Alabama Childcare Licensing
Alabama Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Alabama childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. Alabama's Child Care Act and the DHR Minimum Standards impose no application or registration fee; Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-4 requires only submission of the application form and a Department inspection/investigation, with no fee provision (no fee language appears in Title 38 Chapter 7 or in the DHR Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers or for Family Day Care Homes, both effective Sept. 30, 2019).
Licensing Agency
Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Care Services Division (Office of Child Care Licensing) →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamAlabama Licensing Fees: The Specifics
Alabama's Child Care Act and the DHR Minimum Standards impose no application or registration fee
Ala. Code 1
Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-4 requires only submission of the application form and a Department inspection/investigation, with no fee provision (no fee language appears in Title 38 Chapter 7 or in the DHR Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers or for Family Day Care Homes, both effective Sept. 30, 2019).
Ala. Code 1
No renewal fee is established by Alabama law
Ala
licenses are valid for two years from the date issued and are renewed by reapplication and Department reexamination, with no fee specified (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-5(a) [two-year validity] and sec. 38-7-6 [renewal/reexamination]).
Ala
Alabama Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | Alabama's Child Care Act and the DHR Minimum Standards impose no application or registration fee; Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-4 requires only submission of the application form and a Department inspection/investigation, with no fee provision (no fee language appears in Title 38 Chapter 7 or in the DHR Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers or for Family Day Care Homes, both effective Sept. 30, 2019). |
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| Renewal fee | No renewal fee is established by Alabama law; licenses are valid for two years from the date issued and are renewed by reapplication and Department reexamination, with no fee specified (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-5(a) [two-year validity] and sec. 38-7-6 [renewal/reexamination]). |
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Alabama Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Alabama childcare license cost?
Alabama's Child Care Act and the DHR Minimum Standards impose no application or registration fee; Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-4 requires only submission of the application form and a Department inspection/investigation, with no fee provision (no fee language appears in Title 38 Chapter 7 or in the DHR Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers or for Family Day Care Homes, both effective Sept. 30, 2019).
What is the Alabama childcare license renewal fee?
No renewal fee is established by Alabama law; licenses are valid for two years from the date issued and are renewed by reapplication and Department reexamination, with no fee specified (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-5(a) [two-year validity] and sec. 38-7-6 [renewal/reexamination]).
Are Alabama licensing fees refundable?
In most states, licensing application fees are non-refundable even if the application is denied or withdrawn. Confirm the refund policy with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Care Services Division (Office of Child Care Licensing) before paying.
Alabama childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Alabama administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Care Services Division (Office of Child Care Licensing) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.