Except as provided under s. 48.715 (6) and (7), if any child welfare agency, shelter care facility, group home, or child care center that has not been previously issued a license under s. 48.66 (1) (a) applies for a license, meets the minimum requirements for a license established under s. 48.67, and pays the applicable fee referred to in s. 48.68 (1), the department shall issue a probationary license to that child welfare agency, shelter care facility, group home, or child care center. A probationary license is valid for up to 6 months after the date of issuance unless renewed under this section or suspended or revoked under s. 48.715. Before a probationary license expires, the department shall inspect the child welfare agency, shelter care facility, group home, or child care center holding the probationary license and, except as provided under s. 48.715 (6) and (7), if the child welfare agency, shelter care facility, group home, or child care center meets the minimum requirements for a license established under s. 48.67, the department shall issue a license under s. 48.66 (1) (a). A probationary license issued under this section may be renewed for one 6-month period.