How to Get a Child care centers & homes License in Tennessee (2026)
Quick answer
Care and supervision for five or more unrelated children for three or more hours per day requires a license unless the program qualifies for license-exempt status.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
How do I get this license?
Check the licensing authority
Board
Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS)
Official sourceOfficial agency page
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Procedures for Becoming a Licensed Child Care Agency
Official sourceCheck your qualifications
Education
Prospective providers attend Orientation/Intake, then begin Small Business Academy before completing the eLicensing application.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
After completing Orientation/Intake, Prospective Providers will begin Small Business Academy.
Official sourcePrepare your application
Apply with the agency
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The Prospective Provider will complete the application information in the Elicensing system.
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
Care and supervision for five or more unrelated children for three or more hours per day requires a license unless the program qualifies for license-exempt status.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
If you are providing care and supervision to five (5) or more unrelated children for three (3) or more hours per day without a license and you do not meet the criteria for license-exempt status, then you are operating illegally.Official source
Agency guidance
The prelicensure process includes a capacity/safety walkthrough, state fire and environmental inspections, a Choose Safe Places review, and a codes/zoning clearance letter.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The Program Specialist will request State Fire inspection, Environmental Inspection, and Choose Safe Places review. The Program Specialist will also instruct the Prospective Provider to secure a clearance letter from Codes and ZoningOfficial source
Agency guidance
The program specialist requests the fee after all inspections and clearance letters have been received.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
After all inspections and clearance letters have been received, the Program Specialist will request the fee and will provide options and specifics on how to submit payment.Official source
Agency guidance
A compliant applicant initially receives a provisional license after the required documents, training, and walkthroughs are completed.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
A recommendation for a Provisional License will be submitted by the Program Specialist and approved by a Program Manager if the agency is compliant with all rules and requirements set forth by the department and all required documents and trainings have been completed and recorded.Official 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.
Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS)
Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS)
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS)Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-care-services/how-to-become-a-licensed-child-care-provider/procedures-for-becoming-a-licensed-child-care-agency.html
Procedures for Becoming a Licensed Child Care AgencyOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-care-services/how-to-become-a-licensed-child-care-provider/procedures-for-becoming-a-licensed-child-care-agency.html
The Prospective Provider will complete the application information in the Elicensing system.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Prospective providers attend Orientation/Intake, then begin Small Business Academy before completing the eLicensing application.
Prospective providers attend Orientation/Intake, then begin Small Business Academy before completing the eLicensing application.
After completing Orientation/Intake, Prospective Providers will begin Small Business Academy.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Care and supervision for five or more unrelated children for three or more hours per day requires a license unless the program qualifies for license-exempt status.
Care and supervision for five or more unrelated children for three or more hours per day requires a license unless the program qualifies for license-exempt status.
If you are providing care and supervision to five (5) or more unrelated children for three (3) or more hours per day without a license and you do not meet the criteria for license-exempt status, then you are operating illegally.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
The prelicensure process includes a capacity/safety walkthrough, state fire and environmental inspections, a Choose Safe Places review, and a codes/zoning clearance letter.
The prelicensure process includes a capacity/safety walkthrough, state fire and environmental inspections, a Choose Safe Places review, and a codes/zoning clearance letter.
The Program Specialist will request State Fire inspection, Environmental Inspection, and Choose Safe Places review. The Program Specialist will also instruct the Prospective Provider to secure a clearance letter from Codes and ZoningOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
The program specialist requests the fee after all inspections and clearance letters have been received.
The program specialist requests the fee after all inspections and clearance letters have been received.
After all inspections and clearance letters have been received, the Program Specialist will request the fee and will provide options and specifics on how to submit payment.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
A compliant applicant initially receives a provisional license after the required documents, training, and walkthroughs are completed.
A compliant applicant initially receives a provisional license after the required documents, training, and walkthroughs are completed.
A recommendation for a Provisional License will be submitted by the Program Specialist and approved by a Program Manager if the agency is compliant with all rules and requirements set forth by the department and all required documents and trainings have been completed and recorded.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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What should I explore next?
Family and center child care in neighboring states
Neighboring states use Census adjacency data, including water and point boundaries.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026.
Official sources (2)
Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.