Michigan Childcare Licensing
Michigan Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Michigan childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. Original license application fees are $50.00 for a family child care home and $100.00 for a group child care home; child care center original license fees are $150.00 (capacity 1-20), $200.00 (21-50), $250.00 (51-100), and $300.00 (over 100) (MCL 722.115m).
Licensing Agency
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMichigan Licensing Fees: The Specifics
Original license application fees are $50.00 for a family child care home and $100.00 for a group child care home
MCL 722.115m
child care center original license fees are $150.00 (capacity 1-20), $200.00 (21-50), $250.00 (51-100), and $300.00 (over 100) (MCL 722.115m).
MCL 722.115m
License renewal fees are half the original amounts: $25.00 family child care home, $50.00 group child care home, and $75.00/$100.00/$125.00/$150.00 for child care centers by capacity tier (1-20/21-50/51-100/over-100)
1-20/21-50/51-100/over-100
a regular Michigan child care license is effective for 2 years and must be renewed biennially (renewal fees per MCL 722.115m
renewal fees per MCL 722.115m
2-year/biennial term per MCL 722.118).
renewal fees per MCL 722.115m
Michigan Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | Original license application fees are $50.00 for a family child care home and $100.00 for a group child care home; child care center original license fees are $150.00 (capacity 1-20), $200.00 (21-50), $250.00 (51-100), and $300.00 (over 100) (MCL 722.115m). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | License renewal fees are half the original amounts: $25.00 family child care home, $50.00 group child care home, and $75.00/$100.00/$125.00/$150.00 for child care centers by capacity tier (1-20/21-50/51-100/over-100); a regular Michigan child care license is effective for 2 years and must be renewed biennially (renewal fees per MCL 722.115m; 2-year/biennial term per MCL 722.118). |
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Michigan Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Michigan childcare license cost?
Original license application fees are $50.00 for a family child care home and $100.00 for a group child care home; child care center original license fees are $150.00 (capacity 1-20), $200.00 (21-50), $250.00 (51-100), and $300.00 (over 100) (MCL 722.115m).
What is the Michigan childcare license renewal fee?
License renewal fees are half the original amounts: $25.00 family child care home, $50.00 group child care home, and $75.00/$100.00/$125.00/$150.00 for child care centers by capacity tier (1-20/21-50/51-100/over-100); a regular Michigan child care license is effective for 2 years and must be renewed biennially (renewal fees per MCL 722.115m; 2-year/biennial term per MCL 722.118).
Are Michigan 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 Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems before paying.
Michigan childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Michigan administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.