Idaho Daycare Background Check Requirements

Background checks are the most expensive single line item in the Idaho daycare licensing process, and the part that catches providers off guard when they realize it's not just about them. Everyone aged 13 and older who lives in your home — your spouse, your teenager, your adult child, a roommate — must be cleared through the DHW Background Check Unit before you can receive your license.

Who Must Be Checked

The requirement under Idaho Code § 39-1105 covers three categories:

1. The applicant (you)
2. All household members aged 13+ — anyone who resides in the home where daycare will operate
3. All employees and regular volunteers — anyone who works or volunteers regularly at the daycare

"Resides" means actually lives there, not visits occasionally. Your mother-in-law who comes over for Sunday dinner doesn't need a check. Your 15-year-old who lives with you full-time does.

The age-13 threshold is specific to Idaho. Many states set it at 18. In Idaho, a 14-year-old in your household goes through the same process as an adult, with one additional step — a notarized Authorization and Request for Search of Juvenile Justice Records.

The Process Step by Step

Step 1: Get your 4-digit IdahoSTARS agency payment/employer code from your RISE organization profile.

Step 2: Log into the DHW Background Check Unit (BCU) portal. Submit a separate application for each person who needs clearance.

Step 3: Schedule electronic fingerprinting at an authorized DHW field office, or obtain physical fingerprint cards and mail them to the BCU. Local law-enforcement agencies may offer fingerprint rolling services.

Step 4: For minors aged 13–17, submit the notarized juvenile justice history check form in addition to the standard application.

Step 5: Wait. Processing takes 14 to 30 days depending on workload and whether any records require additional review.

Cost Breakdown

For each person checked, you'll pay:

Total per person: approximately $105–$110.

For a household with two adults and one teenager, you're looking at $315–$330 in background check costs alone. This is nonrefundable — if your zoning application is later denied, you don't get the money back. That's why the Idaho Home Daycare License guide recommends confirming zoning clearance before initiating any background checks.

What Happens if a Check Raises a Concern

The DHW enhanced background check reviews criminal-history records; for minors, the process also includes juvenile justice records. If a record raises a concern, follow the BCU's notice and any review or appeal process. The licensing application depends on the required clearances.

A household member's clearance can affect the license application, not just the applicant's. Contact the BCU if a household member's record raises a question about next steps.

Timing Strategy

Background checks are the longest single bottleneck in the licensing timeline. Start them as soon as you have zoning clearance — don't wait until after you've finished CPR training or home modifications.

Allow 14–30 days overall for background-check processing, and keep the six-month application window in view.

Keep in mind the six-month application completion window under Idaho Code § 39-1104(4). Every week your background checks take is a week less you have to finish inspections and submit your final application before the clock runs out.

After Clearance

Clearance letters appear in your RISE profile and in the BCU portal. Make sure each clearance is visible in the RISE record used for your licensing application.

Background checks aren't one-and-done. New household members, employees, and regular volunteers who fall within the required categories must be cleared; check current DHW and IdahoSTARS instructions for the timing and fee.

See more Idaho guides →