When to Start Your Renewal
Texas DFPS licenses are typically issued for two years. DFPS sends a renewal notice 90 days before expiration. Do not wait for this notice — if it gets lost, the clock still runs. Set a calendar reminder 120 days before your expiration date and begin gathering documents at 90 days.
Documents Required for Renewal
Facility & Operations
- ✓Completed renewal application (form CCL 002)
- ✓Renewal fee payment (current fee schedule at hhs.texas.gov)
- ✓Current floor plan showing all rooms used for child care, square footage, and exit locations
- ✓Current fire inspection certificate (must be issued within the past 12 months)
- ✓Current health/sanitation inspection certificate
- ✓Proof of liability insurance with required minimum coverage
- ✓Vehicle inspection records (if your center provides transportation)
Director Qualifications
- ✓Current director's educational transcripts or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
- ✓Current CPR/First Aid certification (within past 2 years, pediatric-certified)
- ✓Completed 24 hours of annual training documentation (director-level requirements)
Staff Records
- ✓Current background check results for all employees (Texas DPS + FBI fingerprint)
- ✓Staff training hours documentation — 24 hours/year for all caregivers
- ✓CPR/First Aid certification for all staff (pediatric certified)
- ✓Staff qualification verification (education, experience, age requirements)
Child Records (Available for Inspector Review)
- ✓Up-to-date immunization records for all enrolled children
- ✓Current enrollment agreements signed by parent/guardian
- ✓Emergency contact and authorized pickup lists for each child
- ✓Signed media release forms (photos, website)
- ✓Allergy and medical action plans for any children with special health needs
Policies & Procedures
- ✓Parent handbook (current version, reviewed annually)
- ✓Discipline policy signed by parent at enrollment
- ✓Emergency preparedness plan (fire, severe weather, lockdown, evacuation)
- ✓Transportation policy (if applicable)
- ✓Illness policy (exclusion criteria, return-to-care criteria)
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Top Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Rejected
1. Expired Background Checks
Background checks expire. Texas DPS checks don't require renewal, but if a staff member had a break in employment, you may need to resubmit. FBI fingerprint checks must be repeated for any gap in employment over 180 days. Start auditing your background check dates 90 days before renewal.
2. Training Hours Not Documented
DFPS requires 24 hours of annual training per caregiver. It's not enough to know staff completed the training — you must have dated certificates or sign-in sheets from each training. Undated or generic records don't count. This is the most common reason for renewal delays.
3. Outdated Fire or Health Inspection
Fire inspection certificates must be issued by a licensed fire marshal and be current (within 12 months). If your center changed any rooms, renovated, or added square footage, you need a new inspection — not a renewal of the old one. Schedule inspections at least 30 days before you need the certificate.
4. Missing Immunization Records
Immunization records must be on file before a child's first day — not within a grace period, and not "parent said they're up to date." DFPS inspectors review immunization records during renewal inspections. Missing records for even one child can trigger a deficiency.
5. Floor Plan Doesn't Match Current Layout
Any change to how rooms are used for child care (new nap room, relocated infant area, added outdoor space) must be reflected in the floor plan on file. If your center looks different from the approved plan, update it before renewal.
Inspection What to Expect
DFPS conducts a renewal inspection before issuing the new license. Inspectors will:
- Walk all rooms used for child care and verify square footage compliance
- Check your current enrollment count against your licensed capacity
- Verify staff-to-child ratios at the time of the visit
- Review a sample of child records (enrollment agreements, immunizations, emergency contacts)
- Review staff training documentation and background check records
- Check medication storage (if applicable)
- Review your emergency preparedness plan and verify exit routes
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