Virginia Childcare Licensing
Virginia Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Virginia childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. Virginia's nonrefundable license application fee is set by licensed capacity for programs operating at least 12 weeks per year: $28 for capacity 1-12, $70 for 13-25, $140 for 26-50, $210 for 51-75, $280 for 76-200, and $400 for 201+ (with $50 for capacity 1-50 and $110 for capacity 51+ for programs running under 12 weeks; family day systems pay a $140 flat fee); the capacity-based schedule applies to child day programs (8VAC20-821-150).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamVirginia Licensing Fees: The Specifics
Virginia's nonrefundable license application fee is set by licensed capacity for programs operating at least 12 weeks per year: $28 for capacity 1-12, $70 for 13-25, $140 for 26-50, $210 for 51-75, $280 for 76-200, and $400 for 201+ (with $50 for capacity 1-50 and $110 for capacity 51+ for programs running under 12 weeks
8VAC20-821-150
family day systems pay a $140 flat fee)
8VAC20-821-150
the capacity-based schedule applies to child day programs (8VAC20-821-150).
8VAC20-821-150
Virginia issues licenses for a two-year period, and the same capacity-based fee in 8VAC20-821-150 ($28-$400 by licensed capacity) is charged at each two-year application cycle
$28-$400 by licensed capacity
no separate, lower renewal-only fee is specified (8VAC20-821-150).
8VAC20-821-150
Virginia Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | Virginia's nonrefundable license application fee is set by licensed capacity for programs operating at least 12 weeks per year: $28 for capacity 1-12, $70 for 13-25, $140 for 26-50, $210 for 51-75, $280 for 76-200, and $400 for 201+ (with $50 for capacity 1-50 and $110 for capacity 51+ for programs running under 12 weeks; family day systems pay a $140 flat fee); the capacity-based schedule applies to child day programs (8VAC20-821-150). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | Virginia issues licenses for a two-year period, and the same capacity-based fee in 8VAC20-821-150 ($28-$400 by licensed capacity) is charged at each two-year application cycle; no separate, lower renewal-only fee is specified (8VAC20-821-150). |
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Virginia Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Virginia childcare license cost?
Virginia's nonrefundable license application fee is set by licensed capacity for programs operating at least 12 weeks per year: $28 for capacity 1-12, $70 for 13-25, $140 for 26-50, $210 for 51-75, $280 for 76-200, and $400 for 201+ (with $50 for capacity 1-50 and $110 for capacity 51+ for programs running under 12 weeks; family day systems pay a $140 flat fee); the capacity-based schedule applies to child day programs (8VAC20-821-150).
What is the Virginia childcare license renewal fee?
Virginia issues licenses for a two-year period, and the same capacity-based fee in 8VAC20-821-150 ($28-$400 by licensed capacity) is charged at each two-year application cycle; no separate, lower renewal-only fee is specified (8VAC20-821-150).
Are Virginia 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 Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs before paying.
Virginia childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Virginia administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.