Every person or organization caring for six or more children below 13 years of age is required to secure a license from the Office of Licensing in the Department of Children and Families unless the program is exempt by law.

every person or organization caring for six or more children below 13 years of age is required to secure a license from the Office of Licensing in the Department of Children and Families unless the program is exempt by law.

Official source

Agency guidance

Family child care registration is voluntary through the county Child Care Resource and Referral agency.

You may choose to become voluntarily registered through your Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency.

Official source

Agency guidance

Family-home registration applications are submitted through NJCCIS and cost USD 25.

you must submit an application which can be found in NJCCIS. It costs $25 to apply.

Official source

Agency guidance

Registered family providers and staff need at least six hours of in-service training each year, covering updates to health, safety, child development, social/emotional behavior intervention and orientation topics.

all registered family child care providers and their staff must complete at least six hours of in-service training each year. The in-service training must include a review of, and updates on, the health, safety, child development, social and emotional behavior intervention, and other subjects covered in the orientation trainings.

Official source

Verified Oct 25, 2026 · 2 official sources

How do I renew my child care centers and homes license in New Jersey?

Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.

Add to my calendar Remind me before my renewal

How do I look up a child care centers and homes license in New Jersey?

License lookup link: Not verified yet. Check the licensing agency or browse license lookup by state.

Which official sources support this guide?

Verified Oct 25, 2026 · 2 official sources

Official sources and verification (8)

Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.

Board

New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing

secure a license from the Office of Licensing in the Department of Children and Families

Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Official agency page

Open the official agency page

https://www.nj.gov/dcf/providers-contractors/licensing-and-billing/index.shtml

How can I start a licensed child care center?

Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Apply with the agency

Open the official agency page

https://www.nj.gov/dcf/providers-contractors/licensing-and-billing/index.shtml

Take these steps to start the licensing process:

Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Centers caring for six or more children below age 13 require a license unless exempt under N.J.A.C. 3A:52-1.2(c).

every person or organization caring for six or more children below 13 years of age is required to secure a license from the Office of Licensing in the Department of Children and Families unless the program is exempt by law.

Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Family child care registration is voluntary through the county Child Care Resource and Referral agency.

You may choose to become voluntarily registered through your Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency.

Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Family-home registration applications are submitted through NJCCIS and cost USD 25.

you must submit an application which can be found in NJCCIS. It costs $25 to apply.

Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

all registered family child care providers and their staff must complete at least six hours of in-service training each year. The in-service training must include a review of, and updates on, the health, safety, child development, social and emotional behavior intervention, and other subjects covered in the orientation trainings.

Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Qualifications / Education

Registered family providers complete a two-hour orientation from their local CCR&R.

This required two-hour orientation is provided by your local CCR&R

Official 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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Following: New Jersey Child Care Centers and Homes License: Requirements, Cost & How to Apply (2026)

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What should I explore next?

Family and center child care in neighboring states

Neighboring states use Census adjacency data, including water and point boundaries.

What’s my next step?

Continue with the official agency Remind me before my renewal

Last verified Oct 25, 2026.

Official sources (2)

Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.