Pennsylvania Childcare Licensing
Pennsylvania Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Pennsylvania childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. Pennsylvania charges no application fee for child care certification; 55 Pa. Code § 3270.11 (centers) and § 3290.11 (family child care homes) require a Certificate of Compliance and a free Department (DHS) orientation but contain no fee provision, and the official Application for Certificate of Compliance form lists no filing fee (55 Pa. Code § 3270.11; § 3290.11).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamPennsylvania Licensing Fees: The Specifics
Pennsylvania charges no application fee for child care certification
55 Pa
55 Pa. Code § 3270.11 (centers) and § 3290.11 (family child care homes) require a Certificate of Compliance and a free Department (DHS) orientation but contain no fee provision, and the official Application for Certificate of Compliance form lists no filing fee (55 Pa. Code § 3270.11
55 Pa. Code § 3
Pennsylvania charges no renewal fee for child care certification
55 Pa
the Certificate of Compliance is issued for a period not to exceed 12 months and is renewed at no cost, as the regulations specify no fee (55 Pa. Code § 3270.11
55 Pa. Code § 3
Pennsylvania Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | Pennsylvania charges no application fee for child care certification; 55 Pa. Code § 3270.11 (centers) and § 3290.11 (family child care homes) require a Certificate of Compliance and a free Department (DHS) orientation but contain no fee provision, and the official Application for Certificate of Compliance form lists no filing fee (55 Pa. Code § 3270.11; § 3290.11). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | Pennsylvania charges no renewal fee for child care certification; the Certificate of Compliance is issued for a period not to exceed 12 months and is renewed at no cost, as the regulations specify no fee (55 Pa. Code § 3270.11; § 3290.11). |
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Pennsylvania Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Pennsylvania childcare license cost?
Pennsylvania charges no application fee for child care certification; 55 Pa. Code § 3270.11 (centers) and § 3290.11 (family child care homes) require a Certificate of Compliance and a free Department (DHS) orientation but contain no fee provision, and the official Application for Certificate of Compliance form lists no filing fee (55 Pa. Code § 3270.11; § 3290.11).
What is the Pennsylvania childcare license renewal fee?
Pennsylvania charges no renewal fee for child care certification; the Certificate of Compliance is issued for a period not to exceed 12 months and is renewed at no cost, as the regulations specify no fee (55 Pa. Code § 3270.11; § 3290.11).
Are Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services before paying.
Pennsylvania childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Pennsylvania administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.