Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Houston, Harris 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: .

Houston / Harris County Requirements

1 requirement
1

City of Houston — No General Business License Required

Houston does not have a general city business license requirement. Home-based daycare providers in Houston must comply with state licensing through Texas HHS Child Care Regulation. Houston has no municipal zoning code (unique among major U.S. cities), so there are no city zoning restrictions on home daycare use. Confirm there are no applicable deed restrictions or HOA rules before operating.

FreeNo city permit required; confirm deed restrictions before opening
Official government source

Texas State Requirements

5 requirements
1

Texas HHS Registered Child Care Home Permit

Required to provide care for 1–6 unrelated children in your primary residence. Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Regulation (CCR) issues this permit after a pre-application training course, background checks on all household members age 14+, fire/safety inspection, CPR/first aid certification, and proof of liability insurance. The Houston/Harris County CCR regional office can be reached at 713-940-3009.

$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
2

Texas HHS Licensed Child Care Home Permit

Required if you provide care for 7–12 children in your primary residence. Stricter standards apply under Chapter 747 of the Texas Administrative Code. Requires annual renewal. All caregivers must meet minimum training and certification standards.

$35 application fee + $1 per child of permitted capacity (annual renewal fee 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 pass a background check through Texas HHS CCR. Includes the Central Registry for child abuse/neglect, FBI fingerprint check, and sex offender registry search.

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

Pre-Service Training (24 Clock Hours)

All child care home operators must complete 24 hours of pre-service training before accepting children, with at least 8 hours completed before having sole responsibility for a group of children. Topics must cover child development, health, safety, and nutrition. Online courses are available through accredited providers.

$0–$100 depending on providerCompleted before permit issuance
Official government source
5

Pediatric First Aid and CPR Certification

All primary caregivers must hold a current pediatric first aid and CPR certification from an approved provider such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Must remain current throughout the permit period.

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

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Also required to accept CCDF childcare subsidy payments. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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