Contractor Licensing in Delaware: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, Delaware requires a statewide license for 3 of 5 contractor trades, issued by 2 separate agencies. Initial costs run $153 to $172.
Delaware does not require a statewide general contractor license but mandates contractor registration with the Division of Revenue. Specialty trades — electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians — are licensed statewide through the Division of Professional Regulation (DPR). Roofing contractors need only the general contractor registration. Delaware uses a master/journeyperson licensing structure for trades, with biennial renewals on even-numbered years.
General Contractor
RegistrationOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RegistrationInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Delaware Licensing Overview
Delaware requires statewide licensing for 3 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — electrician, plumber, hvac technician — are regulated by 2 separate agencies: Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Electrical Examiners (DPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners (DPR). General Contractor and Roofing Contractor requirea statewide registration rather than a license — mandatory, with its own fees and bond, but no trade exam. Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $153 to $172, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Delaware Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $200 | — | — | — | $200 |
| Electrician | $172 | — | — | — | $172 |
| Plumber | $153 | — | — | — | $153 |
| HVAC Technician | $153 | — | — | — | $153 |
| Roofing Contractor | $200 | — | — | — | $200 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in Delaware
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Delaware. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→Key Facts About Delaware Contractor Licensing
- All contractors must obtain general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance (required for all employers), and unemployment insurance.
- Delaware requires statewide registration, not a license, for general contractor and roofing contractors — no trade exam.
- License types include Master, Master Special, Limited, Limited Special, Journeyperson, Residential, and Apprentice
- All electrician licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years
- 2026 change: Continuing education (5 hours per renewal period) is now required for plumbers starting October 31, 2026
You're registered in Delaware — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Division of Revenue issues the Construction Contractor Registration; the business that invoices Delaware customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the registration number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Delaware does not require a surety bond for this registration — Bonds are NOT required for resident contractors. Non-resident contractors must obtain a surety bond equal to 6% of contract amount for single contracts/subcontracts exceeding $20,000 or aggregate exceeding $20,000 in a calendar year.
Carry the insurance the registration requires.
Delaware requires general liability insurance for this registration. All contractors must obtain general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance (required for all employers), and unemployment insurance. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Delaware require a contractor license?
Yes, Delaware requires statewide licensing for 3 of 5 trades: electrician, plumber, hvac technician. General Contractor and Roofing Contractor do not require a statewide license.
How much does a contractor license cost in Delaware?
Initial licensing costs range from $153 to $172 depending on the trade, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does Delaware have license reciprocity with other states?
Delaware does not currently have reciprocity agreements with other states. Contractors from other states must apply and meet the full requirements.
What trades require a state license in Delaware?
Delaware requires statewide licenses for: electrician, plumber, hvac technician. General Contractor and Roofing Contractor licensing is handled at the local level.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Delaware?
All contractors must obtain general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance (required for all employers), and unemployment insurance.