North Carolina Childcare Licensing
North Carolina Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
North Carolina childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. North Carolina does not codify a separate statewide initial license application fee for child care centers or family child care homes; the only fee set by statute is the recurring Annual License Fee under N.C. Gen. Stat. 110-90(1a). Before licensure, prospective providers must attend a DCDEE Pre-Licensing Workshop, which is part of both the family child care home and child care center application process (NCDHHS/DCDEE, "Getting a License"). [The absence of any separate application fee is an inference from the statute and DCDEE fee materials, not an affirmative "no application fee" statement on a .gov page.]
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamNorth Carolina Licensing Fees: The Specifics
North Carolina does not codify a separate statewide initial license application fee for child care centers or family child care homes
under N.C. Gen. Stat. 1
the only fee set by statute is the recurring Annual License Fee under N.C.
under N.C. Gen. Stat. 1
Before licensure, prospective providers must attend a DCDEE Pre-Licensing Workshop, which is part of both the family child care home and child care center application process (NCDHHS/DCDEE, "Getting a License"). [The absence of any separate application fee is an inference from the statute and DCDEE fee materials, not an affirmative "no application fee" statement on a .gov page.]
NCDHHS/DCDEE, "Getting a License"
North Carolina assesses an Annual License Fee, payable online for the current calendar year, of $52.00 for a family child care home, $52.00 for a center with capacity of 0-12 (12 or fewer children), $187.00 for capacity 13-50, $375.00 for capacity 51-100, and $600.00 for capacity 101 or more
12 or fewer children
the fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on the license, and state, public-school, and religious-sponsored (Notice of Compliance) facilities are exempt (NCDHHS/DCDEE Annual License Fee page and FAQ, citing N.C.
Notice of Compliance
North Carolina Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | North Carolina does not codify a separate statewide initial license application fee for child care centers or family child care homes; the only fee set by statute is the recurring Annual License Fee under N.C. Gen. Stat. 110-90(1a). Before licensure, prospective providers must attend a DCDEE Pre-Licensing Workshop, which is part of both the family child care home and child care center application process (NCDHHS/DCDEE, "Getting a License"). [The absence of any separate application fee is an inference from the statute and DCDEE fee materials, not an affirmative "no application fee" statement on a .gov page.] |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | North Carolina assesses an Annual License Fee, payable online for the current calendar year, of $52.00 for a family child care home, $52.00 for a center with capacity of 0-12 (12 or fewer children), $187.00 for capacity 13-50, $375.00 for capacity 51-100, and $600.00 for capacity 101 or more; the fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on the license, and state, public-school, and religious-sponsored (Notice of Compliance) facilities are exempt (NCDHHS/DCDEE Annual License Fee page and FAQ, citing N.C. Gen. Stat. 110-90(1a)). |
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North Carolina Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a North Carolina childcare license cost?
North Carolina does not codify a separate statewide initial license application fee for child care centers or family child care homes; the only fee set by statute is the recurring Annual License Fee under N.C. Gen. Stat. 110-90(1a). Before licensure, prospective providers must attend a DCDEE Pre-Licensing Workshop, which is part of both the family child care home and child care center application process (NCDHHS/DCDEE, "Getting a License"). [The absence of any separate application fee is an inference from the statute and DCDEE fee materials, not an affirmative "no application fee" statement on a .gov page.]
What is the North Carolina childcare license renewal fee?
North Carolina assesses an Annual License Fee, payable online for the current calendar year, of $52.00 for a family child care home, $52.00 for a center with capacity of 0-12 (12 or fewer children), $187.00 for capacity 13-50, $375.00 for capacity 51-100, and $600.00 for capacity 101 or more; the fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on the license, and state, public-school, and religious-sponsored (Notice of Compliance) facilities are exempt (NCDHHS/DCDEE Annual License Fee page and FAQ, citing N.C. Gen. Stat. 110-90(1a)).
Are North Carolina 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 North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education before paying.
North Carolina childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published North Carolina administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.