Issued by Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, child care licensing, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.
A center cares for seven or more children. Apply through the HHS licensing consultant with the zoning approval, the fire marshal and health inspections and the director’s credentials; staff clear background and child abuse registry checks before the opening visit. Pay the invoice within 60 days or the license is not issued.
Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, child care licensing.
Sources and dates
441 IAC chapter 109 (child care centers), rule 109.2; HHS Comm. 204 (July 2025); form 470-4834. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
Yes. A center cares for seven or more children.
No. In Iowa it is listed for daycares.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, child care licensing.
Step 4 of 6, get the permits for your kind of business. The steps before it: set up the business, register for tax and approve the space.
Who needs a child care center license in Iowa? | DoorWorthy
