Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Nashville, TN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $300–$800 est. 10-16 weeks (DHS licensing is the primary bottleneck)
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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 Tennessee

4 stops

  1. Tennessee DHS Family Home License

    Required by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) to care for one or more unrelated children in your home for compensation. Tennessee is a strict licensing state — even caring for a single unrelated child for pay requires a family home license. The application process includes a home inspection, background checks for all household members, first aid and CPR training, and health and safety training.

    Official government source

    $50-$150 (application and inspection fees)8-12 weeks for full application review and home inspection

  2. Background Checks (all household members)

    The Tennessee Department of Human Services requires criminal background checks and Tennessee Child Abuse Registry checks for all household members age 18 and older as part of the family home license application. Fingerprinting is required.

    Official government source

    $40-$75 per person2-4 weeks

  3. First Aid and CPR Certification

    Required by Tennessee DHS before a family home license is issued. The primary caregiver must hold current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications from an approved organization. Renewal is required every two years.

    Official government source

    $50-$150 per course1-2 days

  4. Tennessee Secretary of State Business Registration

    Required if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership in Tennessee. Most home daycare providers operate as sole proprietors, but entity registration provides liability protection.

    Official government source

    $50-$300 depending on entity type1-2 weeks (online filing)

City of Nashville / Davidson County

1 stop

  1. Metro Nashville Home Occupation Permit

    Required to operate a home-based daycare business from a residential property in Nashville-Davidson County. Issued by the Metro Nashville Planning Department. Zoning regulations for residential districts restrict commercial activity, and some neighborhoods may require a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals for daycare use.

    Official government source

    $50-$2002-6 weeks (variance hearings may extend timeline)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$800 · 10-16 weeks (DHS licensing is the primary bottleneck)

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Official Sources

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