Idaho Daycare Licensing Fees — Full Cost Breakdown
For a licensed Idaho family or group home, the state licensing fee is $100, but that number is only one part of the budget. Your total depends on household background checks, local fire and zoning fees, training, water source, insurance, and any required home modifications.
Here's every fee you'll encounter, broken down by category.
State and Federal Fees
| Fee | Cost | Paid To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| State licensing fee | $100 | Your regional Public Health District | Covers your health inspection and license issuance |
| DHW enhanced background check | $70 per person | DHW Background Check Unit | Required for each household member age 13+ and each employee or regular volunteer subject to the check |
| ISP fingerprint processing | $25 per person | Idaho State Police BCI | State criminal database search |
| Local fingerprint rolling | $10–$15 per person | Law enforcement or rolling service | Physical or electronic fingerprinting |
For a household with two adults: $100 + (2 × $105–$110) = $310–$320. Add a teenager and the total is approximately $415–$430, assuming the same listed per-person charges.
Fire Inspection Fees
These vary significantly by municipality:
| City/District | Fee |
|---|---|
| Boise | $80 |
| Kuna | $25 |
| Idaho Falls | $20 |
| Nampa | Varies; an approved fire inspection is required for registration |
| Rural fire districts | Varies (some waive fees) |
If you fail the first inspection and need a re-inspection, some departments charge again. Eastern Idaho Public Health charges $75 for re-inspections triggered by critical violations.
Zoning and Business Fees
| Fee | Cost | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| Home Occupation Registration | Varies by city | May be required under local rules |
| Boise Zoning Compliance Review (7–12 kids) | Varies | Required for Group Daycare Facility capacity |
| Nampa Conditional Use Permit (under 1 acre) | $234 | Required for 7–12 children in Nampa |
| Nampa Conditional Use Permit (over 1 acre) | $463 | Required for 7–12 children on larger properties |
| Idaho Secretary of State LLC registration | Check current Secretary of State fee | Optional business filing |
Providers operating with 1–6 children in most cities face minimal zoning costs. At 7–12 children, the fees jump sharply depending on your city's CUP requirements.
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Training Fees
| Requirement | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatric CPR/First Aid (in-person or hybrid) | $50–$110 per person | Fully online courses not accepted |
| PDS Online Orientation / basic licensing training | Free | 4-hour training completed through RISE |
If you plan to enroll as an ICCP provider, you'll need an additional 12-hour health and safety course series within 90 days — these courses are free through IdahoSTARS.
Well Water Testing (Private Well Only)
If your home uses a private well instead of municipal water, testing is mandatory:
| Test | Cost (Central District Health) |
|---|---|
| Water sample collection | $145 |
| Coliform bacteria test | $20 |
| Nitrate test | $21 |
| Nitrite test | $21 |
| Total | $207 |
Other districts may structure their fees differently, but the tests themselves are the same.
Insurance (Ongoing)
Standard homeowners' or renters' insurance policies exclude commercial childcare activities. Depending on your operation, discuss these coverage needs with an insurance broker:
- Commercial General Liability (CGL) — covers injuries on your property. Cost varies by provider and coverage.
- Abuse and Molestation coverage — often available as a rider. Cost varies widely.
- Workers' Compensation — mandatory under Idaho law if you hire even one part-time assistant. Premiums depend on payroll.
Insurance isn't a licensing fee per se, but proof of active commercial liability and fire insurance is required for your license application.
Verified Starting-Point Totals
| Scenario | Verified starting point |
|---|---|
| Solo operator, 1–6 kids, municipal water, Boise | $335–$400 before insurance and home modifications |
| Two-adult household, 1–6 kids, private well | $517–$527 before fire, CPR, zoning, insurance, and modifications, using Central District Health's $207 well-water figures |
| Two-adult + teenager, 7–12 kids, Nampa (CUP required) | $649–$893 before fire, CPR, insurance, and modifications; includes the $234–$463 CUP range |
These starting points use the verified state, background-check, fire, training, zoning, and Central District Health figures above where applicable. Insurance, variable local fees, and physical home modifications can add significant costs depending on your home's current condition.
The Idaho Home Daycare License guide includes a startup cost worksheet that estimates your specific total based on household size, water source, city, and planned capacity — so you can plan your budget before you commit.
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