Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a child care / day care in Aberdeen, SD. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Health Department Annual Inspection
South Dakota Department of Health – Child Care Facility Inspection
Required Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Inspection covers sanitation, food handling, child‑to‑staff ratios, and facility safety.
Fire Marshal Annual Fire Safety Inspection
South Dakota State Fire Marshal
Required Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Inspection verifies working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, evacuation plans, and staff fire‑drill training.
LLC Articles of Organization Filing
South Dakota Secretary of State
Required Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required for all LLCs. Annual report also required ($50 fee, due by anniversary month - see separate entry).
LLC Annual Report
South Dakota Secretary of State
Required Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration
Applies to all LLCs. Late fee $10 if filed within 30 days late.
Child Care License - Family Child Care (1-12 children)
South Dakota Department of Social Services - Division of Child Care Services
Required Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Required for all child care facilities. Includes background checks, inspections, training (e.g., CPR/First Aid, safe sleep). Specific capacity limits apply.
Child Care License - Group Family Child Care (13+ children)
South Dakota Department of Social Services - Division of Child Care Services
Required Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
For larger operations. Additional requirements include facility inspections, staff ratios, health/safety standards.
Child Care License - Center (20+ children)
South Dakota Department of Social Services - Division of Child Care Services
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Stricter staffing, facility, and program standards apply.
Assumed Name (DBA) Registration
South Dakota Secretary of State
May Apply Fee: $10.00-$10.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Must publish in county newspaper within 30 days ($30-50 est.). Renewal every 5 years ($10).
Sales Tax License (if charging fees subject to tax)
South Dakota Department of Revenue
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Child care services are exempt from sales tax per ARSD 67:14:02:01, but verify if food/supplies sold.
Professional/Commercial Account with Public Utilities Commission (if applicable)
South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Applies to most commercial operations including child care centers.
South Dakota Sales Tax Registration
South Dakota Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Child‑care services are generally exempt from sales tax, but if the center sells taxable items (snacks, meals, supplies) a sales‑tax permit is required.
South Dakota Sales Tax Reporting (Periodic Returns)
South Dakota Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
The filing frequency is assigned based on the amount of taxable sales reported during the prior year.
South Dakota Unemployment Insurance (UI) Employer Registration
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation – Unemployment Insurance Division
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
All employers paying wages in South Dakota must register for UI and obtain an account number.
South Dakota Unemployment Insurance Quarterly Reporting & Payment
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation – Unemployment Insurance Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
UI tax rates vary by employer experience rating; the Department provides an online portal for filing.
Sioux Falls Business License Tax Registration
City of Sioux Falls – Finance Department
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
The tax is based on gross receipts from all business activities, including child‑care fees.
Rapid City Business License Tax Registration
City of Rapid City – Finance Department
May Apply Fee: $75.00-$75.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Rapid City does not levy a gross‑receipts tax; the fee is a flat business license tax.
South Dakota State Income Tax Registration
South Dakota Department of Revenue
Required Renewal: one time
Type: registration
South Dakota does not impose a personal or corporate income tax; therefore no state income‑tax registration is required.
South Dakota State Withholding Tax Registration
South Dakota Department of Revenue
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Because South Dakota has no state income tax, there is no state withholding tax to register for.
City Business License
City of Sioux Falls
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Sioux Falls Rev. Ord. 15-18 requires all businesses; check specific city clerk. No statewide local uniformity.
County Business License
Minnehaha County
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
Not uniform; e.g., Pennington County (Rapid City area) has no general business license per county site.
Zoning Compliance / Home Occupation Permit
Minnehaha County Planning & Zoning
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Sioux Falls Zoning Ord. 130.512 allows home child care with permit if <12 children; commercial sites need conditional use permit.
Building Permit for Modifications
City of Sioux Falls Planning & Development
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required for safety features like exits, ramps; all SD municipalities enforce via building codes (IBC 2018 adopted statewide).
Sign Permit
City of Sioux Falls
May Apply Fee: $5.00-$5.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Regulated by local zoning codes; e.g., Sioux Falls limits size/location for commercial districts.
Health Department Permit (Food Service)
South Dakota Department of Health
May Apply Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Local enforcement via DOH; Sioux Falls DOH mirrors state. Plan review required for new facilities.
Fire Department Inspection / Permit
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Per SD-adopted IFC 2018; child care facilities inspected for egress, extinguishers.
Certificate of Occupancy
City of Aberdeen Building Official
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required post-inspections (building, fire, zoning) in most SD cities.
Fire Alarm Permit
City of Sioux Falls Fire Rescue
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Local fire depts enforce; varies by jurisdiction size.
Parking Compliance (Zoning)
City of Sioux Falls Planning
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
No separate 'permit' but zoning enforcement; traffic study if >20 children.
Noise Ordinance Compliance
Minnehaha County
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
General nuisance ordinance applies; child care rarely triggers unless complaints.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
May Apply Fee: $1.50-$3.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
South Dakota law requires every employer with at least one employee to maintain workers’ compensation insurance or be self‑insured with Department approval. The child‑care LLC must provide proof of coverage to the Department of Labor and Regulation upon request.
