Maine Childcare Licensing
Maine Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Maine childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. Family child care home: the application fee for a provisional license is $80.00 and the fee for a full license or its biennial renewal is $160.00 (a temporary license is $10.00) (10-148 CMR Ch. 33 §3.A.6, §3.A.7, §3.A.8). Child Care Facility / Center: the application fee for a provisional or temporary license is $120.00 (10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §2.8, 'Application fee').
Licensing Agency
Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), Children's Licensing and Investigation Unit →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMaine Licensing Fees: The Specifics
Family child care home: the application fee for a provisional license is $80.00 and the fee for a full license or its biennial renewal is $160.00 (a temporary license is $10.00) (10-148 CMR Ch. 33 §3.A.6, §3.A.7, §3.A.8).
10-148 CMR Ch. 33 §3.A.6, §3.A.7, §3.A.8
Child Care Facility / Center: the application fee for a provisional or temporary license is $120.00 (10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §2.8, 'Application fee').
10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §2.8, 'Application fee'
Family child care home: $160.00 biennial renewal (same as the full-license fee) (10-148 CMR Ch. 33 §3.A.8).
10-148 CMR Ch. 33 §3.A.8
Child Care Facility / Center: the biennial renewal fee is $240.00, assessed for a full or conditional license (10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §2.8, 'Renewal fee').
10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §2.8, 'Renewal fee'
Maine Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | Family child care home: the application fee for a provisional license is $80.00 and the fee for a full license or its biennial renewal is $160.00 (a temporary license is $10.00) (10-148 CMR Ch. 33 §3.A.6, §3.A.7, §3.A.8). Child Care Facility / Center: the application fee for a provisional or temporary license is $120.00 (10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §2.8, 'Application fee'). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | Family child care home: $160.00 biennial renewal (same as the full-license fee) (10-148 CMR Ch. 33 §3.A.8). Child Care Facility / Center: the biennial renewal fee is $240.00, assessed for a full or conditional license (10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §2.8, 'Renewal fee'). |
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Maine Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Maine childcare license cost?
Family child care home: the application fee for a provisional license is $80.00 and the fee for a full license or its biennial renewal is $160.00 (a temporary license is $10.00) (10-148 CMR Ch. 33 §3.A.6, §3.A.7, §3.A.8). Child Care Facility / Center: the application fee for a provisional or temporary license is $120.00 (10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §2.8, 'Application fee').
What is the Maine childcare license renewal fee?
Family child care home: $160.00 biennial renewal (same as the full-license fee) (10-148 CMR Ch. 33 §3.A.8). Child Care Facility / Center: the biennial renewal fee is $240.00, assessed for a full or conditional license (10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §2.8, 'Renewal fee').
Are Maine 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 Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), Children's Licensing and Investigation Unit before paying.
Maine childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Maine administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), Children's Licensing and Investigation Unit before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.