Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Provo, UT
Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Provo, Utah County, Utah.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Utah
2 stopsUtah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax License
Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Utah. Utah charges a 4.85% state sales tax; local jurisdictions add additional taxes bringing totals to 6–9%. Register with the Utah State Tax Commission online.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)
Free
Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)
Utah Background Check Requirement
All covered individuals in a Utah child care program — owners, directors, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and household members age 12 and older for home-based programs — must clear a background check through the Utah DHHS Office of Background Processing before involvement with the program, including fingerprint-based state (BCI) and FBI checks for covered adults.
Official government sourceApproximately $15 fingerprint processing fee per person; additional processing fees may apply — verify current fees with DHHS Licensing and Background Checks1–4 weeks
Approximately $15 fingerprint processing fee per person; additional processing fees may apply — verify current fees with DHHS Licensing and Background Checks
1–4 weeks
City of Provo / Utah County
3 stopsUtah DHHS Child Care Licensing (Division of Licensing and Background Checks) — Child Care License
Child care centers in Utah are licensed by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Background Checks (Child Care Licensing) — not the 'Office of Child Care,' which is the Department of Workforce Services office that administers child care subsidies. Licensing requires background checks for all covered individuals, health and safety inspections, and compliance with staff-to-child ratio and other rules.
Official government source$62 license/certificate fee (new and renewal, as of July 1, 2025); new centers also pay a one-time $200 new-center fee plus $1.75 per child of licensed capacity6–12 weeks
$62 license/certificate fee (new and renewal, as of July 1, 2025); new centers also pay a one-time $200 new-center fee plus $1.75 per child of licensed capacity
6–12 weeks
Provo City Business Licensing Division — Business License
Provo requires a business license for businesses operating within city limits. Commercial locations apply through the Business Licensing Division and renew annually; home-based businesses use the separate Home-Based Business Permit (a minor home occupation - no customer traffic or employees at the home - is free under state law).
Official government source$125/year base (0-5 employees); higher with more employees and for regulated business categories - see Provo's Consolidated Fee Schedule1–3 weeks
$125/year base (0-5 employees); higher with more employees and for regulated business categories - see Provo's Consolidated Fee Schedule
1–3 weeks
Utah County / Provo Building and Fire Safety Inspection
Child care centers must pass building and fire-safety inspections as part of state child care licensing - in Provo these are handled by the Provo Building Division and the Provo Fire Marshal's Office (egress, alarms/suppression, occupancy). Utah County Health separately inspects kitchen facilities for home daycares.
Official government sourceVaries - per Provo's Consolidated Fee Schedule; confirm with the Building Division2–6 weeks
Varies - per Provo's Consolidated Fee Schedule; confirm with the Building Division
2–6 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
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Official Sources
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