How to transfer your childcare license when you move counties

When you move your childcare business to a different county, you cannot straightforward take your license with you. Each county has its own licensing authority, and you will need to work with the new county's office to get licensed there. The process usually means closing your license in the old county and opening a new one in the new county — though some states let you pause the old license instead of closing it completely.

The exact steps depend on which state you are in and whether you are moving within the same state or to a different state entirely. If you stay in the same state, the process is faster because your background checks and training records already exist in that state's system. If you cross state lines, you will start nearly from scratch, though some states recognize training from other states.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your current county's licensing office first to ask whether you should close your license or request a pause before you move.
  • Your new county's licensing office will tell you what documents, inspections, and training they require — these vary by county and state.
  • Background checks and fingerprinting usually have to be redone for the new county, even if you just moved across a state line.
  • The timeline from starting the new process to receiving your new license typically ranges from two to four months, depending on the county's workload and whether your facility needs renovations.

Notify your current county before you leave

Contact the licensing office in your current county as soon as you know you are moving. Tell them the date you plan to close or relocate. They will explain whether you should formally close your license, request a temporary suspension, or let it expire on a specific date. Some counties charge a fee to close early, while others do not.

Ask for a copy of your licensing file or a summary of your compliance history. This document can help the new county understand your track record, though it does not replace their own inspection. Get the names and contact information of your licensing caseworker and the office supervisor — you may need to reference them when you contact the new county.

Find out what the new county requires

Call or visit the licensing office in your new county and tell them you are relocating a childcare business there. Ask for a checklist of everything they need before they will issue a license. This list usually includes the facility address, proof of ownership or a lease, floor plans, and information about your staff.

Different counties have different rules about group size, staff-to-child ratios, training requirements, and facility layout. Some counties require more training hours than others, and some have specific rules about outdoor space or kitchen equipment. Getting this list early means you can plan renovations or staff hiring before you move, rather than discovering problems after you arrive.

Complete background checks and fingerprinting for the new county

Even if you were fingerprinted and cleared in your old county, the new county will run its own background check. You and any staff members who will work in the facility will need to be fingerprinted again. The new county's licensing office will tell you where to go for fingerprinting — often a police station, sheriff's office, or a private fingerprinting service.

Background checks typically take two to four weeks. Some counties run state checks only, while others also run federal checks through the FBI. Ask the licensing office which checks they require and whether they accept results from other states or whether everything must be done through their process.

Schedule an inspection of your new facility

Once you have submitted your process and passed your background check, the licensing office will schedule an inspection of your new location. The inspector will check that your facility meets safety codes, has the right number of bathrooms and exits, stores cleaning supplies safely, and has appropriate space for the age groups you plan to serve.

If the inspection finds problems, the office will give you a list of corrections needed before you can open. Some corrections are quick — like moving a storage cabinet or adding a fire extinguisher. Others take longer, like installing a second exit or upgrading electrical outlets. Ask the inspector for a timeline: some offices will issue a provisional license while you complete repairs, while others require everything to be done before they issue any license.

Provide proof of training and staff qualifications

You will need to show that you and your staff meet the new county's training requirements. This usually means submitting certificates for CPR, first aid, and childcare-specific training. Some counties recognize training from other states, but many require you to take their approved courses or equivalent ones.

Ask the licensing office which training courses they accept and whether online training counts. Some counties require in-person classes, while others accept online certificates. If you or a staff member needs to retake training, ask for a list of approved providers in the new county. Budget time for this — courses often fill up, and you may not get a spot when ready.

Understand the timeline and costs

The entire process from submitting your process to receiving your new license usually takes two to four months. The timeline depends on how quickly you submit documents, how fast the background check clears, whether your facility needs repairs, and how busy the licensing office is. Some counties have a backlog of inspections and may take longer.

Costs vary by county but typically include an process fee (usually $100 to $300), fingerprinting fees ($15 to $50 per person), and any training courses you need to take. Some counties charge an annual licensing fee, which may be different from what you paid in your old county. Ask for a complete fee schedule so you can budget accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old license active while I explore for a new one?

Most counties require you to close or suspend your old license before you open in a new location. However, some states allow a brief overlap if you are moving within the same state. Contact your old county's licensing office to ask about their policy — they may let you keep the license open for 30 to 60 days while you set up in the new county.

Do I need to retake all my training if I move to a different state?

It depends on the state. Some states recognize CPR and first aid certifications from other states, but most require state-specific childcare training to be retaken. The new state's licensing office will tell you which of your certificates they accept and which courses you need to repeat.

What happens if my new facility fails the inspection?

The licensing office will give you a list of corrections and a important date to complete them. Minor fixes usually have a 30-day important date, while major repairs may get 60 to 90 days. Some counties issue a provisional license while you work on corrections; others require everything to be fixed before they issue any license. Ask the inspector what their policy is.

Can I operate my childcare business while my new license is being processed?

No. You cannot legally operate without an active license in your new county. You must wait until the new county issues your license before you enroll children. Plan your move so that you have time to complete the process and inspection before your opening date.

What if I move to a county in the same state — is the process faster?

Slightly. You will not need to redo background checks if they are recent and the state recognizes them across counties. However, you will still need a new process, a facility inspection, and proof that you meet the new county's specific rules. The process is usually a few weeks faster than moving to a different state, but still plan for two to three months.