Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Burlington, VT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Vermont

2 stops

  1. Vermont Department of Taxes — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Vermont. Vermont charges a 6% state sales tax; meals and lodging are taxed at 9%. Register with the Vermont Department of Taxes online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via myVTax)

  2. Vermont Background Check Requirement

    All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in Vermont child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Burlington / Chittenden County

3 stops

  1. Vermont Child Development Division — Child Care License

    Child care centers in Vermont must be licensed by the Vermont Child Development Division. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance.

    Official government source

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  2. City of Burlington City Clerk — Business License

    Burlington requires a Business License for regulated businesses within city limits. The City Clerk processes applications for food service, personal care, and other regulated industries. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  3. Chittenden County / Burlington Building and Fire Safety Inspection

    Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards.

    Official government source

    $100–$3002–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides