Louisiana Childcare Licensing
Louisiana Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Louisiana childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. For an early learning center, an administrative fee of $25 is submitted with each application for initial licensure and is applied toward the total licensure fee, and the annual licensure fee itself is then set by licensed capacity ($25 for 15 or fewer children; $100 for 16-50; $175 for 51-100; $250 for 101 or more), with Type I centers operated by churches/religious organizations exempt from the annual licensure fee; a family child care home additionally pays a separate $30 Office of State Fire Marshal fee (called a $30 application fee by LDOE and a $30 inspection fee by the Fire Marshal) during registration (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, Pt. CLXI, §707 and §313; LDOE in-home/family provider registration steps).
Licensing Agency
Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Bulletin 137 - Louisiana's Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations (LAC Title 28, Part CLXI) →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamLouisiana Licensing Fees: The Specifics
For an early learning center, an administrative fee of $25 is submitted with each application for initial licensure and is applied toward the total licensure fee, and the annual licensure fee itself is then set by licensed capacity ($25 for 15 or fewer children
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$250 for 101 or more), with Type I centers operated by churches/religious organizations exempt from the annual licensure fee
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a family child care home additionally pays a separate $30 Office of State Fire Marshal fee (called a $30 application fee by LDOE and a $30 inspection fee by the Fire Marshal) during registration (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, Pt.
La. Admin. Code tit. 2
LDOE in-home/family provider registration steps).
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There is no separate renewal-only fee: the full annual licensure fee based on licensed capacity, as provided in §313 ($25 / $100 / $175 / $250 by capacity tier), must be submitted with all renewal applications, the same schedule used at initial licensure (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, Pt.
in §313
Louisiana Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | For an early learning center, an administrative fee of $25 is submitted with each application for initial licensure and is applied toward the total licensure fee, and the annual licensure fee itself is then set by licensed capacity ($25 for 15 or fewer children; $100 for 16-50; $175 for 51-100; $250 for 101 or more), with Type I centers operated by churches/religious organizations exempt from the annual licensure fee; a family child care home additionally pays a separate $30 Office of State Fire Marshal fee (called a $30 application fee by LDOE and a $30 inspection fee by the Fire Marshal) during registration (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, Pt. CLXI, §707 and §313; LDOE in-home/family provider registration steps). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | There is no separate renewal-only fee: the full annual licensure fee based on licensed capacity, as provided in §313 ($25 / $100 / $175 / $250 by capacity tier), must be submitted with all renewal applications, the same schedule used at initial licensure (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, Pt. CLXI, §707.A.2 and §313). |
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Louisiana Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Louisiana childcare license cost?
For an early learning center, an administrative fee of $25 is submitted with each application for initial licensure and is applied toward the total licensure fee, and the annual licensure fee itself is then set by licensed capacity ($25 for 15 or fewer children; $100 for 16-50; $175 for 51-100; $250 for 101 or more), with Type I centers operated by churches/religious organizations exempt from the annual licensure fee; a family child care home additionally pays a separate $30 Office of State Fire Marshal fee (called a $30 application fee by LDOE and a $30 inspection fee by the Fire Marshal) during registration (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, Pt. CLXI, §707 and §313; LDOE in-home/family provider registration steps).
What is the Louisiana childcare license renewal fee?
There is no separate renewal-only fee: the full annual licensure fee based on licensed capacity, as provided in §313 ($25 / $100 / $175 / $250 by capacity tier), must be submitted with all renewal applications, the same schedule used at initial licensure (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, Pt. CLXI, §707.A.2 and §313).
Are Louisiana 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 Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Bulletin 137 - Louisiana's Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations (LAC Title 28, Part CLXI) before paying.
Louisiana childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Louisiana administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Bulletin 137 - Louisiana's Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations (LAC Title 28, Part CLXI) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.