Tennessee Childcare Licensing
Tennessee Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Tennessee childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. Tennessee's licensing fee schedule (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-05-.03, paragraph (14), effective January 1, 2001) sets the annual license/application fee at $100.00 for a family child care home, $125.00 for a group child care home, $200.00 for a child care center serving fewer than 100 children (and a drop-in center), $400.00 for a center serving more than 100 children, and $500.00 for a center serving more than 250 children (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-05-.03).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamTennessee Licensing Fees: The Specifics
Tennessee's licensing fee schedule (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-05-.03, paragraph (14), effective January 1, 2001) sets the annual license/application fee at $100.00 for a family child care home, $125.00 for a group child care home, $200.00 for a child care center serving fewer than 100 children (and a drop-in center), $400.00 for a center serving more than 100 children, and $500.00 for a center serving more than 250 children (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-05-.03).
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Tennessee charges the same fee schedule for renewals as for initial licenses, and providers may pay an annual, biennial (two-year), or triennial (three-year) fee: for a family child care home $100.00 annual / $150.00 biennial / $175.00 triennial
three-year
group child care home $125.00 / $175.00 / $200.00
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center under 100 children (and drop-in center) $200.00 / $250.00 / $300.00
and drop-in center
center over 100 children $400.00 / $450.00 / $500.00
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center over 250 children $500.00 / $550.00 / $600.00 (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-05-.03, paragraph (14)).
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Tennessee Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | Tennessee's licensing fee schedule (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-05-.03, paragraph (14), effective January 1, 2001) sets the annual license/application fee at $100.00 for a family child care home, $125.00 for a group child care home, $200.00 for a child care center serving fewer than 100 children (and a drop-in center), $400.00 for a center serving more than 100 children, and $500.00 for a center serving more than 250 children (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-05-.03). |
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| Renewal fee | Tennessee charges the same fee schedule for renewals as for initial licenses, and providers may pay an annual, biennial (two-year), or triennial (three-year) fee: for a family child care home $100.00 annual / $150.00 biennial / $175.00 triennial; group child care home $125.00 / $175.00 / $200.00; center under 100 children (and drop-in center) $200.00 / $250.00 / $300.00; center over 100 children $400.00 / $450.00 / $500.00; center over 250 children $500.00 / $550.00 / $600.00 (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-05-.03, paragraph (14)). |
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Tennessee Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Tennessee childcare license cost?
Tennessee's licensing fee schedule (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-05-.03, paragraph (14), effective January 1, 2001) sets the annual license/application fee at $100.00 for a family child care home, $125.00 for a group child care home, $200.00 for a child care center serving fewer than 100 children (and a drop-in center), $400.00 for a center serving more than 100 children, and $500.00 for a center serving more than 250 children (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-05-.03).
What is the Tennessee childcare license renewal fee?
Tennessee charges the same fee schedule for renewals as for initial licenses, and providers may pay an annual, biennial (two-year), or triennial (three-year) fee: for a family child care home $100.00 annual / $150.00 biennial / $175.00 triennial; group child care home $125.00 / $175.00 / $200.00; center under 100 children (and drop-in center) $200.00 / $250.00 / $300.00; center over 100 children $400.00 / $450.00 / $500.00; center over 250 children $500.00 / $550.00 / $600.00 (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-05-.03, paragraph (14)).
Are Tennessee 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 Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), Child Care Services before paying.
Tennessee childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Tennessee administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), Child Care Services before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.