Arizona Childcare Licensing
Arizona Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Arizona childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. Arizona Department of Health Services child care facility (center) annual license fees, as amended effective Aug. 3, 2025, are tiered by licensed capacity: $330 for 5 to 10 children, $1,330 for 11 to 59 children, and $2,575 for 60 or more children; the fee (or one-half with the application and the remainder due no later than 120 calendar days after the license anniversary date) is submitted no more than 60 calendar days before the anniversary date (Ariz. Admin. Code R9-5-205 and R9-5-206, Supp. 25-2, effective Aug. 3, 2025; 31 A.A.R. 2015). Family child care homes (1 to 4 unrelated children) are certified by the Department of Economic Security, not licensed by ADHS.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamArizona Licensing Fees: The Specifics
Arizona Department of Health Services child care facility (center) annual license fees, as amended effective Aug. 3, 2025, are tiered by licensed capacity: $330 for 5 to 10 children, $1,330 for 11 to 59 children, and $2,575 for 60 or more children
center
the fee (or one-half with the application and the remainder due no later than 120 calendar days after the license anniversary date) is submitted no more than 60 calendar days before the anniversary date (Ariz. Admin. Code R9-5-205 and R9-5-206, Supp. 25-2, effective Aug. 3, 2025
or one-half with the application and the remainder due no later than 120 calendar days after the license anniversary date) is submitted no more than 60 calendar days before the anniversary date (Ariz. Admin. Code R9
Family child care homes (1 to 4 unrelated children) are certified by the Department of Economic Security, not licensed by ADHS.
1 to 4 unrelated children
Arizona collects the same capacity-based fee on an annual basis rather than a separate renewal fee: $330 (5 to 10 children), $1,330 (11 to 59), or $2,575 (60 or more) are due each year, payable in full with the application or one-half with the application and the balance no later than 120 calendar days after the license anniversary date (Ariz. Admin. Code R9-5-205 and R9-5-206, Supp. 25-2, effective Aug. 3, 2025
payable in full with the application or one-half with the application and the balance no later than 120 calendar days after the license anniversary date (Ariz. Admin. Code R9
A.R.S. § 36-882 authorizes annual fees).
A.R.S. § 36-882
Arizona Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | Arizona Department of Health Services child care facility (center) annual license fees, as amended effective Aug. 3, 2025, are tiered by licensed capacity: $330 for 5 to 10 children, $1,330 for 11 to 59 children, and $2,575 for 60 or more children; the fee (or one-half with the application and the remainder due no later than 120 calendar days after the license anniversary date) is submitted no more than 60 calendar days before the anniversary date (Ariz. Admin. Code R9-5-205 and R9-5-206, Supp. 25-2, effective Aug. 3, 2025; 31 A.A.R. 2015). Family child care homes (1 to 4 unrelated children) are certified by the Department of Economic Security, not licensed by ADHS. |
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| Renewal fee | Arizona collects the same capacity-based fee on an annual basis rather than a separate renewal fee: $330 (5 to 10 children), $1,330 (11 to 59), or $2,575 (60 or more) are due each year, payable in full with the application or one-half with the application and the balance no later than 120 calendar days after the license anniversary date (Ariz. Admin. Code R9-5-205 and R9-5-206, Supp. 25-2, effective Aug. 3, 2025; A.R.S. § 36-882 authorizes annual fees). |
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Arizona Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Arizona childcare license cost?
Arizona Department of Health Services child care facility (center) annual license fees, as amended effective Aug. 3, 2025, are tiered by licensed capacity: $330 for 5 to 10 children, $1,330 for 11 to 59 children, and $2,575 for 60 or more children; the fee (or one-half with the application and the remainder due no later than 120 calendar days after the license anniversary date) is submitted no more than 60 calendar days before the anniversary date (Ariz. Admin. Code R9-5-205 and R9-5-206, Supp. 25-2, effective Aug. 3, 2025; 31 A.A.R. 2015). Family child care homes (1 to 4 unrelated children) are certified by the Department of Economic Security, not licensed by ADHS.
What is the Arizona childcare license renewal fee?
Arizona collects the same capacity-based fee on an annual basis rather than a separate renewal fee: $330 (5 to 10 children), $1,330 (11 to 59), or $2,575 (60 or more) are due each year, payable in full with the application or one-half with the application and the balance no later than 120 calendar days after the license anniversary date (Ariz. Admin. Code R9-5-205 and R9-5-206, Supp. 25-2, effective Aug. 3, 2025; A.R.S. § 36-882 authorizes annual fees).
Are Arizona 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 Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care before paying.
Arizona childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Arizona administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.