Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

$200 -- $600 6–12 weeks to complete training, background checks, inspections, and receive DECAL license 8 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: March 13, 2026.

Atlanta / Fulton County Requirements

2 requirements

City of Atlanta Zoning — Home-Based Child Care

Family day care homes serving up to 6 children are a permitted accessory use in single-family residential zones in Atlanta and do not require a special use permit. Providers must still obtain a City of Atlanta Business License and comply with the Georgia DECAL licensing requirements. Contact the City of Atlanta Office of Zoning and Development at 404-330-6145 to verify compliance for your specific address.

Free (no separate zoning permit required)N/A

Official government source

City of Atlanta Business License

All businesses operating within Atlanta city limits must obtain a business license from the Atlanta Office of Revenue. Apply online through the Atlanta permitting portal.

$75–$200 annually (based on business type and gross receipts)1–3 weeks

Official government source

Georgia State Requirements

5 requirements

Georgia DECAL — Family Child Care Home License

Required to operate a family child care home in Georgia serving 3–6 children not related to the provider (caring for 1–2 unrelated children does not require a DECAL license). Licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Requirements include: pre-licensing training (10 hours), background checks through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and FBI for all household members 17+, fire/environmental inspection by local fire marshal, first aid and CPR certification, and a home licensing visit. Annual renewal required.

$25 application fee; annual renewal fee applies6–12 weeks from application to license

Official government source

Georgia DECAL — Group Day Care Home License

Required if caring for 7–18 children in a residential setting. Must have a second qualified caregiver on-site. Enhanced standards apply under DECAL Rules and Regulations for Group Day Care Homes.

$50 application fee; annual renewal fee applies8–14 weeks

Official government source

Background Check (GBI + FBI Fingerprinting)

All household members age 17+ and any employee must submit fingerprints to the GBI and FBI. Background check must clear the Georgia Sex Offender Registry, Georgia Violent Sex Offender Registry, and DECAL's Child Protective Services Index.

$40–$60 per person2–4 weeks

Official government source

Pre-Licensing Training (10 Hours)

10 hours of pre-licensing training required, covering child development, health and safety, and DECAL regulations. Approved courses available through DECAL's Bright from the Start training portal.

$0–$100Completed before license issuance

Official government source

CPR and First Aid Certification

Current infant/child CPR and first aid certification required. Must be maintained throughout the license period.

$50–$100Same day

Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Also needed for accepting Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy payments. Free to obtain from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)

Official government source