Child Care / Day Care Permits & Licenses in Orem, UT

Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a child care / day care in Orem, UT. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.

LLC Registration (Certificate of Organization)

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
Required
Fee: $54.00-$54.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Required for all LLCs. Annual renewal report also required ($18 fee, due annually by formation anniversary date).

Annual Report for LLC

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
Required
Fee: $18.00-$18.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration

Applies to all LLCs in good standing.

Child Care Provider License

Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing
Required
Fee: $100.00-$500.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Required for all licensed child care facilities serving 5+ unrelated children. Specific rules at https://dhhs.utah.gov/childcare/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2023/12/R430-90-20231201.pdf (effective 12/01/2023). Home-based providers may qualify for license-exempt registration if serving fewer children.

Child Care Provider Background Check Registration

Utah Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)
Required
Fee: $15.00-$60.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Required for all child care providers, directors, employees, and volunteers. Mandatory prerequisite for Child Care License.

Building Permit for Modifications

Local City/County Building Department
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required for installing playgrounds, fences, interior remodels. E.g., Utah County Building Dept (heritage.utahcounty.gov/155/Building-Permits).

Fire Department Inspection and Permit

Local fire marshal (state fire prevention board)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

Specific to child care occupancies; requires sprinklers/exits for >10 children. Local examples: SLC Fire (slc.gov/fire/prevention-division).

Health Department Permit (Child Care Specific)

Local health departments
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Local health depts conduct sanitation inspections (e.g., Salt Lake County Health; health department in each region per R392-700).

Food Handler Permit (if providing meals/snacks)

Utah Department of Health and Human Services
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required for staff handling food. Many child care programs trigger this.

DBA (Assumed Name) Registration

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
May Apply
Fee: $22.00-$22.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Applies to LLCs using DBAs. Renewal every 5 years.

State Sales Tax License

Utah State Tax Commission
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Child care services are generally exempt from sales tax in Utah. However, if the business sells items such as snacks, formula, or merchandise, sales tax registration may be required. See Utah Code § 59-12-103(13)(a)(i) for child care exemption. Confirm with the Utah State Tax Commission if any taxable sales occur.

Employer Withholding Tax Registration

Utah State Tax Commission
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

All employers in Utah must register for state income tax withholding. Applies to wages paid to employees. Registration is done through the same portal as sales tax (Taxpayer Access Point).

Unemployment Insurance Tax Registration

Utah Department of Workforce Services
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Employers must pay state unemployment insurance (SUI) tax. New employers pay 2.7% on first $34,400 of wages per employee (2024 rate). Rate may change after experience rating is established.

Food Handler's Permit (if serving meals)

Local Health Department
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$50.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required if preparing/serving food; per Utah Food Service Sanitation Rule R392-100. Local enforcement.

Certificate of Occupancy

Local Building Official
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Verifies compliance with building/fire codes for occupancy load. Varies by city (e.g., Provo provogov.com/260/Building).

Alarm System Permit

Local police/sheriff department
May Apply
Fee: $40.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

Fire alarms mandatory; monitored systems need permit (e.g., SLC Police alarm ordinance).

Sign Permit

Local Planning Department (e.g., Salt Lake City)
May Apply
Fee: $75.00-$300.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Per local sign ordinances (e.g., SLC Title 21A.22).

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Utah Labor Commission - Division of Industrial Accident
May Apply
Fee: $1.50-$3.50
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Required for all employers with one or more employees, including part-time. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt unless they elect coverage. Child care providers classified under NAICS 624410 (Child Day Care Services) are subject to this rule.

General Liability Insurance

Not applicable (no state mandate)
May Apply
Fee: $500.00-$2000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

While not mandated by statute directly, the Utah Child Care Licensing Rules (R435-10) require facilities to have liability insurance as a condition of licensure. This is enforced through the licensing process. Minimum coverage typically expected: $1 million per occurrence.

Surety Bond (Child Care Licensing Bond)

Utah Department of Health and Human Services - Division of Child Care
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

A $5,000 surety bond is required under Utah Admin. Code R435-10-7(3)(a)(ix) for licensed child care centers and large family homes. Exempt: small family home providers (serving ≤6 unrelated children). Bond ensures compliance with licensing rules and may be used to cover unpaid fines or restitution.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Utah Department of Public Safety - Driver License Division
May Apply
Fee: $1200.00-$2500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Required under Utah Code §41-1a-103 if business-owned vehicles are used. Minimum liability: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $15,000 property damage. Higher limits may be required if transporting children (e.g., school bus standards may apply).

Professional Liability / Errors and Omissions Insurance

Not applicable
Required
Fee: $500.00-$1500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Not mandated by Utah law or child care licensing rules. However, strongly recommended for protection against claims of negligence, injury, or supervision failure. Not a condition of licensure.

Product Liability Insurance

Not applicable
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

No specific product liability insurance mandate. General liability insurance typically covers product-related claims. If selling food or goods, ensure policy includes product liability coverage. Not a standalone legal requirement.

