How to Get a Child care centers & homes License in Hawaii (2026)
Quick answer
Family child care homes are registered; child care centers are licensed.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
How do I get this license?
Check the licensing authority
Board
Hawaii Department of Human Services, Child Care Licensing Program
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The goal of the Department of Human Services’ Child Care Licensing Program is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children enrolled in registered Family Child Care Homes and licensed child care centers
Official sourceOfficial agency page
Prepare your application
Apply with the agency
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Applying for a Family Child Care Home Registration
Official sourceConfirm your next step with the agency
Review the official instructions for your situation before applying.
Open the official agency page
What else should I know?
Agency guidance
Family child care homes are registered; child care centers are licensed.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
registered Family Child Care Homes and licensed child care centersOfficial source
Agency guidance
Home registration lasts 1 year for providers operating less than 4 years; it may last 2 years after more than 4 years of operation.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Registration is valid for 1 year for those providers operating for less than 4 years, and then may be valid for 2 years if been operating longer than 4 years.Official source
Agency guidance
Center licenses last 1 year for providers licensed less than 4 years; they may last 2 years after more than 4 years of licensure.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Licenses are valid for 1 year for those providers licensed for less than 4 years, and then may be valid for 2 years if been licensed longer than 4 years.Official source
Agency guidance
Family homes must have at least one caregiver on site with current first aid and child CPR certification throughout operating hours.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
At least one caregiver on site with a current certificate in first aid and child CPR at all times during operational hours and a first-aid kit;Official source
Agency guidance
Home registration requires health and background screening, two references and a home inspection.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Evidence of a satisfactory physical examination for all household members and children and TB clearance for all household members and children; ... Two letters of reference; ... Satisfactory background checks for home caregivers, staff, and household members ... a Child Care Licensing Worker will conduct a home visit to inspect the entire homeOfficial source
When do I renew, and is CE required?
Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.
What does it cost?
Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.
Which official sources support this guide?
Official sources and verification (8)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
Family child care homes are registered; child care centers are licensed.
Family child care homes are registered; child care centers are licensed.
registered Family Child Care Homes and licensed child care centersOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Home registration lasts 1 year for providers operating less than 4 years; it may last 2 years after more than 4 years of operation.
Home registration lasts 1 year for providers operating less than 4 years; it may last 2 years after more than 4 years of operation.
Registration is valid for 1 year for those providers operating for less than 4 years, and then may be valid for 2 years if been operating longer than 4 years.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Center licenses last 1 year for providers licensed less than 4 years; they may last 2 years after more than 4 years of licensure.
Center licenses last 1 year for providers licensed less than 4 years; they may last 2 years after more than 4 years of licensure.
Licenses are valid for 1 year for those providers licensed for less than 4 years, and then may be valid for 2 years if been licensed longer than 4 years.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Family homes must have at least one caregiver on site with current first aid and child CPR certification throughout operating hours.
Family homes must have at least one caregiver on site with current first aid and child CPR certification throughout operating hours.
At least one caregiver on site with a current certificate in first aid and child CPR at all times during operational hours and a first-aid kit;Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Home registration requires health and background screening, two references and a home inspection.
Home registration requires health and background screening, two references and a home inspection.
Evidence of a satisfactory physical examination for all household members and children and TB clearance for all household members and children; ... Two letters of reference; ... Satisfactory background checks for home caregivers, staff, and household members ... a Child Care Licensing Worker will conduct a home visit to inspect the entire homeOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Hawaii Department of Human Services, Child Care Licensing Program
Hawaii Department of Human Services, Child Care Licensing Program
The goal of the Department of Human Services’ Child Care Licensing Program is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children enrolled in registered Family Child Care Homes and licensed child care centersOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/child-care-program/child-care-licensing/
Child Care LicensingOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/child-care-program/child-care-licensing/
Applying for a Family Child Care Home RegistrationOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Not yet verified: license fee, required hours, exam, renewal, continuing education — see the official agency.
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What should I explore next?
Last verified Oct 25, 2026.
Official sources (3)
- https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/child-care-program/child-care-licensing/
- https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Applying-for-a-DHS-Family-Child-Care-Home-Registration-6-2017.pdf
- https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Applying-for-a-DHS-Child-Care-Center-License-6-2017.pdf
Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.