Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Oklahoma City, OK

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.

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 Oklahoma

2 stops

  1. Oklahoma Tax Commission — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Oklahoma. Oklahoma charges a 4.5% state sales tax; local jurisdictions may add up to 7%, making total rates as high as 11.5% in some cities. Register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via OkTAP)

  2. Oklahoma Background Check Requirement

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

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Oklahoma City / Oklahoma County

3 stops

  1. Oklahoma Department of Human Services — Child Care Facility License

    Child care centers in Oklahoma must be licensed by the Oklahoma DHS Child Care Services Division. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and staff ratio compliance.

    Official government source

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  2. City of Oklahoma City Business Development Department — Business License

    Oklahoma City requires a General Business License and applicable specialty licenses for regulated industries. The Business Development Department processes applications. 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. Oklahoma County / Oklahoma City 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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