Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Sioux Falls, SD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, South Dakota.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 South Dakota

2 stops

  1. South Dakota Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in South Dakota. South Dakota charges a 4.5% state sales tax; local jurisdictions may add up to 2%. Register with the SD Department of Revenue online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  2. South Dakota Background Check Requirement

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

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Sioux Falls / Minnehaha County

3 stops

  1. South Dakota Department of Social Services — Child Care Facility License

    Child care centers in South Dakota must be licensed by the SD DSS. 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 Sioux Falls Finance Department — Business License

    Sioux Falls requires a Business License for regulated businesses within city limits. Contact the Finance Department for requirements specific to your business type. 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. Minnehaha County / Sioux Falls 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

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides