Apply for or renew a license
Here, you'll learn how to get and renew a license, certificate, approval, or exemption to provide child care.
Need help from a licensing expert? Complete this Request for Technical Assistance form.
Licensing criteria
The Division of Licensing and Background Checks (DLBC) offers various licenses, certificates, and approvals because child care programs are so diverse. Each type has its own advantages and rules.
Child care programs are typically sorted into two groups:
- Commercial: These programs are typically in commercially-zoned buildings and tend to operate similar to a school.
- Residential: These programs are run from private homes and usually provide a more family-friendly learning space.
If you're new to child care regulation, it's important to carefully consider which type of program you should apply for. Use the two dropdown menus below to learn more about each program type.
If your child care program is commercially-zoned or in a business location (like a mall, office, or hotel) and doesn't qualify for an exemption (see R430-8 | Exemptions from child care licensing), you'll likely need a commercial child care license. Commercial child care programs include:
- Child Care Center (R381-100): This is the most common commercial license. It offers the most flexibility for how you run your program.
- Hourly Child Care Center (R381-60): Similar to a child care center, but only for drop-in care. Children can't have a regular schedule. This is common at places like resorts where parents only need occasional child care.
- Commercial Preschool Program (R381-40): For programs caring for children aged 2-4 for no more than 4 hours a day.
- Out-of-School-Time Child Care (R381-70): For programs caring only for children aged 5-12. This is typical for after-school or summer programs.
Even if your program is exempt from licensing requirements, you may still voluntarily become licensed or receive a license exempt approval. Having a license, certificate, or approval issued by DLBC is required in order to qualify for DWS child care subsidy payments.
If your child care program is in a home setting and doesn't qualify for an exemption (see R430-8 | Exemptions from child care licensing), you'll likely need a residential child care license. Residential child care programs include:
- Licensed Family Child Care (R430-90)
- Residential Certificate Child Care (R430-50)
Both residential child care programs are very similar. The main difference is in the amount of children you may have in care. Licensed family child care programs are allowed to have more children in care, but also have more requirements.
Even if your program is exempt from licensing requirements, you may still voluntarily become licensed or receive a license exempt approval. Having a license, certificate, or approval issued by DLBC is required in order to qualify for DWS child care subsidy payments.
Licenses, certificates, and approvals
1. Choose your program type
Commercial comparison chart
Residential comparison chart
2. Read the rules/requirements
After choosing the type you will apply for, read the rules/requirements for your type of program. For example, if you will be applying as a licensed family child care, you should read R430-90.
Licensees are responsible to know and comply with all applicable rules and requirements.
4. Submit an application
Select the type of program you will be applying for to start the application process. You will need to submit the following documents with, or within 180 days of, submitting your application:
- A copy of your current business license, or a written statement from your city stating you are not required to obtain a business license.
- A copy of a current fire inspection for your facility, or a written statement from your local fire authority stating your facility is not required to have a fire inspection.
- A copy of a current kitchen inspection for your facility, or a written statement from your local health department stating you are not required to have a kitchen inspection.
If you are applying as a commercial child care program, you will also need to submit:
- A copy of educational credentials for the director of the program.
- A copy of your facility floor plans.
If all required documents are not submitted within 180 days of your application, your application will be closed. You may submit documents after your application through your provider portal, or by sending them directly to your process specialist.
5. Create a UtahID
The provider portal is a secure system used to manage background checks for your program, submit your W-9 to DLBC, and other important functions.
To access the provider portal, you will need to create a UtahID.
After submitting an application and creating a UtahID, you will be able to access your provider portal. Allow up to 4 business days after submitting your application before trying to access your provider portal.
6. Submit background checks
All covered individuals (providers, directors, designees, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and household member 12 years old and older) are required to submit a background check before becoming involved with your child care program. Covered individuals 18 years old and older are also required to submit fingerprints as part of the background check process.
You will need to be able to access the provider portal before completing this step (see step 5. Create a UtahID).
7. Submit a W-9
You will need to submit a W-9 to DLBC through the provider portal.
You will need to be able to access the provider portal before completing this step (see step 5. Create a UtahID).
