New Jersey Childcare Licensing
New Jersey Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
New Jersey childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. Child care center initial license fees are tiered by licensed capacity for a three-year license: $110 (6-15 children), $140 (16-30), $165 (31-60), $195 (61-100), $220 (101-180), and $250 (181 or more); Head Start and non-fee school-age programs pay a flat $110, and a registered Family Child Care home pays a $25 registration fee collected by its sponsoring organization (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.1; N.J.A.C. 3A:54-4.5).
Licensing Agency
New Jersey Division of Family Development, Office of Licensing →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamNew Jersey Licensing Fees: The Specifics
Child care center initial license fees are tiered by licensed capacity for a three-year license: $110 (6-15 children), $140 (16-30), $165 (31-60), $195 (61-100), $220 (101-180), and $250 (181 or more)
181 or more
Head Start and non-fee school-age programs pay a flat $110, and a registered Family Child Care home pays a $25 registration fee collected by its sponsoring organization (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.1
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.1
Child care center renewal uses the same capacity-tiered fee schedule as the initial application ($110-$250 per three-year license term)
$110-$250 per three-year license term
a Family Child Care home pays a $25 registration fee upon issuance of each initial or renewal regular Certificate of Registration (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.1
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.1
New Jersey Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | Child care center initial license fees are tiered by licensed capacity for a three-year license: $110 (6-15 children), $140 (16-30), $165 (31-60), $195 (61-100), $220 (101-180), and $250 (181 or more); Head Start and non-fee school-age programs pay a flat $110, and a registered Family Child Care home pays a $25 registration fee collected by its sponsoring organization (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.1; N.J.A.C. 3A:54-4.5). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | Child care center renewal uses the same capacity-tiered fee schedule as the initial application ($110-$250 per three-year license term); a Family Child Care home pays a $25 registration fee upon issuance of each initial or renewal regular Certificate of Registration (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.1; N.J.A.C. 3A:54-4.5). |
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New Jersey Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a New Jersey childcare license cost?
Child care center initial license fees are tiered by licensed capacity for a three-year license: $110 (6-15 children), $140 (16-30), $165 (31-60), $195 (61-100), $220 (101-180), and $250 (181 or more); Head Start and non-fee school-age programs pay a flat $110, and a registered Family Child Care home pays a $25 registration fee collected by its sponsoring organization (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.1; N.J.A.C. 3A:54-4.5).
What is the New Jersey childcare license renewal fee?
Child care center renewal uses the same capacity-tiered fee schedule as the initial application ($110-$250 per three-year license term); a Family Child Care home pays a $25 registration fee upon issuance of each initial or renewal regular Certificate of Registration (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.1; N.J.A.C. 3A:54-4.5).
Are New Jersey 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 New Jersey Division of Family Development, Office of Licensing before paying.
New Jersey childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published New Jersey administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the New Jersey Division of Family Development, Office of Licensing before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.