Liquor Liability Insurance

Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Not applicable to child care operations. Utah law prohibits alcohol in child care facilities. No liquor license may be issued to a facility primarily serving minors. Therefore, liquor liability insurance is not required.

Employer Identification Number (EIN) Requirement

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

While sole proprietorships without employees may not need an EIN, LLCs with employees or multiple members generally must obtain one. Child care businesses typically hire staff and thus require an EIN.

Federal Income and Self-Employment Tax Obligations for LLC

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

Most LLCs with child care operations are taxed as sole proprietorships (single-member) or partnerships (multi-member). Profits are reported on owners’ personal returns. Self-employment tax (15.3%) applies to net earnings.

OSHA Workplace Safety Requirements for Child Care Facilities

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Employers must provide a safe workplace, including injury and illness prevention, hazard communication, and access to medical records. While child care centers are low-risk, they must still comply with general duty clause and reporting of work-related fatalities or hospitalizations.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance for Child Care Facilities

Department of Justice (DOJ)
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Child care providers must make reasonable modifications to policies and practices to accommodate children and parents with disabilities. Facilities must be accessible if newly constructed or altered. Existing facilities must remove barriers where readily achievable.

EPA Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Compliance for Child Care Facilities

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires asbestos inspections before renovations in buildings constructed before 1981. Renovation and repair activities in pre-1978 buildings must comply with EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule if lead-based paint is present.

State Income Tax Registration (for LLC pass-through entities)

Utah State Tax Commission
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Utah requires all businesses earning income in the state to register for income tax purposes. Most LLCs are pass-through entities, so income is reported on owners' individual returns. However, registration may still be required if the LLC elects corporate taxation or has nexus in Utah. No separate 'state income tax' for the LLC unless it files as a corporation.

Utah Annual Report and License Renewal

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
Required
Fee: $18.00-$18.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

While not a tax per se, this annual report includes a fee based on gross revenue. For LLCs with less than $10,000 revenue: $18; over $10,000: $50. This satisfies the state's 'privilege tax' for doing business. Required for all LLCs registered in Utah.

Local Business License or Privilege Tax

Varies by municipality
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Most cities and counties in Utah (e.g., Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden) require a local business license or privilege tax. Fees and requirements vary. For example, Salt Lake City charges a $25 license fee plus a $10 annual renewal. Contact local government for specific rules.

Child Care Center License

Utah Department of Health, Child Care Licensing
May Apply
Fee: $200.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license

All child care centers in Utah must be licensed by the Department of Health. Requirements include staff-to-child ratios, safety standards, background checks, and program curriculum. Annual renewal required. Apply early — processing may take 60–90 days.

County Business License

Utah Counties (e.g., Salt Lake County)
May Apply
Fee: $50.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Specific counties like Salt Lake (slco.org/business-license), Utah County (heritage.utahcounty.gov/156/Business-License), Davis (gov.utahcounty.gov/dept/clerk/auditor/licenses/business.asp). Check county clerk for exact ordinance.

City Business License

Various Utah Cities/Counties
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$300.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Examples: Salt Lake City (slc.gov/business-services/business-licenses); Provo (provo.org/247/Business-Licenses); Ogden (ogdencity.com/199/Business-Licenses). Always verify with city business license dept.

FTC Compliance with Advertising and Consumer Protection Rules

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Child care providers must ensure that all advertising (websites, brochures, social media) is truthful and not misleading. Claims about safety, staff qualifications, or curriculum must be substantiated.

Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Compliance (FLSA)

Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Child care workers are typically non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), requiring minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week). Employers must maintain accurate records of hours worked and wages paid.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Compliance

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Covered employers must provide eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specified family and medical reasons, including newborn care or serious health conditions.

I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / USCIS
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Employers must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for all employees. Electronic versions are allowed through E-Verify, which is not federally required unless in certain federal contracts or state-mandated.

Federal Child Nutrition Program Compliance (if participating in USDA programs)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Federally funded program reimburses providers for serving nutritious meals and snacks. Requires compliance with meal pattern requirements, recordkeeping, and periodic reviews. Participation is voluntary but common among licensed centers.

Federal Background Check Requirements for Child Care Staff

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
May Apply
Fee: $50.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required by federal law for all staff and household members with direct access to children in programs receiving CCDBG funds. Utah enforces this through state licensing, but compliance is federally mandated for funded providers. Fingerprint-based checks are standard.

Annual Report Filing for LLC

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
Required
Fee: $18.00-$18.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

All Utah LLCs must file an annual report by May 1 each year. Failure to file may result in administrative dissolution. The report confirms business address, registered agent, and entity status.

Child Care Licensing Renewal

Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Child Care Licensing
Required
Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Child care facilities must renew their operating license annually. The renewal process includes a compliance review and inspection. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before expiration.

