California Childcare Licensing
California Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
California childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. The original application fee is $73 for a small family child care home (capacity 1-8) and $140 for a large family child care home (capacity 9-14); child care centers pay by capacity tier, ranging from $484 (1-30) and $968 (31-60) up to $2,420 (121+), per Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.803.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamCalifornia Licensing Fees: The Specifics
The original application fee is $73 for a small family child care home (capacity 1-8) and $140 for a large family child care home (capacity 9-14)
capacity 9-14
child care centers pay by capacity tier, ranging from $484 (1-30) and $968 (31-60) up to $2,420 (121+), per Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.803.
Code § 1596.803.
An annual fee is charged on each license anniversary date: family child care homes pay the same as the application fee ($73 small / $140 large), while child care centers pay roughly half the application fee (e.g., $242 for 1-30, $484 for 31-60, capped at $1,210 for 121+), per Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.803
Code § 1596.803
a one-time orientation fee of $25 (family child care home) or $50 (child care center) per attendee also applies.
child care center
California Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | The original application fee is $73 for a small family child care home (capacity 1-8) and $140 for a large family child care home (capacity 9-14); child care centers pay by capacity tier, ranging from $484 (1-30) and $968 (31-60) up to $2,420 (121+), per Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.803. |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | An annual fee is charged on each license anniversary date: family child care homes pay the same as the application fee ($73 small / $140 large), while child care centers pay roughly half the application fee (e.g., $242 for 1-30, $484 for 31-60, capped at $1,210 for 121+), per Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.803; a one-time orientation fee of $25 (family child care home) or $50 (child care center) per attendee also applies. |
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California Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a California childcare license cost?
The original application fee is $73 for a small family child care home (capacity 1-8) and $140 for a large family child care home (capacity 9-14); child care centers pay by capacity tier, ranging from $484 (1-30) and $968 (31-60) up to $2,420 (121+), per Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.803.
What is the California childcare license renewal fee?
An annual fee is charged on each license anniversary date: family child care homes pay the same as the application fee ($73 small / $140 large), while child care centers pay roughly half the application fee (e.g., $242 for 1-30, $484 for 31-60, capped at $1,210 for 121+), per Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.803; a one-time orientation fee of $25 (family child care home) or $50 (child care center) per attendee also applies.
Are California 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 California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division before paying.
California childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published California administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.