General Liability Insurance (Child‑Care License Requirement)
South Dakota Department of Social Services – Child Care Licensing Program
Required Fee: $400.00-$400.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
South Dakota licensing regulations (10‑1‑1‑2) mandate that every licensed child‑care facility maintain liability insurance with minimum limits of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate.
Surety Bond (License Bond)
South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy
Required Fee: $100.00-$300.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
South Dakota Child‑Care Licensing Rule 10‑1‑1‑3 requires a $5,000 surety bond (or cash deposit) to protect families against potential losses.
Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions Insurance
None
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$1500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
While not mandated by South Dakota law, many licensing inspectors and professional associations advise that child‑care providers carry professional liability insurance.
Commercial Auto Insurance
South Dakota Department of Public Safety – Motor Vehicle Division
May Apply Fee: $1200.00-$2500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
South Dakota law requires any vehicle used for commercial purposes to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.
Product Liability Insurance
None
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$2000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
South Dakota does not mandate product liability insurance for child‑care centers, but it is prudent where products are sold.
Liquor Liability Insurance
None
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$1500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
South Dakota law requires liquor liability coverage for any establishment holding a liquor license; child‑care centers typically do not hold such a license.
Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: registration
All LLCs that have employees, file any federal tax return, or open a bank account generally must obtain an EIN.
Federal Tax Filing Obligations for LLC (tax classification & returns)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Fee: $200.00-$200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing
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OSHA General Industry Safety Standards (including Hazard Communication, Emergency Action Plans, etc.)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Title II & Title III Compliance
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) – Civil Rights Division
May Apply Fee: $5000.00-$5000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Indoor Air Quality & Lead Safety for Child‑Care Centers
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply Fee: $300.00-$300.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
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Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Truth‑in‑Advertising & Marketing Rules
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Required Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
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Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) – Data Collection from Children <13
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
May Apply Fee: $1000.00-$1000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
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Department of Labor – Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Wage & Hour Requirements
U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
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Department of Labor – I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification
U.S. Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
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Department of Labor – Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Applicability
U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
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Food Service – FDA Food Code Compliance (if serving meals/snacks)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
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Quarterly Federal Payroll Tax Reporting (Form 941) & Annual Unemployment Tax (Form 940)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing
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Federal Reporting – Annual Information Return (Form 990‑EZ) for Tax‑Exempt Child‑Care Organizations (if applicable)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Fee: $300.00-$300.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing
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South Dakota LLC Annual Report
South Dakota Secretary of State
Required Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
The report updates the LLC’s address, registered agent, and members/managers. Must be filed online via the SOS portal.
Child Care License Renewal
South Dakota Department of Social Services – Child Care Licensing
Required Fee: $200.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Renewal requires submission of updated staff qualifications, health inspection report, and proof of liability insurance.
Continuing Education for Direct Care Staff
South Dakota Department of Social Services – Child Care Licensing
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Minimum 6 hours of approved professional development per staff member per year; courses must be documented and retained.
Building Code Compliance Inspection (Every 3 Years)
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation – Building Safety Division
May Apply Fee: $200.00-$200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Ensures structural integrity, accessibility, and egress compliance.
South Dakota Corporate Income Tax Return (if taxed as corporation)
South Dakota Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: filing
LLCs taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities file on owners’ returns; still must file a zero return if no tax due.
South Dakota Withholding Tax – Quarterly Deposits
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation – Payroll Tax Division
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: permit
File Form W‑3 annually by January 31.
South Dakota Unemployment Insurance Quarterly Reporting
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation – Unemployment Insurance Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Submit UI wage report and remit employer contributions.
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Maintenance
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
EIN is required for payroll, tax filings, and opening bank accounts.
Federal Payroll Tax Deposits (if applicable)
Internal Revenue Service
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: permit
File Form 941 quarterly and Form 940 annually.
Federal Annual Payroll Tax Return (Form 941)
Internal Revenue Service
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Report wages, tips, and taxes withheld.
Federal Annual Unemployment Tax Return (Form 940)
Internal Revenue Service
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Report FUTA tax liability.
Federal Labor Law Posters
U.S. Department of Labor
Required Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Include Minimum Wage, FLSA, OSHA, EEOC, Family & Medical Leave Act, etc.
South Dakota State Labor Law Posters
South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Include Minimum Wage, Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, and Anti‑Discrimination notices.
Child Care Center Annual Report to DSS
South Dakota Department of Social Services – Child Care Licensing
Required Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Report enrollment numbers, staff qualifications, child‑to‑staff ratios, and any incidents.
Record‑Keeping Retention (Licensing Records)
South Dakota Department of Social Services – Child Care Licensing
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required records include attendance logs, immunization records, staff training certificates, incident reports, and financial statements.
Liability Insurance Renewal
Private Insurance Carrier (required by DSS)
Required Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: annual
Type: certificate
Minimum coverage $1,000,000 per occurrence; proof of insurance must be submitted with renewal.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation – Workers’ Compensation
May Apply Fee: $0.30-$0.30
Renewal: annual
Type: certificate
Proof of coverage must be filed with the annual DSS report.
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