Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, TX

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account. Child-care subsidy (CCDF) programs are run by state agencies that will ask for a taxpayer ID when you enroll as a provider — an EIN satisfies this and keeps your SSN private.

   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 in your primary residence caring for up to six unrelated children age 13 or younger (plus up to six additional school-age children after school hours; never more than 12 children at a time, including the caregiver's own). Issued by Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Child Care Regulation (CCR). Requirements include being at least 21 with a high school diploma or equivalent, a pre-application orientation class, background checks (including household members), proof of liability insurance, compliance with the Chapter 747 minimum standards, and an application inspection. Registered homes receive at least one unannounced inspection every one to two years, and an annual fee is due each year on the permit anniversary.

   Official government source

   Application fee plus annual fee set by HHSC rule (26 TAC Ch. 745); commonly cited as $35 application + $1 per child of capacity but amounts could not be re-verified against the current official schedule (needs_review)·8–16 weeks from application to permit issuance

   Application fee plus annual fee set by HHSC rule (26 TAC Ch. 745); commonly cited as $35 application + $1 per child of capacity but amounts could not be re-verified against the current official schedule (needs_review)

   8–16 weeks from application to permit issuance

2. Texas HHS Licensed Child Care Home Permit

   Required to provide care for seven to 12 children (13 or younger; never more than 12 in care at any time, including the caregiver's own children) in the primary caregiver's home. Issued by HHSC Child Care Regulation. The primary caregiver must be at least 21 with a high school diploma or equivalent and meet child day care director-level education/experience qualifications (26 TAC 747.1107). Requires pre-application orientation, background checks, proof of liability insurance, and compliance with 26 TAC Chapter 747 (Registered and Licensed Child-Care Homes). Licensed homes receive at least one unannounced inspection per year, and an annual fee is due each year on the permit anniversary.

   Official government source

   Application fee plus annual fee set by HHSC rule (26 TAC Ch. 745); commonly cited as $35 application + $1 per child of capacity but amounts could not be re-verified against the current official schedule (needs_review)·8–16 weeks from application to permit issuance

   Application fee plus annual fee set by HHSC rule (26 TAC Ch. 745); commonly cited as $35 application + $1 per child of capacity but amounts could not be re-verified against the current official schedule (needs_review)

   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

   $35-$37 per person fingerprinting (paid at appointment) + $2 CCR fee per check·1–4 weeks

   $35-$37 per person fingerprinting (paid at appointment) + $2 CCR fee per check

   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. Fort Worth Home Occupation Standards for Home Day Care (no city permit)

   Fort Worth does not require a home occupation permit. Home-based child care must comply with the home-occupation standards of Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance Sec. 5.116.A (which include use-specific standards -- verify the current child-care provisions with Development Services at 817-392-8000) and must be licensed or registered at the state level with Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC).

   Official government source

   $0 at the city level (no home-occupation permit); state HHSC child-care licensing fees apply separately·1–3 weeks

   $0 at the city level (no home-occupation permit); state HHSC child-care licensing fees apply separately

   1–3 weeks

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.

   Official government source

   $24 for one owner ($0.50 for each additional owner listed)·Same day to 1 week

   $24 for one owner ($0.50 for each additional owner listed)

   Same day to 1 week

Official Sources

• City of Fort Worth — Development Services
• Texas HHS — Become a Child Care Home Provider
• Texas HHS — Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards
• Tarrant County Clerk — Assumed Name Certificates

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