Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Nashville, TN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

$300 -- $800 10-16 weeks (DHS licensing is the primary bottleneck) 6 requirements

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

Nashville / Davidson County Requirements

1 requirement
1

Metro Nashville Home Occupation Permit

Required to operate a home-based daycare business from a residential property in Nashville-Davidson County. Issued by the Metro Nashville Planning Department. Zoning regulations for residential districts restrict commercial activity, and some neighborhoods may require a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals for daycare use.

$50-$2002-6 weeks (variance hearings may extend timeline)
Official government source

Tennessee State Requirements

4 requirements
1

Tennessee DHS Family Home License

Required by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) to care for one or more unrelated children in your home for compensation. Tennessee is a strict licensing state — even caring for a single unrelated child for pay requires a family home license. The application process includes a home inspection, background checks for all household members, first aid and CPR training, and health and safety training.

$50-$150 (application and inspection fees)8-12 weeks for full application review and home inspection
Official government source
2

Background Checks (all household members)

The Tennessee Department of Human Services requires criminal background checks and Tennessee Child Abuse Registry checks for all household members age 18 and older as part of the family home license application. Fingerprinting is required.

$40-$75 per person2-4 weeks
Official government source
3

First Aid and CPR Certification

Required by Tennessee DHS before a family home license is issued. The primary caregiver must hold current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications from an approved organization. Renewal is required every two years.

$50-$150 per course1-2 days
Official government source
4

Tennessee Secretary of State Business Registration

Required if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership in Tennessee. Most home daycare providers operate as sole proprietors, but entity registration provides liability protection.

$50-$300 depending on entity type1-2 weeks (online filing)
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

FreeImmediate (online)
Official government source

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