South Carolina Childcare Licensing
South Carolina Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
South Carolina childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. South Carolina's child care statute and licensing regulations specify no application, license, or registration fee; the only fees authorized are for background checks, which 'shall not exceed the actual cost of processing and administration' and are borne by the applicant or facility, not as a license fee (S.C. Code 63-13-40(D)(10), 63-13-420, 63-13-620, 63-13-820; SC Regulations for the Licensing of Child Care Centers, R.114-500 et seq., eff. June 22, 2018; SC DSS Brochure 501).
Licensing Agency
South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Early Care and Education — Child Care Licensing →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamSouth Carolina Licensing Fees: The Specifics
South Carolina's child care statute and licensing regulations specify no application, license, or registration fee
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the only fees authorized are for background checks, which 'shall not exceed the actual cost of processing and administration' and are borne by the applicant or facility, not as a license fee (S.C.
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SC Regulations for the Licensing of Child Care Centers, R.114-500 et seq., eff.
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No renewal fee is specified in South Carolina's child care statute or regulations
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the Department initiates the center license/approval renewal process 120 days before expiration (S.C.
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June 22, 2018), a regular center license is valid for two years (S.C.
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Reg. 114-502.B.(1)), and a family childcare home registration expires one year from issuance (S.C.
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Code 63-13-830(B)), with no renewal fee stated in any of these provisions.
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South Carolina Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | South Carolina's child care statute and licensing regulations specify no application, license, or registration fee; the only fees authorized are for background checks, which 'shall not exceed the actual cost of processing and administration' and are borne by the applicant or facility, not as a license fee (S.C. Code 63-13-40(D)(10), 63-13-420, 63-13-620, 63-13-820; SC Regulations for the Licensing of Child Care Centers, R.114-500 et seq., eff. June 22, 2018; SC DSS Brochure 501). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | No renewal fee is specified in South Carolina's child care statute or regulations; the Department initiates the center license/approval renewal process 120 days before expiration (S.C. Reg. 114-502.F, eff. June 22, 2018), a regular center license is valid for two years (S.C. Reg. 114-502.B.(1)), and a family childcare home registration expires one year from issuance (S.C. Code 63-13-830(B)), with no renewal fee stated in any of these provisions. |
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South Carolina Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a South Carolina childcare license cost?
South Carolina's child care statute and licensing regulations specify no application, license, or registration fee; the only fees authorized are for background checks, which 'shall not exceed the actual cost of processing and administration' and are borne by the applicant or facility, not as a license fee (S.C. Code 63-13-40(D)(10), 63-13-420, 63-13-620, 63-13-820; SC Regulations for the Licensing of Child Care Centers, R.114-500 et seq., eff. June 22, 2018; SC DSS Brochure 501).
What is the South Carolina childcare license renewal fee?
No renewal fee is specified in South Carolina's child care statute or regulations; the Department initiates the center license/approval renewal process 120 days before expiration (S.C. Reg. 114-502.F, eff. June 22, 2018), a regular center license is valid for two years (S.C. Reg. 114-502.B.(1)), and a family childcare home registration expires one year from issuance (S.C. Code 63-13-830(B)), with no renewal fee stated in any of these provisions.
Are South 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 South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Early Care and Education — Child Care Licensing before paying.
South Carolina childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published South Carolina administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Early Care and Education — Child Care Licensing before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.