Fire Inspection

Local Fire Department (varies by jurisdiction)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

All licensed child care facilities must undergo annual fire safety inspections. Inspections ensure compliance with egress, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and evacuation plans. Local fire departments coordinate scheduling.

Health Inspection

Local Health Department (e.g., Salt Lake County Health Department)
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Routine health inspections assess sanitation, food handling, diapering procedures, illness control, and facility cleanliness. Inspections are conducted by local health departments in coordination with DHHS.

Building Code Inspection

Local Building Department (e.g., Unified Fire Authority or city planning office)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Child care facilities must comply with accessibility, egress, and occupancy standards. Inspections may be coordinated with fire or health inspections. Frequency depends on local ordinances.

Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) Annual Filings

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply
Renewal: annual
Type: filing

Employers must file Form 941 (quarterly) and Form 940 (annually) to report federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and federal unemployment (FUTA) taxes. Form 940 is due January 31 following the tax year.

Utah Withholding Tax Filings

Utah State Tax Commission
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

Employers must file withholding tax returns (Form TC-721) monthly or quarterly. An annual reconciliation (Form TC-721A) is due by January 31. Electronic filing required for most businesses.

Sales Tax License Renewal

Utah State Tax Commission
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: license

Sales tax license does not require separate renewal but requires regular reporting. Returns (Form TC-600) are due monthly, quarterly, or annually based on liability. Most child care providers are not required to collect sales tax unless selling goods.

Continuing Education for Child Care Licensees

Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Care Licensing
Required
Fee: $20.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: certificate

All child care providers and staff must complete at least 10 hours of approved training annually. At least 3 hours must be in pediatric first aid and CPR. Training must be from an approved provider and documented.

Maintain Records of Child Care Operations

Utah Department of Health and Human Services
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required records include attendance, medication administration, incident reports, staff training, emergency contacts, and immunization records. Must be available for inspection at all times.

Zoning Compliance / Home Occupation Permit

Local city/county planning departments
May Apply
Fee: $50.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Child care centers often require conditional use permit in commercial zones. E.g., Salt Lake City Code 21A.32.040; Provo Municipal Code 14.35 for home occupations.

Display Required Posters and Licenses

Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Utah Labor Commission
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Must display current child care license, staff training records, emergency procedures, and labor law posters (e.g., minimum wage, OSHA, EEO). Posters available from DHHS and Utah Labor Commission websites.

Submit Incident Reports to DHHS

Utah Department of Health and Human Services
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

Facilities must report serious incidents (e.g., hospitalization, suspected abuse) to DHHS within 24 hours. A written report must follow within 5 business days. Failure to report is a violation of state law.

Utah Paid Leave Insurance Registration and Reporting

Utah Paid Leave
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Effective January 1, 2025, all employers with one or more employees must register with Utah Paid Leave. Contributions begin January 1, 2026. Employers must file quarterly reports and remit premiums. This is a new program with phased implementation.

Step-by-Step Compliance Guide

  1. First, obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is free and doesn’t require renewal.
  2. Next, ensure compliance with FTC advertising and consumer protection regulations, with fees varying and a one-time requirement.
  3. You must also adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, potentially incurring costs between $1000 and $10000 for initial compliance.
  4. File your Federal Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1120 or 1065) annually with the IRS, as the fee varies depending on your income.
  5. Secure Professional Liability/Errors & Omissions Insurance, with costs ranging from $500 to $2000 as a one-time expense.
  6. Comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations for children’s products, which has varying fees and is a one-time requirement.
  7. Address Federal Tax Filing Obligations for LLCs, understanding that fees vary and are required for ongoing operation.
  8. Finally, ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III, with fees varying and a one-time requirement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming state-level licenses cover all federal requirements is incorrect, as distinct federal obligations exist.
  • Ignoring the FTC’s advertising rules can lead to significant penalties and legal issues.
  • Failing to obtain an EIN when employing others is a common oversight with IRS implications.
  • Believing ADA compliance is only for physical buildings; it extends to program accessibility.
  • Overlooking CPSC regulations for children’s products used in the daycare can result in product recalls and fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there specific federal licenses required to operate a child care business in Orem, UT?

No, there are currently no industry-specific federal licenses required for child care operations; however, you still have numerous federal compliance requirements to fulfill.

What are the potential costs associated with ADA compliance?

ADA compliance costs can vary significantly, ranging from $1000 to $10000 depending on the necessary modifications to your facility and programs, and there are also potential costs of $5000.00.

How often do I need to renew my Federal Income Tax Return filing?

Federal Income Tax Returns (IRS Form 1120 or 1065) must be filed annually with the IRS, and the associated fees will vary based on your business’s income and deductions.

What does FTC compliance entail for a child care business?

FTC compliance involves adhering to truth-in-advertising and consumer protection rules, ensuring your marketing materials are accurate and not misleading, and fees vary.

Is there a fee for obtaining an EIN from the IRS?

No, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is free of charge, and it does not require any renewal fees; it is a one-time process.

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