Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Fort Worth, Tarrant 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: .

Fort Worth / Tarrant County Requirements

2 requirements
1

City of Fort Worth Home Occupation Permit

A home-based daycare in Fort Worth must comply with home occupation regulations under the Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance. Home-based childcare for up to 6 children is permitted as a home occupation in residential zones, subject to conditions. Operators should confirm their property's zoning classification with the Fort Worth Development Services Department before opening. Contact Fort Worth Development Services at 817-392-8000.

$50–$100 (zoning confirmation or home occupation application fee)1–3 weeks
Official government source
2

Tarrant County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

Required if operating your daycare under any name other than your legal personal name. Filed with the Tarrant County Clerk. Valid up to 10 years.

$23 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)Same day to 1 week
Official government source

Texas State Requirements

4 requirements
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.

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

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

$40–$50 per person (fingerprinting fees)1–4 weeks
Official government source
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.

$50–$100Same day (courses available locally)
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
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.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

Related Guides