Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

$200 -- $600 8–16 weeks to complete training, background checks, inspections, and receive state permit 7 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: March 12, 2026.

Austin / Travis County Requirements

1 requirement

City of Austin Zoning Clearance — Child Care Services (Accessory Use)

Home-based daycare caring for 12 or fewer children in Austin qualifies as an accessory use to a residential structure. No separate Development Services permit is required for this accessory use, but operators must confirm their zoning district allows home-based child care. Contact Austin Development Services at 512-978-4000 to verify your specific address.

Free (no permit required for accessory use up to 12 children)Confirm zoning by phone or online before opening

Official government source

Texas State Requirements

5 requirements

Texas HHS Registered Child Care Home Permit

Required to operate a home-based daycare for 1–6 unrelated children in your primary residence. A Registered Child Care Home is inspected annually by Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Regulation (CCR). The process includes a pre-application training course (online via TexasChildCare.hhs.texas.gov), background checks for all household members age 14+, CPR/first aid certification, fire and safety inspection, and proof of liability insurance. Capacity is limited to 6 unrelated children at a time.

$35 application fee + $1 per child of permitted capacity (annual renewal fee also applies)8–16 weeks from application to permit issuance

Official government source

Texas HHS Licensed Child Care Home Permit

Required if you provide care for 7–12 children in your primary residence. Requires the same pre-application training, background checks, CPR/first aid, fire inspection, and insurance as a registered home, plus additional minimum standards compliance under Chapter 747 of the Texas Administrative Code. Annual renewal required.

$35 application fee + $1 per child of permitted capacity (annual renewal fee applies)8–16 weeks from application to permit issuance

Official government source

Background Checks (Texas HHS CCR)

All household members age 14 and older, and any employee with unsupervised access to children, must complete a background check through Texas HHS Child Care Regulation. Checks include the Texas Central Registry (child abuse/neglect), FBI fingerprint check, and sex offender registry search.

$40–$50 per person (fingerprinting fees)1–4 weeks

Official government source

Pre-Service Training (24 Clock Hours)

Texas HHS requires all child care home operators to complete 24 hours of pre-service training before accepting children. At least 8 of those hours must be completed before any caregiver is given sole responsibility for a group of children. Training must cover child development, health, safety, and nutrition. Accredited courses are available online through Child Care Careers and Texas Rising Star.

$0–$100 depending on providerCompleted before permit issuance

Official government source

Pediatric First Aid and CPR Certification

All primary caregivers must hold a current pediatric first aid and CPR certification from an approved provider (e.g., American Red Cross, American Heart Association). Certification must remain current throughout the permit period.

$50–$100Same day (courses available locally)

Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Also needed for accepting Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy payments. Free to obtain from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)

Official government source