Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Santa Fe, NM

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico.

$500 -- $2000 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections 6 requirements

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

Santa Fe / Santa Fe County Requirements

3 requirements
1

New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department — Child Care License

Child care facilities in New Mexico must be licensed by CYFD. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance.

$50–$1506–12 weeks
Official government source
2

City of Santa Fe City Clerk — Business License

Santa Fe requires a City Business Registration for all businesses operating within city limits. Certain regulated businesses require additional permits. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks
Official government source
3

Santa Fe County / Santa Fe Building and Fire Safety Inspection

Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards.

$100–$3002–6 weeks
Official government source

New Mexico State Requirements

2 requirements
1

New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

New Mexico uses a Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) instead of a traditional sales tax. The state rate is 5%, with local rates bringing totals to 6–9%. All businesses must register with the NM Taxation and Revenue Department before conducting business.

FreeImmediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)
Official government source
2

New Mexico Background Check Requirement

All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in New Mexico child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

$25–$75 per person1–4 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

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Get deadline alerts and compliance monitoring for your daycare / child care center in Santa Fe, NM. Never miss a renewal or face a surprise inspection.

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