Montana Childcare Licensing
Montana Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Montana childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. Montana charges no application or registration fee for child care. ARM 37.95.106(3)-(4) lists what an applicant must provide for a center license or a family/group home registration (fire-marshal and health inspection reports, current fire and liability insurance, satisfactory background-check results, an emergency disaster plan, and staff/health attestations), and the department's duties in 52-2-704, MCA list its responsibilities, but no dollar application or registration fee is set anywhere in ARM Title 37, chapter 95 (ARM 37.95.106; 52-2-704, MCA).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMontana Licensing Fees: The Specifics
Montana charges no application or registration fee for child care.
ARM 37.95.106
ARM 37.95.106(3)-(4) lists what an applicant must provide for a center license or a family/group home registration (fire-marshal and health inspection reports, current fire and liability insurance, satisfactory background-check results, an emergency disaster plan, and staff/health attestations), and the department's duties in 52-2-704, MCA list its responsibilities, but no dollar application or registration fee is set anywhere in ARM Title 37, chapter 95 (ARM 37.95.106
fire-marshal and health inspection reports, current fire and liability insurance, satisfactory background-check results, an emergency disaster plan, and staff/health attestations
Montana charges no renewal fee for child care.
ARM 37.95.106(5)
Regular registration certificates and licenses are issued for periods up to three years (ARM 37.95.108(7)), and renewal applications must be made by the provider at least 30 days prior to expiration of the license or registration certificate (ARM 37.95.106(5))
ARM 37.95.106(5)
no dollar renewal fee is set in ARM Title 37, chapter 95.
ARM 37.95.106(5)
Montana Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | Montana charges no application or registration fee for child care. ARM 37.95.106(3)-(4) lists what an applicant must provide for a center license or a family/group home registration (fire-marshal and health inspection reports, current fire and liability insurance, satisfactory background-check results, an emergency disaster plan, and staff/health attestations), and the department's duties in 52-2-704, MCA list its responsibilities, but no dollar application or registration fee is set anywhere in ARM Title 37, chapter 95 (ARM 37.95.106; 52-2-704, MCA). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | Montana charges no renewal fee for child care. Regular registration certificates and licenses are issued for periods up to three years (ARM 37.95.108(7)), and renewal applications must be made by the provider at least 30 days prior to expiration of the license or registration certificate (ARM 37.95.106(5)); no dollar renewal fee is set in ARM Title 37, chapter 95. |
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Montana Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Montana childcare license cost?
Montana charges no application or registration fee for child care. ARM 37.95.106(3)-(4) lists what an applicant must provide for a center license or a family/group home registration (fire-marshal and health inspection reports, current fire and liability insurance, satisfactory background-check results, an emergency disaster plan, and staff/health attestations), and the department's duties in 52-2-704, MCA list its responsibilities, but no dollar application or registration fee is set anywhere in ARM Title 37, chapter 95 (ARM 37.95.106; 52-2-704, MCA).
What is the Montana childcare license renewal fee?
Montana charges no renewal fee for child care. Regular registration certificates and licenses are issued for periods up to three years (ARM 37.95.108(7)), and renewal applications must be made by the provider at least 30 days prior to expiration of the license or registration certificate (ARM 37.95.106(5)); no dollar renewal fee is set in ARM Title 37, chapter 95.
Are Montana 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 Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Early Childhood and Family Support Division (ECFSD) — Child Care Licensing (CCL) Program before paying.
Montana childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Montana administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Early Childhood and Family Support Division (ECFSD) — Child Care Licensing (CCL) Program before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.