Michigan Childcare Licensing
Michigan Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)
Before you can legally care for children for pay in Michigan, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. In Michigan a license is required to operate a family child care home, defined as a private home in which 1 but fewer than 7 minor children (excluding children related to an adult household member) are received for care and supervision for compensation for periods of less than 24 hours a day; an individual providing babysitting services is excluded (license-exempt) only if annual compensation for those services is less than $600.00 (the amount that would obligate the parent/guardian to provide a Form 1099), and care given to an unrelated minor for more than 4 weeks in a calendar year is covered (MCL 722.111 definitions of 'family child care home' and the babysitting exclusion).
Licensing Agency
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMichigan License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics
In Michigan a license is required to operate a family child care home, defined as a private home in which 1 but fewer than 7 minor children (excluding children related to an adult household member) are received for care and supervision for compensation for periods of less than 24 hours a day
excluding children related to an adult household member
an individual providing babysitting services is excluded (license-exempt) only if annual compensation for those services is less than $600.00 (the amount that would obligate the parent/guardian to provide a Form 1099), and care given to an unrelated minor for more than 4 weeks in a calendar year is covered (MCL 722.111 definitions of 'family child care home' and the babysitting exclusion).
MCL 722.111 definitions of 'family child care home' and the babysitting exclusion
A family child care home may care for up to 6 children and a group child care home up to 12 children (a licensee may request a capacity increase to 7 or 14 respectively after holding a license for at least 29 consecutive months), at a minimum ratio of not less than 1 member of personnel to 6 children present in the home at any one time, so a second caregiver is required once more than 6 children are present
a licensee may request a capacity increase to 7 or 14 respectively after holding a license for at least 29 consecutive months
for each member of personnel, not more than 4 children may be under the age of 30 months, with not more than 2 of those 4 under the age of 18 months (Mich. Admin. Code R 400.1910 ratio
not more than 2 of those 4 under the age of 18 months (Mich. Admin. Code R 4
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Michigan License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in Michigan without a license?
In Michigan a license is required to operate a family child care home, defined as a private home in which 1 but fewer than 7 minor children (excluding children related to an adult household member) are received for care and supervision for compensation for periods of less than 24 hours a day; an individual providing babysitting services is excluded (license-exempt) only if annual compensation for those services is less than $600.00 (the amount that would obligate the parent/guardian to provide a Form 1099), and care given to an unrelated minor for more than 4 weeks in a calendar year is covered (MCL 722.111 definitions of 'family child care home' and the babysitting exclusion).
What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Michigan?
Operating above the Michigan exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems about the correct credential before you begin.
Does Michigan offer a voluntary registration for small providers?
Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Michigan offers a voluntary registry with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems.
Michigan childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Michigan administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.