that reimburses daycare providers for nutritious meals and snacks served to children. Enrollment is optional but highly recommended for eligible providers. Requires a valid childcare license and compliance with USDA nutrition standards.

    Official government source

    Free to enroll (reimbursement program)4–8 weeks

State of Nevada

3 stops

  1. Nevada Division of Social Services — Child Care Licensing

    Child care licensing is administered by the Nevada Division of Social Services, Child Care Licensing program (not DCFS, which handles child welfare). A state license is mandatory for any facility furnishing care to five or more children for compensation (NRS 432A.024), including home daycares and commercial centers. The process includes a facility inspection, fingerprint background checks for all staff and (for home daycares) household members, staff-to-child ratio verification, CPR/First Aid certification, and health/safety training. Washoe County licenses locally — confirm which authority covers your location.

    Official government source

    License fee varies by capacity — confirm the current amount with the Division of Social Services (fee not published; needs_review)8–16 weeks

  2. Background Checks – All Staff and Household Members

    Required by the Nevada Division of Social Services Child Care Licensing program (NRS 432A). All employees, volunteers, and (for home daycares) household members 18+ must undergo fingerprint-based background checks through the Nevada Department of Public Safety. NRS 432A specifies the disqualifying offenses. This is a mandatory prerequisite before licensure.

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person2–6 weeks

  3. Nevada SilverFlume Business Registration

    Register your childcare business entity through Nevada's SilverFlume portal. Nevada LLC formation is advisable for liability protection. Required before obtaining a business license or opening a business bank account.

    Official government source

    LLC: $425 total initial ($75 Articles + $150 Initial List + $200 State Business License); corporation: ~$725 (license is $500 for corporations)1–5 business days

City of Las Vegas / Clark County

3 stops

  1. City of Las Vegas Business License

    Businesses operating within City of Las Vegas limits must obtain a business license from the city's Business Licensing division (apply online via the city's Business License portal; 702-229-6281). Most business types are 'general' licenses; certain sensitive activities are 'privileged' licenses requiring an appointment and background investigation. Businesses at unincorporated-Clark-County addresses (much of the Las Vegas Valley, including the Strip) license through Clark County instead — verify jurisdiction with the city's address lookup. Childcare businesses need the state childcare license first; zoning approval for a childcare facility is reviewed through city Planning & Zoning (702-229-6301).

    Official government source

    City of Las Vegas: $50 nonrefundable processing fee for a general license ($100 for a privileged license), plus a license fee set by category — flat, incremental, or gross-revenue-based billed per six-month period (e.g., $55 per 6-month period for gross revenue up to $30,000). Confirm the category fee with city Business Licensing, 702-229-6281 (needs_review for exact category amount).1–2 weeks

  2. Clark County Business License (if in unincorporated Clark County)

    Clark County does NOT require a local business license for preschools or childcare/daycare facilities (per the Clark County Department of Business License fee schedule). Childcare licensing is handled at the state level — contact the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health / Department of Health and Human Services for state childcare licensing.

    Official government source

    No Clark County business license fee applies to childcare/daycare facilities.1–3 weeks

  3. Building/Fire Safety Inspection

    All childcare facilities in Clark County must pass a fire safety inspection by the local fire department and, for commercial facilities, a building inspection to confirm code compliance including egress, fire suppression, smoke detectors, and bathroom ratios per child capacity.

    Official government source

    Inspection/permit fees vary by jurisdiction and scope — confirm with the local fire authority and building department (needs_review).2–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$1,800 · 10–20 weeks

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