Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Washington State Business License

   Required for all businesses in Washington. Issued by the Department of Revenue.

   Official government source

   $50 (one-time Business License Application fee; $5/year renewal per location)·1–2 weeks

   $50 (one-time Business License Application fee; $5/year renewal per location)

   1–2 weeks

2. DCYF Family Home License

   Required for family home early learning programs (in-home child care) in Washington, issued by the Department of Children, Youth and Families. The process includes online orientation, an application, background checks including fingerprinting for household members 16 and older, first aid/CPR and pre-service training, and a home inspection. Once granted, a full license is nonexpiring so long as you pay the annual fee, file an annual declaration of intent to continue operating and of compliance with licensing rules, and keep employee background checks current.

   Official government source

   $30 annual license fee for family home early learning programs, nonrefundable, due with the initial application packet and then annually 30 days before the license anniversary date (WAC 110-300-0401). Center-based programs pay $125 for the first 12 children plus $12 per additional child. Fingerprinting and background check costs are billed separately.·DCYF must grant or deny a license within 90 days of receiving the application (RCW 43.216.305). Background checks are usually completed within about 45 days, and orientation, training, and the home inspection add to the total, so plan for several months end to end.

   $30 annual license fee for family home early learning programs, nonrefundable, due with the initial application packet and then annually 30 days before the license anniversary date (WAC 110-300-0401). Center-based programs pay $125 for the first 12 children plus $12 per additional child. Fingerprinting and background check costs are billed separately.

   DCYF must grant or deny a license within 90 days of receiving the application (RCW 43.216.305). Background checks are usually completed within about 45 days, and orientation, training, and the home inspection add to the total, so plan for several months end to end.

3. Background Check (DCYF)

   All adults (18+) residing in the home and any employees must pass a background check through DCYF's background check unit. Includes a state criminal history check and FBI fingerprint check.

   Official government source

   DCYF does not publish a background-check fee. A small fee may apply only if you have to have fingerprints retaken at the Washington State Patrol or a police department. Confirm current cost with DCYF.·Portable background checks are usually completed within 45 days or less from the date of application.

   DCYF does not publish a background-check fee. A small fee may apply only if you have to have fingerprints retaken at the Washington State Patrol or a police department. Confirm current cost with DCYF.

   Portable background checks are usually completed within 45 days or less from the date of application.

1. Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

   Required for home-based businesses operating in Seattle, including licensed home daycares. Issued by Seattle City Finance (License and Tax Administration). The certificate is required regardless of revenue; Seattle B&O tax is owed only above $2 million in annual taxable gross revenue (the threshold rose from $100,000 on January 1, 2026).

   Official government source

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.·You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.

   You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

2. Seattle Home Business Rules (self-certifying zoning compliance, not a permit)

   Seattle does not issue a discrete 'Home Occupation Permit.' Operating a daycare from a residential property must comply with SDCI's home occupation rules (SMC 23.42.050, Director's Rule 8-87): the operator must live in the unit, use only small identification signage, and avoid noise/odor/traffic that changes the residential character of the dwelling; rules for home-based child care differ slightly from other home businesses. There is no application, fee, or standard processing time — compliance is self-certified, and violations can be fined $150-$500/day plus inspection costs.

   Official government source

   Not applicable — no permit fee (self-certified compliance; fines up to $150-$500/day for violations)·Not applicable — no application process

   Not applicable — no permit fee (self-certified compliance; fines up to $150-$500/day for violations)

   Not applicable — no application process

Official Sources

• WA DCYF: Early Learning & Child Care Licensing
• City of Seattle: Home Occupation Permits
• City of Seattle: Business License Tax Certificate

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