Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Charleston, WV

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia.

Updated 2026-03-15 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 West Virginia

2 stops

  1. West Virginia State Tax Department — Business Registration

    All businesses operating in West Virginia must register with the State Tax Department. West Virginia charges a 6% state sales tax; municipalities may add up to 1%. The Business Registration Certificate is required before commencing business.

    Official government source

    $30 (Business Registration Certificate)Immediate (online via MyTaxes)

  2. West Virginia Background Check Requirement

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

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Charleston / Kanawha County

3 stops

  1. West Virginia Department of Health — Child Care Center License

    Child care centers in West Virginia must be licensed by the WV Bureau for Children and Families. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and staff ratio compliance.

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  2. City of Charleston Business License Division — Business License

    Charleston requires a City Business License for all businesses within city limits. The Business License Division processes applications and annual renewals. 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. Kanawha County / Charleston 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

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Official Sources

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