Ohio Childcare Licensing
Ohio Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Ohio childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. Ohio's initial licensing application fee is $50 for a child care center and $25 for a family child care provider (Type A or Type B), paid nonrefundably to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) through the OCLQS system; the rule for centers states 'submit the fee of fifty dollars to the Ohio department of job and family services' and the family-provider rule states 'submit the fee of twenty-five dollars' (OAC 5180:2-12-02 for centers and OAC 5180:2-13-02 for family child care providers, both eff. 10/29/2021).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamOhio Licensing Fees: The Specifics
Ohio's initial licensing application fee is $50 for a child care center and $25 for a family child care provider (Type A or Type B), paid nonrefundably to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) through the OCLQS system
ODJFS
the rule for centers states 'submit the fee of fifty dollars to the Ohio department of job and family services' and the family-provider rule states 'submit the fee of twenty-five dollars' (OAC 5180:2-12-02 for centers and OAC 5180:2-13-02 for family child care providers, both eff. 10/29/2021).
OAC 5180:2-12-02 for centers and OAC 5180:2-13-02 for family child care providers, both eff. 10/29/2021
Ohio Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | Ohio's initial licensing application fee is $50 for a child care center and $25 for a family child care provider (Type A or Type B), paid nonrefundably to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) through the OCLQS system; the rule for centers states 'submit the fee of fifty dollars to the Ohio department of job and family services' and the family-provider rule states 'submit the fee of twenty-five dollars' (OAC 5180:2-12-02 for centers and OAC 5180:2-13-02 for family child care providers, both eff. 10/29/2021). |
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| Renewal fee | Contact your Ohio licensing office to confirm the current renewal fee. |
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Ohio Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Ohio childcare license cost?
Ohio's initial licensing application fee is $50 for a child care center and $25 for a family child care provider (Type A or Type B), paid nonrefundably to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) through the OCLQS system; the rule for centers states 'submit the fee of fifty dollars to the Ohio department of job and family services' and the family-provider rule states 'submit the fee of twenty-five dollars' (OAC 5180:2-12-02 for centers and OAC 5180:2-13-02 for family child care providers, both eff. 10/29/2021).
What is the Ohio childcare license renewal fee?
Contact your Ohio licensing office to confirm the current renewal fee.
Are Ohio 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 Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Bureau of Child Care and Development before paying.
Ohio childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Ohio administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Bureau of Child Care and Development before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.