Delaware Business License: Who Needs One & How to Apply (2025)
As of 2025, Delaware requires all businesses to obtain a general business license in order to conduct business activity within the state.
In addition to a Delaware business license, your business may require additional federal, state, and local licenses depending on your business’s location and industry.
This article will cover:
What Is a Business License in Delaware?
A business license is a permit issued by a local, state, or federal body in order to allow businesses to perform a specific business activity and/or operate legitimately.
A state-issued business license is required for all businesses operating in Delaware. Not obtaining a business license can result in fines, legal action, or other penalties under Delaware law.
In addition to the state-issued business license, your business may be obligated to obtain additional licenses or permits.
For example:
- A restaurant in Wilmington will need a Food Establishment Permit from the Delaware Division of Public Health, Office of Food Protection.
- A certified public accounting firm in Dover will need a Firm Permit from the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.
- A retail boutique in Newark will need a City of Newark Business License from the Newark Code Enforcement Division.
Note: These examples are simplified to illustrate common licensing requirements and do not list every permit that may be needed. Operating without proper licensing can result in penalties including fines, business closure orders, and legal complications. Always research the specific requirements for your business type and location.
Do I Need a Delaware Business License?
Yes, you need a Delaware business license to operate in the state. You may also be required to obtain additional federal, state, and local licenses and permits, as shown on the table below:
Delaware Business Licensing at a Glance
| Jurisdiction | Business Licenses | Who Needs It & Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Local |
| Varies by city and county. Contact your local municipality to determine local requirements. |
| State | Business License | Required for all businesses operating within the state. Apply online via Delaware One Stop Website. |
| Professional Licenses | Required for regulated professions (e.g., real estate agents, contractors, healthcare professionals, etc.) Apply via the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. | |
| Industry-Specific State Licenses | Businesses in regulated industries (e.g., food establishments, liquor, childcare, environmental permits). Apply through relevant Delaware agencies. | |
| Federal | Industry-Specific Licenses | Businesses involved in federally regulated activities such as agriculture, aviation, firearms, alcohol, broadcasting, or wildlife. Apply through the relevant federal agency (e.g., USDA, FAA, ATF, FCC, FWS) |
*While this table is meant to give you a general idea, it’s by no means exhaustive. For all your licensing needs, we suggest either going with a professional licensing service or consulting with a business attorney.
Recommended Solution
Figuring out your licensing needs can be complicated and time-consuming, taking focus away from running and growing your business. We recommend using an affordable service instead for just $150.
How to Get a Business License in Delaware
The process of obtaining a business license in Delaware will depend on the permit in question, but generally involves completing the following steps:
1. Form a Business Structure & Obtain an EIN
We recommend formalizing your business before acquiring a business license in order to avoid potentially having to repeat this process again later down the line.
This also gives other benefits depending on the business model, such as:
- Personal liability protection
- Improved legitimacy
- Larger access to loans and corporate finance
Recommended Business Structure
We generally recommend almost all small business owners to form an LLC. This offers personal liability protection, is extremely affordable, and offers a ton of flexibility when it comes to how it can be taxed and managed.
You can use a formation service for just $29 (excluding the $110 state fee).
Note: You should obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) after forming your LLC. You can have a look at our How to Get an EIN overview for more information.
2. Apply for the Right Business License in Delaware
This step will depend on the business license in question.
Delaware Local Business Licenses
Many Delaware cities and counties require local business licenses or permits to be obtained. This can be in addition to the common state-wide licenses talked about above.
Here are some common local permits you may need:
- Zoning Permits: You may need this to ensure that your business’s location is zoned appropriately and is compliant with local laws. Delaware requires zoning approval for most business activities (e.g., if you were based in New Castle County, you would check zoning requirements with the New Castle County Department of Land Use).
- City Business License: Many cities in Delaware require a city-issued business license in addition to the license required by the state. (e.g., if you were based in Middletown, you would need to obtain a business license through the Town of Middletown).
- Sign Permits: These can be required before installing business signage on your property or building (e.g., if you were based in Dover, you would apply for sign permits by submitting a Sign Permit Application to the Dover Department of Planning and Inspections).
- Fire Department Permits: These can be necessary for businesses with public access, occupancy permits, or special fire safety requirements (e.g., if your business is in Wilmington, you would contact the Wilmington Fire Marshal’s Office for fire safety permits).
- Certificate of Occupancy: Required for most businesses before they can legally occupy a building or space. This verifies that the structure meets building codes and is safe for the intended use and is issued at the city level (e.g., if your business is in Sussex County, you would obtain this through the Sussex County Administrative Offices).
To find your local county or city’s official contact information and licensing requirements, you can refer to the state’s list of County, City, and Town Licensing and Permits.
Delaware State Business Licenses
Below we’ve included the most common business licenses that are required on a state level.
Delaware Business License
Delaware’s general business license is obtained online through the Delaware One Stop website.
Apply Online With Delaware One Stop
Apply OnlineFee: $75
Delaware Professional Licenses
If you’re interested in a professional license, you’ll need to head over to the relevant state commission, as this is not handled on a local level. We’ve provided the licensing boards of a few of the most common professions below to get you started:
- Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline: Licenses physicians (M.D. and D.O.), physician assistants, respiratory care practitioners, acupuncturists, genetic counselors, and Eastern medicine practitioners.
