Arkansas Childcare Licensing

Arkansas Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)

Arkansas childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. Arkansas charges no separate flat application fee; a grep of the statute and both Minimum Licensing Requirements documents returns no 'application fee.' The only fee is the statutory annual license fee, set by capacity and paid at the annual licensing or renewal date: $15.00/year for facilities serving fewer than 17 children (the rate for a Child Care Family Home), $50.00/year for 17-99 children, and $100.00/year for 100 or more children (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-223; Family Home MLR 104.1; Child Care Center MLR 104.1.a-c).

Licensing Agency

Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Early Childhood (OEC), Child Care Licensing Unit (functions formerly administered by the Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education / DCCECE) →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Arkansas Licensing Fees: The Specifics

Arkansas charges no separate flat application fee

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a grep of the statute and both Minimum Licensing Requirements documents returns no 'application fee.' The only fee is the statutory annual license fee, set by capacity and paid at the annual licensing or renewal date: $15.00/year for facilities serving fewer than 17 children (the rate for a Child Care Family Home), $50.00/year for 17-99 children, and $100.00/year for 100 or more children (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-223

100 or more children (Ark. Code Ann. § 2

Child Care Center MLR 104.1.a-c).

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The license fee is an annual fee charged at each annual licensing or renewal date, identical to the initial fee: $15.00/year for fewer than 17 children, $50.00/year for 17-99 children, and $100.00/year for 100 or more children (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-223

100 or more children (Ark. Code Ann. § 2

There is no distinct renewal fee beyond this annual fee.

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Arkansas Licensing Fees at a Glance

Application feeArkansas charges no separate flat application fee; a grep of the statute and both Minimum Licensing Requirements documents returns no 'application fee.' The only fee is the statutory annual license fee, set by capacity and paid at the annual licensing or renewal date: $15.00/year for facilities serving fewer than 17 children (the rate for a Child Care Family Home), $50.00/year for 17-99 children, and $100.00/year for 100 or more children (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-223; Family Home MLR 104.1; Child Care Center MLR 104.1.a-c).
Renewal feeThe license fee is an annual fee charged at each annual licensing or renewal date, identical to the initial fee: $15.00/year for fewer than 17 children, $50.00/year for 17-99 children, and $100.00/year for 100 or more children (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-223; Family Home MLR 104.1; Center MLR 104.1). There is no distinct renewal fee beyond this annual fee.

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Arkansas Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Arkansas childcare license cost?

Arkansas charges no separate flat application fee; a grep of the statute and both Minimum Licensing Requirements documents returns no 'application fee.' The only fee is the statutory annual license fee, set by capacity and paid at the annual licensing or renewal date: $15.00/year for facilities serving fewer than 17 children (the rate for a Child Care Family Home), $50.00/year for 17-99 children, and $100.00/year for 100 or more children (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-223; Family Home MLR 104.1; Child Care Center MLR 104.1.a-c).

What is the Arkansas childcare license renewal fee?

The license fee is an annual fee charged at each annual licensing or renewal date, identical to the initial fee: $15.00/year for fewer than 17 children, $50.00/year for 17-99 children, and $100.00/year for 100 or more children (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-223; Family Home MLR 104.1; Center MLR 104.1). There is no distinct renewal fee beyond this annual fee.

Are Arkansas 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 Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Early Childhood (OEC), Child Care Licensing Unit (functions formerly administered by the Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education / DCCECE) before paying.

Arkansas childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Arkansas administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Early Childhood (OEC), Child Care Licensing Unit (functions formerly administered by the Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education / DCCECE) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.