Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Madison, WI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin.

Updated 2026-03-14 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
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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 Wisconsin

2 stops

  1. Wisconsin Department of Revenue — Seller's Permit

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property, certain services, or digital products in Wisconsin. Wisconsin charges a 5% state sales tax; local county taxes may apply (0.5%). Free to obtain from the Wisconsin DOR.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via My Tax Account)

  2. Wisconsin Background Check Requirement

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

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Madison / Dane County

3 stops

  1. Wisconsin Department of Children and Families — Child Care Center License

    Child care centers in Wisconsin must be licensed by the Wisconsin DCF. Requires background checks, building inspection, staff-to-child ratios compliance, and health and safety training.

    Official government source

    $35 (application)6–12 weeks

  2. City of Madison Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development — Business License

    Madison requires a Business License for regulated business types and a Certificate of Occupancy for any commercial space. 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. Dane County / Madison Building and Fire Safety Inspection

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

    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

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Official Sources

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