- Board of Nursing: Oversees registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Delaware is a member of the interstate nurse licensure compact.
- Real Estate Commission: Issues licenses to real estate brokers, associate brokers, salespersons, and real estate offices (main and branch locations).
- Board of Accountancy: Regulates certified public accountants (CPAs) and issues both CPA certificates and permits to practice.
- Board of Electrical Examiners: Licenses master electricians, limited electricians, journeyperson electricians, residential electricians, apprentice electricians, and electrical inspection agencies.
- Board of Cosmetology and Barbering: Oversees cosmetologists, barbers, nail technicians, aestheticians, and salon/shop licenses.
- Delaware Department of Insurance: Regulates insurance agents, brokers, and adjusters (note: this is separate from DPR).
For more information on how to go about getting licensed, you can have a look at StateRequirement’s in-depth licensing guides.
Industry-Specific State Licenses
Some Delaware businesses require additional licenses based on the specific industry they operate in.
Here are some common examples of industry-specific state licenses in Delaware:
- Liquor License: Required for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages. Regulated by the Delaware Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC).
- Motor Vehicle Dealer License: Required for selling five or more vehicles in any 12-month period as a retailer. Regulated by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.
- Child Care License: Required for providing paid care to any non-related child outside of their home while the parent is not present. Regulated by the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL).
- Food Establishment Permit: Required for restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, caterers, and other businesses that prepare and serve food to the public. Regulated by the Delaware Division of Public Health, Office of Food Protection.
Note: This is not a complete list. Licensing requirements vary by industry and business model. For more, we recommend visiting State of Delaware’s Business First Steps.
Delaware Environmental Permits
If your business’s industry will mean that it could negatively impact the environment, there’s a good chance you’ll need some sort of license or permit from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).
Examples of industries regulated here include:
- Aboveground Storage Tank (AST)
- Commercial Fishing
- Dry Cleaner: Perchloroethylene Source Category Permits
- Fishing Guide Licenses
- Gasoline Delivery
- Hazardous Waste Post Closure
- Hazardous Waste TSDF
- Hunting Guide
- Nuisance Wildlife Control
- Open Burning
- Recyclers, Reuse, and Composting Operations
- Resource Recovery Facility
- Scientific Collecting
- Shellfish Aquaculture
- Shellfish Dealer
- Solid Waste Landfills
Recommended Solution
Business licensing can be complicated and time-consuming, taking focus away from running and growing your business. We recommend using an affordable legal service to handle your licensing needs instead.
Federal Business Licenses for Delaware LLCs
If your business is in a federally regulated industry (which is uncommon), it’ll need to acquire the appropriate business license from the right body before starting to operate.
A full list of industries regulated at a federal level can be found below:
- Agriculture: Overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Alcoholic Beverages: Overseen by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the Local Alcohol Beverage Control Board
- Aviation: Overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration.
- Firearms, Ammunitions, and Explosives: Overseen by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
- Fish and Wildlife: Overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Commercial Fishing: Overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service.
- Maritime Transportation: Overseen by the Federal Maritime Commission.
- Mining and Drilling: Overseen by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
- Radio and Television Broadcasting: Overseen by the Federal Communications Commission.
- Transportation and Logistics: Overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation
Delaware Business License Renewal
Depending on your business license, you may need to renew it periodically — usually within one or two years.
Your Delaware business license must be renewed before its expiration date. The date of renewal will depend on whether you obtained a one-year or three-year license.
Several of the local permits will also need to be renewed annually; this includes health department permits, signage permits, and fire department permits, which generally all need to be renewed annually.
Having said that, this will depend on both your location and the license in question.
Delaware Business License FAQs
Yes, most businesses operating in Delaware need a Delaware Business License from the Division of Revenue, which costs $75 annually. However, depending on your location and industry, you’ll likely need additional specific permits or licenses at the local, state, or federal level. The Delaware Business License is required for most business activities conducted in the state, regardless of business structure.
This depends on your business type and location. Common requirements include: a Delaware Business License from the Division of Revenue ($75 annually), local permits (health, zoning, occupancy), professional licenses (for regulated professions through the Division of Professional Regulation), and industry-specific licenses (liquor, childcare, food establishment permits). Note that Delaware has no sales tax, so you won’t need a traditional sales tax permit, but you will pay gross receipts tax.
The Delaware Business License costs $75 annually. Other license costs vary significantly – local permits may range from $25 to 200, professional licenses can cost $50 to 500+, and specialized licenses like liquor licenses can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the type and location.
Yes, the Delaware Business License must be renewed annually. Most licenses require periodic renewal. Professional licenses typically renew every one to three years, health permits and most local permits typically renew annually, and liquor licenses renew biennially (every two years). You should check with the relevant issuing agency for your specific renewal requirements.
Generally, no. You must obtain all required licenses before beginning operations. Operating without proper licenses can result in fines, legal action, and difficulty obtaining licenses in the future. Some licenses allow provisional operation while applications are pending, so you should check with the specific agency.
Yes, home-based businesses need the same licenses as traditional businesses, plus they must comply with local zoning laws. You’ll need a Delaware Business License from the Division of Revenue, any required professional licenses, and must ensure your residential area is zoned for business use. Some municipalities require separate home occupation permits.