Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.

Updated 2026-03-13 5 stops $300–$800 est. 8–16 weeks
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Oregon

3 stops

  1. Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) Certified Family Child Care Home

    The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) requires certification for any home caring for 3 or more unrelated children (or any children for compensation in some circumstances). Certification involves a home inspection, background checks for all household members 16+, CPR and First Aid training, mandatory pre-service training hours, and an assessment visit. The certification process typically takes 2–4 months.

    Official government source

    $50–$100 (application and background check fees)8–16 weeks

  2. Oregon Secretary of State Business Registration

    Family child care providers operating as a formal business entity in Oregon must register with the Oregon Secretary of State. Many home daycare providers operate as sole proprietors, but an LLC can provide additional liability protection.

    Official government source

    $100 (LLC filing fee, if applicable)1–2 weeks

  3. Oregon Department of Revenue Business Tax Registration

    Income from child care services in Oregon is taxable. Child care providers must register with the Oregon Department of Revenue. Oregon has no sales tax, so no sales tax permit is required for child care services.

    Official government source

    Free1 week

City of Portland / Multnomah County

1 stop

  1. City of Portland Zoning Compliance — Family Day Care

    The Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS) confirms that certified family child care homes (caring for up to 10 children) are permitted uses in most Portland residential zones by state law. Larger group care operations may require design review. Contact BDS to confirm zoning status for your specific property before applying for state certification.

    Official government source

    $0–$300 (zoning confirmation or pre-application conference)1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$800 · 8–16 weeks

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Official Sources

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