Who needs a child care center license in Washington?
Issued by Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.
Fees are set by licensed capacity, not enrollment, and a 2025 bill to eliminate them (SB 5130) had not passed as of October 2026. Attend the orientation, then apply through the Provider Portal with the zoning approval, fire and health inspections, floor plan and the director’s qualifications; every staff member clears a DCYF background check with fingerprints before the licensing visit. A center cares for 13 or more children, or any number in a non-residential setting, under WAC 110-300.
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 Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
Sources and dates
DCYF become a licensed provider and maintain your license pages (licensing fees); DCYF application form 15-955; chapter 43.216 RCW fee provisions. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
Yes. Fees are set by licensed capacity, not enrollment, and a 2025 bill to eliminate them (SB 5130) had not passed as of October 2026.
No. In Washington it is listed for daycares.
Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
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 Washington? | DoorWorthy
