Hawaii Childcare Licensing
Hawaii Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Hawaii childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. Hawaii's child care administrative rules (HAR chs. 17-891.1, 17-892.2, 17-895) specify no application or license fee in dollars for family child care home registration or for group/infant-and-toddler child care center licensure; however, HRS §§ 346-163(b) and 346-173(b) authorize the department to establish reasonable fees by rule, and HRS § 346-159 establishes a child care licensing and registration special fund to receive any such fees (Could not verify a specific dollar amount against a Hawaii .gov source).
Licensing Agency
Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) — Child Care Licensing Program →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamHawaii Licensing Fees: The Specifics
Hawaii's child care administrative rules (HAR chs. 17-891.1, 17-892.2, 17-895) specify no application or license fee in dollars for family child care home registration or for group/infant-and-toddler child care center licensure
HAR chs. 17-891.1, 17-892.2, 17-895
however, HRS §§ 346-163(b) and 346-173(b) authorize the department to establish reasonable fees by rule, and HRS § 346-159 establishes a child care licensing and registration special fund to receive any such fees (Could not verify a specific dollar amount against a Hawaii .gov source).
HRS §§ 346-163(b)
certificates of registration (family child care homes) and licenses (group and infant/toddler centers) are valid one year for new applicants and providers in their first four years and two years for providers licensed/registered four years or more, renewed by application and department approval (HAR §§ 17-891.1-3(i)
HAR §§ 17-891.1-3(i)
Although HRS §§ 346-163(b)/346-173(b) authorize the department to set renewal fees by rule, a specific renewal-fee dollar amount could not be verified against a Hawaii .gov source.
Although HRS §§ 3
Hawaii Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | Hawaii's child care administrative rules (HAR chs. 17-891.1, 17-892.2, 17-895) specify no application or license fee in dollars for family child care home registration or for group/infant-and-toddler child care center licensure; however, HRS §§ 346-163(b) and 346-173(b) authorize the department to establish reasonable fees by rule, and HRS § 346-159 establishes a child care licensing and registration special fund to receive any such fees (Could not verify a specific dollar amount against a Hawaii .gov source). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | Hawaii's administrative rules specify no renewal fee in dollars; certificates of registration (family child care homes) and licenses (group and infant/toddler centers) are valid one year for new applicants and providers in their first four years and two years for providers licensed/registered four years or more, renewed by application and department approval (HAR §§ 17-891.1-3(i); 17-895-3(j); HRS §§ 346-163(a), 346-171). Although HRS §§ 346-163(b)/346-173(b) authorize the department to set renewal fees by rule, a specific renewal-fee dollar amount could not be verified against a Hawaii .gov source. |
Go Deeper
Generate a Hawaii-Compliant Handbook
TotReady builds a fully compliant parent handbook for your Hawaii childcare center in minutes — every required section, your branding, and regulatory citations included.
Hawaii Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Hawaii childcare license cost?
Hawaii's child care administrative rules (HAR chs. 17-891.1, 17-892.2, 17-895) specify no application or license fee in dollars for family child care home registration or for group/infant-and-toddler child care center licensure; however, HRS §§ 346-163(b) and 346-173(b) authorize the department to establish reasonable fees by rule, and HRS § 346-159 establishes a child care licensing and registration special fund to receive any such fees (Could not verify a specific dollar amount against a Hawaii .gov source).
What is the Hawaii childcare license renewal fee?
Hawaii's administrative rules specify no renewal fee in dollars; certificates of registration (family child care homes) and licenses (group and infant/toddler centers) are valid one year for new applicants and providers in their first four years and two years for providers licensed/registered four years or more, renewed by application and department approval (HAR §§ 17-891.1-3(i); 17-895-3(j); HRS §§ 346-163(a), 346-171). Although HRS §§ 346-163(b)/346-173(b) authorize the department to set renewal fees by rule, a specific renewal-fee dollar amount could not be verified against a Hawaii .gov source.
Are Hawaii 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 Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) — Child Care Licensing Program before paying.
Hawaii childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Hawaii administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) — Child Care Licensing Program before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.