Who needs a child care center license in New Hampshire?

Issued by New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing Unit, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

1 of the 20 kinds of business in New Hampshire

Apply with the zoning approval, the fire marshal’s and health inspections, the floor plan and the director’s credentials; background checks cover every staff member before the licensing visit. The rules were readopted in 2025 and took effect in September 2025, so use the current application packet.

Draft. This row was drafted from the agency’s own page and has not yet been confirmed against it. Confirm it with the agency before you pay anything.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing Unit.

Sources and dates

He-C 4002 (child care program licensing rules, readopted 2025); DHHS application for child care center (August 2025); RSA 170-E. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.