Missouri Childcare Licensing
Missouri Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Missouri childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. No application or licensing fee is set in Missouri's family child care home rules — 5 CSR 25-400.045 (Licensing Process) describes the free licensing orientation, application form, and inspection with no dollar fee, and DESE's official "Start a Family Child Care Home" page lists the free Child Care Licensing Orientation as the first step and states no application or licensing fee (5 CSR 25-400.045).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMissouri Licensing Fees: The Specifics
No application or licensing fee is set in Missouri's family child care home rules — 5 CSR 25-400.045 (Licensing Process) describes the free licensing orientation, application form, and inspection with no dollar fee, and DESE's official "Start a Family Child Care Home" page lists the free Child Care Licensing Orientation as the first step and states no application or licensing fee (5 CSR 25-400.045).
5 CSR 25-400.045
No renewal fee is set in Missouri's family child care home rules — instead of a fee, the licensee must submit an Annual Declaration for Licensed Facility form to the department at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the anniversary date printed on the license, with no fee stated (5 CSR 25-400.055(1)(A)).
5 CSR 25-400.055(1)(A)
Missouri Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | No application or licensing fee is set in Missouri's family child care home rules — 5 CSR 25-400.045 (Licensing Process) describes the free licensing orientation, application form, and inspection with no dollar fee, and DESE's official "Start a Family Child Care Home" page lists the free Child Care Licensing Orientation as the first step and states no application or licensing fee (5 CSR 25-400.045). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | No renewal fee is set in Missouri's family child care home rules — instead of a fee, the licensee must submit an Annual Declaration for Licensed Facility form to the department at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the anniversary date printed on the license, with no fee stated (5 CSR 25-400.055(1)(A)). |
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Missouri Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Missouri childcare license cost?
No application or licensing fee is set in Missouri's family child care home rules — 5 CSR 25-400.045 (Licensing Process) describes the free licensing orientation, application form, and inspection with no dollar fee, and DESE's official "Start a Family Child Care Home" page lists the free Child Care Licensing Orientation as the first step and states no application or licensing fee (5 CSR 25-400.045).
What is the Missouri childcare license renewal fee?
No renewal fee is set in Missouri's family child care home rules — instead of a fee, the licensee must submit an Annual Declaration for Licensed Facility form to the department at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the anniversary date printed on the license, with no fee stated (5 CSR 25-400.055(1)(A)).
Are Missouri 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 Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood — Section for Child Care Regulation/Compliance (licensing of Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers under 5 CSR 25-500). Licensing authority and rulemaking transferred from the Dept. of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to the DESE Office of Childhood in 2021; the licensing rules were formally MOVED from 19 CSR 30-62 to 5 CSR 25-500 (Title 5, Division 25, Chapter 500) and the old 19 CSR 30-62 sections now read 'Moved to 5 CSR 25-500.XXX'. DHSS retains the day care immunization rule (19 CSR 20-28.040) and the Family Care Safety Registry. before paying.
Missouri childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Missouri administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood — Section for Child Care Regulation/Compliance (licensing of Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers under 5 CSR 25-500). Licensing authority and rulemaking transferred from the Dept. of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to the DESE Office of Childhood in 2021; the licensing rules were formally MOVED from 19 CSR 30-62 to 5 CSR 25-500 (Title 5, Division 25, Chapter 500) and the old 19 CSR 30-62 sections now read 'Moved to 5 CSR 25-500.XXX'. DHSS retains the day care immunization rule (19 CSR 20-28.040) and the Family Care Safety Registry. before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.