Wisconsin Childcare Licensing
Wisconsin Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Wisconsin childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. A licensed family child care center (4-8 children, DCF 250) pays a $15.12 initial six-month probationary license fee, while a group child care center (DCF 251) pays a $45.68 non-refundable initial application fee plus a two-year fee of $30.25 base and $16.94 per child of licensed capacity (Wisconsin DCF Child Care Regulation Fees, dcf.wisconsin.gov/ccregulation/fees).
Licensing Agency
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR), Division of Early Care and Education →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamWisconsin Licensing Fees: The Specifics
A licensed family child care center (4-8 children, DCF 250) pays a $15.12 initial six-month probationary license fee, while a group child care center (DCF 251) pays a $45.68 non-refundable initial application fee plus a two-year fee of $30.25 base and $16.94 per child of licensed capacity (Wisconsin DCF Child Care Regulation Fees, dcf.wisconsin.gov/ccregulation/fees).
Wisconsin DCF Child Care Regulation Fees, dcf.wisconsin.gov/ccregulation/fees
License continuation is biennial: a family child care center pays a $60.50 two-year fee, and a larger center (13 or more children) pays $30.25 plus $16.94 per child of licensed capacity for two years (Wis. Stat. s. 48.65(3)(a)
Wis. Stat. s. 4
Wisconsin DCF Child Care Regulation Fees).
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Wisconsin Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | A licensed family child care center (4-8 children, DCF 250) pays a $15.12 initial six-month probationary license fee, while a group child care center (DCF 251) pays a $45.68 non-refundable initial application fee plus a two-year fee of $30.25 base and $16.94 per child of licensed capacity (Wisconsin DCF Child Care Regulation Fees, dcf.wisconsin.gov/ccregulation/fees). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | License continuation is biennial: a family child care center pays a $60.50 two-year fee, and a larger center (13 or more children) pays $30.25 plus $16.94 per child of licensed capacity for two years (Wis. Stat. s. 48.65(3)(a); Wisconsin DCF Child Care Regulation Fees). |
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Wisconsin Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Wisconsin childcare license cost?
A licensed family child care center (4-8 children, DCF 250) pays a $15.12 initial six-month probationary license fee, while a group child care center (DCF 251) pays a $45.68 non-refundable initial application fee plus a two-year fee of $30.25 base and $16.94 per child of licensed capacity (Wisconsin DCF Child Care Regulation Fees, dcf.wisconsin.gov/ccregulation/fees).
What is the Wisconsin childcare license renewal fee?
License continuation is biennial: a family child care center pays a $60.50 two-year fee, and a larger center (13 or more children) pays $30.25 plus $16.94 per child of licensed capacity for two years (Wis. Stat. s. 48.65(3)(a); Wisconsin DCF Child Care Regulation Fees).
Are Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR), Division of Early Care and Education before paying.
Wisconsin childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Wisconsin administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR), Division of Early Care and Education before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.