8. Create an emergency preparedness plan
All child care programs are required to have an emergency plan before being licensed, certified, or approved. Your plan must include:
- Procedures for evacuations, relocation, shelter in place, lockdown, communication with and reunification of families, and continuity of operations.
- Procedures for accommodations for infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.
- Instructions to follow in case of an allergy or serious reaction to food or any other trigger that may affect a child's health.
Your plan will need to be written and available for review before being issued a license, certificate, or approval. You may use our emergency preparedness plan template.
9. Schedule an on-site inspection
After completing steps 1-9, a licensor will contact you to schedule a pre-license inspection. This inspection will take place on-site at your facility. During this inspection, your licensor will assess for compliance with the rules and requirements that apply to your program.
Your program must be in compliance with all rules and requirements during this inspection.
10. Prepare to sign an affidavit of lawful presence
You may be required to sign an affidavit of lawful presence in the United States.
If you have been informed that you will need to sign this form. you will need to show proof of citizenship to your licensor during your pre-license inspection. Proof of citizenship could include the following documents:
- Current United States passport
- Birth certificate
- Federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID card
Qualified aliens may show one of the following documents to demonstrate lawful presence:
- Permanent resident alien card (green card)
- Alien registration receipt card
- United States employment authorization card
11. Pay fees
12. Wait to receive your license, certificate, or approval
1. Schedule an announced inspection
3. Submit required documents
4. Pay fees
5. Wait to receive your new license, certificate, or exemption
Exemptions
1. Choose your program type
Child care programs are required to be licensed unless they meet exemption criteria outlined in R430-8 | Exemptions from child care licensing. If your program qualifies for an exemption but you would like to be eligible to receive Department of Workforce Services (DWS) child care subsidy payments, you will need to either apply for a License Exempt (LE) DWS or DWS Family, Friend, & Neighbor (FFN) approval. If you will be applying for an approval instead of an exemption, see the section above titled "Licenses, certificates, and approvals".
If your program meets the conditions outlined in R430-8-4, you must complete the following steps to receive an exemption from DLBC.
3. Create a UtahID
Not required for exempt child care programs located in a public school.
The provider portal is a secure system used to manage background checks for your program, submit your W-9 to DLBC, and other important functions.
To access the provider portal, you will need to create a UtahID.
After submitting an application and creating a UtahID, you will be able to access your provider portal. Allow up to 4 business days after submitting your application before trying to access your provider portal.
4. Submit background checks
Not required for exempt child care programs located in a public school.
All covered individuals (providers, directors, designees, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and household member 12 years old and older) are required to submit a background check before becoming involved with your child care program. Covered individuals 18 years old and older are also required to submit fingerprints as part of the background check process.
You will need to be able to access the provider portal before completing this step (see step 3. Create a UtahID).
5. Submit a W-9
Not required for exempt child care programs located in a public school.
You will need to submit a W-9 to DLBC through the provider portal.
You will need to be able to access the provider portal before completing this step (see step 3. Create a UtahID).
6. Pay fees
Not required for exempt child care programs located in a public school.
You will be required to pay any fees associated with applying for a new child care program. For more information on what fees are required and how to make a payment, visit the make a payment page.
7. Post the license exempt notice at your facility
1. Schedule an announced inspection
Not required for exempt child care programs located in a public school.
30 to 90 days before your license, certificate, or approval expires, your assigned licensor will contact you to schedule an announced inspection. This inspection is required before your program can be approved for renewal. During this inspection you must demonstrate compliance with all rules or requirements that apply to your program.
2. Submit a renewal request
Submit a renewal request through the provider portal.
Exempt child care programs located in a public school must submit a new license exempt application.
3. Pay fees
Not required for exempt child care programs located in a public school.
You will be required to pay any outstanding fees for your program and all payments associated with the renewal process before being issued a renewal. For more information on what fees are required and how to make a payment, visit the make a payment page.
Registrations
Certain programs are not required to be licensed, certified, approved, or receive an exemption from DLBC. These programs may still be required to register with DLBC due to the requirements of another entity or agency.
Select the button below to register your program with DLBC.
Child care registration
Utah Code Title 26B-2-4 outlines specific types of residential child care programs that are not required to be licensed or certified, but who must register their program with DLBC.
Select the button below to register your program with DLBC.