General Contractor License Requirements in Delaware

Registration Required — Not a License

Delaware does not license general contractors at the state level, but it does require a mandatory statewide registration with the Division of Revenue — no trade exam. The fees, bond and insurance below are what registration requires; the difference from a license is that the state does not test competency. Delaware does NOT issue a statewide general contractor license. All contractors must register with the Division of Revenue and obtain a business license ($200/year, or $300 if bidding on state contracts). Some counties have additional requirements — New Castle County requires a Permit Endorsed Contractor License for work requiring building permits. Dover and other cities may require a separate municipal business license.

Licensing Authority	Division of Revenue (DOR)
License Type	Construction Contractor Registration
Experience Required	No experience requirements for contractor registration. Applicants must disclose any labor law violations or fraud charges within the previous 2 years.
Exam Required	No
Bond Required	No
Insurance	General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees
Continuing Education	Not required
Processing Time	2-4 weeks

Fee Breakdown

Application Fee	$200
Est. Initial Total	$200

Related & additional fees

Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.

Registration fee (bidding on state contracts)

$300

Renewal: $200 every 1 year

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→

You're registered in Delaware as a general contractor — 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→
Register locally.
Delaware does NOT issue a statewide general contractor license. All contractors must register with the Division of Revenue and obtain a business license ($200/year, or $300 if bidding on state contracts). Some counties have additional requirements — New Castle County requires a Permit Endorsed Contractor License for work requiring building permits. Dover and other cities may require a separate municipal business license.
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 general contractor 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→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every year at $200.

Other licenses in Delaware

Electrician license in Delaware
Statewide license required · $172 in initial government fees · DPR
Plumber license in Delaware
Statewide license required · $153 in initial government fees · DPR
HVAC Technician license in Delaware
Statewide license required · $153 in initial government fees · DPR
Roofing Contractor license in Delaware
Statewide registration, not a license · $200 in fees · DOR

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a general contractor license in Delaware?

No — Delaware does not issue a statewide general contractor license, but it requires a mandatory statewide registration with the Division of Revenue. There is no trade exam; registration carries its own fee and insurance requirements.

Do I need a general contractor license in Delaware?

No, Delaware does not require a statewide general contractor license. However, local permits or registrations may be required. Delaware does NOT issue a statewide general contractor license. All contractors must register with the Division of Revenue and obtain a business license ($200/year, or $300 if bidding on state contracts). Some counties have additional requirements — New Castle County requires a Permit Endorsed Contractor License for work requiring building permits. Dover and other cities may require a separate municipal business license.

What do I need to work as a general contractor in Delaware?

While no statewide license is required, you may need local business licenses, building permits, or contractor registration depending on your city or county. All contractors must obtain general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance (required for all employers), and unemployment insurance.

Does Delaware require insurance for general contractors?

General liability insurance is required for general contractors in Delaware. Workers compensation is required if you have employees. All contractors must obtain general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance (required for all employers), and unemployment insurance.

What trades DO require a state license in Delaware?

Delaware requires statewide licensing for: electrician, plumber, hvac technician. Each has its own licensing authority, fees, and requirements.

Next steps

You know the requirements for general contractors in Delaware— here's how to actually pass and apply.

Pass the exam →What to study, prep courses, and first-try strategies for the contractor license exam.General Contractor requirements in every state →Compare apprenticeship hours, exams, fees, and the full path to getting licensed.

Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DOR