West Virginia Childcare Licensing
West Virginia Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
West Virginia childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. West Virginia's child care licensing rules impose no initial application or registration fee for family child care homes, family child care facilities, or child care centers—no fee provision exists in 78 CSR 1 (Child Care Centers Licensing), 78 CSR 18 (Family Child Care Facility Licensing Requirements), or 78 CSR 19 (Family Child Care Home Registration Requirements) (verified: no fee provision in 78 CSR 1, 78 CSR 18, or 78 CSR 19).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamWest Virginia Licensing Fees: The Specifics
West Virginia's child care licensing rules impose no initial application or registration fee for family child care homes, family child care facilities, or child care centers—no fee provision exists in 78 CSR 1 (Child Care Centers Licensing), 78 CSR 18 (Family Child Care Facility Licensing Requirements), or 78 CSR 19 (Family Child Care Home Registration Requirements) (verified: no fee provision in 78 CSR 1, 78 CSR 18, or 78 CSR 19).
verified: no fee provision in 78 CSR 1, 78 CSR 18, or 78 CSR 19
West Virginia charges no license or registration renewal fee
78 CSR 1 §4.2.c
a center license, family child care facility license, or family child care home certificate of registration is valid for up to two (2) years and is renewed by submitting an application—at least sixty (60) days before expiration for centers (78 CSR 1 §4.2.c) and facilities (78 CSR 18 §4.1.b), and at least thirty (30) days before expiration for homes (78 CSR 19 §4.1.b)—at no cost (validity periods: 78 CSR 1 §4.1.b
78 CSR 1 §4.2.c
no fee provision exists in any of the three rules).
78 CSR 1 §4.2.c
West Virginia Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | West Virginia's child care licensing rules impose no initial application or registration fee for family child care homes, family child care facilities, or child care centers—no fee provision exists in 78 CSR 1 (Child Care Centers Licensing), 78 CSR 18 (Family Child Care Facility Licensing Requirements), or 78 CSR 19 (Family Child Care Home Registration Requirements) (verified: no fee provision in 78 CSR 1, 78 CSR 18, or 78 CSR 19). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | West Virginia charges no license or registration renewal fee; a center license, family child care facility license, or family child care home certificate of registration is valid for up to two (2) years and is renewed by submitting an application—at least sixty (60) days before expiration for centers (78 CSR 1 §4.2.c) and facilities (78 CSR 18 §4.1.b), and at least thirty (30) days before expiration for homes (78 CSR 19 §4.1.b)—at no cost (validity periods: 78 CSR 1 §4.1.b; 78 CSR 18 §4.4.a; 78 CSR 19 §4.5.a; no fee provision exists in any of the three rules). |
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West Virginia Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a West Virginia childcare license cost?
West Virginia's child care licensing rules impose no initial application or registration fee for family child care homes, family child care facilities, or child care centers—no fee provision exists in 78 CSR 1 (Child Care Centers Licensing), 78 CSR 18 (Family Child Care Facility Licensing Requirements), or 78 CSR 19 (Family Child Care Home Registration Requirements) (verified: no fee provision in 78 CSR 1, 78 CSR 18, or 78 CSR 19).
What is the West Virginia childcare license renewal fee?
West Virginia charges no license or registration renewal fee; a center license, family child care facility license, or family child care home certificate of registration is valid for up to two (2) years and is renewed by submitting an application—at least sixty (60) days before expiration for centers (78 CSR 1 §4.2.c) and facilities (78 CSR 18 §4.1.b), and at least thirty (30) days before expiration for homes (78 CSR 19 §4.1.b)—at no cost (validity periods: 78 CSR 1 §4.1.b; 78 CSR 18 §4.4.a; 78 CSR 19 §4.5.a; no fee provision exists in any of the three rules).
Are West 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 West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance, Division of Early Care and Education (Child Care Licensing). Effective Jan 1, 2024, the former Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) was split into three departments; child care licensing now sits under DoHS. The current child care center rule (78 CSR 1, filed Mar 30, 2023, effective Apr 1, 2023) is captioned 'Department of Human Services,' but its internal definitions (e.g., §78-1-3.52 'Secretary') still reference the 'Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Resources.' before paying.
West Virginia childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published West Virginia administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance, Division of Early Care and Education (Child Care Licensing). Effective Jan 1, 2024, the former Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) was split into three departments; child care licensing now sits under DoHS. The current child care center rule (78 CSR 1, filed Mar 30, 2023, effective Apr 1, 2023) is captioned 'Department of Human Services,' but its internal definitions (e.g., §78-1-3.52 'Secretary') still reference the 'Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Resources.' before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.