Home Daycare Permit Requirements in El Paso, TX

1. 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 from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Texas HHS Registered Child Care Home Permit

   Required to operate a home-based daycare for 1–6 unrelated children in your primary residence in Texas. 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, 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.

   Official government source

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

   $35 application fee + $1 per child of permitted capacity (annual renewal also applies)

   8–16 weeks from application to permit issuance

2. Texas HHS Licensed Child Care Home Permit

   Required if providing 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.

   Official government source

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

   $35 application fee + $1 per child of permitted capacity (annual renewal applies)

   8–16 weeks from application to permit issuance

3. 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.

   Official government source

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

   $40–$50 per person (fingerprinting fees)

   1–4 weeks

4. 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.

   Official government source

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

   $50–$100

   Same day (courses available locally)

1. City of El Paso Home Occupation Permit

   A home-based daycare in El Paso requires a Home Occupation Permit from the City of El Paso Development Services Department if you care for children in your residence. The permit confirms compliance with zoning rules — home occupation uses are typically allowed in residential zones subject to conditions (no exterior signage, no traffic impacts, etc.). Contact El Paso Development Services at 915-212-1500 to verify your specific address and zoning district.

   Official government source

   $50–$100 (permit application fee)·1–3 weeks

   $50–$100 (permit application fee)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of El Paso — Development Services
• Texas HHS — Become a Child Care Home Provider
• Texas HHS — Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards
• Texas HHS — CCR Background Checks

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