50-State Construction Licensing Compliance Guide
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Guide Contents
Overview

Delaware Construction Licensing

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Licenses are typically required for individuals and businesses that provide construction industry services. This guide contains information about construction industry licensing in Delaware.

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Company Licenses

Delaware Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Delaware Asbestos Abatement Contractor Class A License

Agency:Delaware Division of Facilities Management - Asbestos Abatement Services

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Asbestos Abatement Contractor Class "A"

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$100

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Asbestos Abatement Contractor Class "A" Recertification

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually

Delaware Asbestos Abatement Contractor Class B Limited License

Agency:Delaware Division of Facilities Management - Asbestos Abatement Services

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Asbestos Abatement Contractor Class "B" Limited

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$100

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Asbestos Abatement Contractor Class "B" Limited Recertification

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually

Delaware Business License - Resident or Non-Resident Contractor

Agency:Delaware Department of Finance - Division of Revenue
Insurance Requirements:

Contractors with employees must provide evidence of workers' compensation insurance.

Bond Requirements:

Non-resident contractors must supply a bond equal to 6% of their contract(s) totaling $20,000 or more.

Notes:

Contractors may need a county level license in addition to the Division of Revenue registration.

Initial Registration

Form:

Resident Contractors Package or Non-Resident Contractors Package

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$75

Original Ink:Not required
Notarization Required?:Not required
Required Attachments:

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75 per year

Due:

Annually or triennially by December 31. Licensees may opt-in to a 3-year license cycle.

Original Ink:Not required
Notarization Required?:Not required

Delaware Class II Fire Suppression License

Agency:State of Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshall
Eligible Entity Types:
  • The company must maintain a CURRENT BUSINESS ADDRESS within the United States of America.
  • The company must make APPLICATION to the Office of State Fire Marshal and pay the appropriate FEES of $25.00 per company license and $25.00 per certificate holder
  • A list of CERTIFICATE HOLDER(s) including Certificate Number and the category(s) certified in. The company must employ, full-time, a certificate holder certified in the types of work to be performed by the company.
  • The company must hold a current STATE OF DELAWARE BUSINESS LICENSE.
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

The company must provide a CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE for General Liability and specifically stating proof of Delaware Workman’s Compensation with 10 days prior written cancellation notice. Liability insurance coverage of not less than $250,000 per person minimum and $500,000 per accident minimum.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

License Application, FSS V Certificate Holder Application

Instructions:

FSS Exam Requirements

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$25 company license fee + $25 per certificate holder

Notes:

Applications are to be typed or handwritten, and submitted to the office with an original signature. Do not submit license or certificate holder applications by e-mail.

Required Attachments:
  • Deleware Business License 
  • General Liability Insurance and proof of Wrokerman's Comp 
  • A list of CERTIFICATE HOLDER(s) including Certificate Number and the category(s) certified in. The company must employ, full-time, a certificate holder certified in the types of work to be performed by the company

Registration Renewal

Form:

License Application, FSS V Certificate Holder Application

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$25 company license fee + $25 per certificate holder

Due:

Annually by date of issuance. 

Notes:

Applications are to be typed or handwritten, and submitted to the office with an original signature. Do not submit license or certificate holder applications by e-mail.

Required Attachments:
  • Deleware Business License 
  • General Liability Insurance and proof of Wrokerman's Comp 
  • A list of CERTIFICATE HOLDER(s) including Certificate Number and the category(s) certified in. The company must employ, full-time, a certificate holder certified in the types of work to be performed by the company

Delaware Contractor Registration

Agency:Delaware Department of Labor - Division of Industrial Affairs - Office of Contractor Registration
Law:

19 DE Code Ch. 36

Notes:
  • All contractors must obtain their Contractor Registration Certificate prior to performing construction services or maintenance work throughout Delaware.
  • Out-of-state contractors must appoint a Delaware registered agent.
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Yes

Initial Registration

Instructions:

Contractor Registration Checklist

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Fees depend on the type of work the contractor does:

  • $200 for private work
  • $300 for public work
  • $500 for both public and private work
Required Attachments:
  • Contact information for each person with financial interest in business
  • Workers Compensation Policy coverage for Delaware
  • Safety Plan compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or evidence you are creating a compliant plan
  • A list of any Labor Law violations in the last two years

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Fees depend on the type of work the contractor does:

  • $200 for private work
  • $300 for public work
  • $500 for both public and private work
Due:

Annually by the registration anniversary date.

Notes:

Biennial renewal is available at a discounted rate for contractors who:

  1. Have been continuously registered for the last two consecutive years;
  2. File their renewal on time; and
  3. Have no prior violations of State or Federal Labor Laws

Delaware Pump Installer Contractor License

Agency:Delaware Division of Water - Well Permits Branch

Initial Registration

Agency Fee:

$115

Notes:

Contact the division for an initial application.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Renewal of Water Well Contractor or Pump Installer Contractor License

Agency Fee:

$115

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Delaware Water Well Contractor License

Agency:Delaware Division of Water - Well Permits Branch

Initial Registration

Agency Fee:

$150

Notes:

Contact the division for an initial application.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Renewal of Water Well Contractor or Pump Installer Contractor License

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Local Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

City of Milford Contractor License

Agency:City of Milford Public Works Facility - Code Enforcement & Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

Certificate of Liability Form (Form must list the City of Milford as the Certificate Holder)

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor License Application

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Annual fee is $100, prorated semi-annually. January - June $100 / July - December $50

Required Attachments:
  • State of Delaware Business License (current year)
  • Certificate of Liability Form (Form must list the City of Milford as the Certificate Holder)
  • Contractors License Application Form (Please see attached)

Registration Renewal

Form:

Contractor License Renewal 

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by December 31. 

Required Attachments:
  • State of Delaware Business License (current year)
  • Certificate of Liability Form (Form must list the City of Milford as the Certificate Holder)
  • Contractors License Application Form (Please see attached)

New Castle County Non-Permit Endorsed Contractor License

Agency:New Castle County - Department of Land Use - Contractor & Building Services (DE)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Non-Permit Endorsed License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online

Agency Fee:
  • $150 for sole proprietors or businesses with up to 5 employees
  • $250 for businesses with 6 to 10 employees
  • $400 for businesses with 10 or more employees
Required Attachments:
  • # of employees
  • Full SSN of applicant 

Registration Renewal

Form:

Non-Permit Endorsed License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online

Agency Fee:
  • $150 for sole proprietors or businesses with up to 5 employees
  • $250 for businesses with 6 to 10 employees
  • $400 for businesses with 10 or more employees
Due:

Annually on December 31

New Castle County Permit Endorsed Building Contractor License

Agency:New Castle County - Department of Land Use - Contractor & Building Services (DE)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Insurance in amounts no less than:

  • $250,000 for all damages arising out of personal injuries to or death of one person and all damages arising out of injury to, destruction of, or loss of use of property in any one occurrence
  • $500,000 aggregate for all damages arising out of personal injury to or death of two or more persons in any one occurrence
  • The certificate holder must read as: NCC Department of Land Use, License Processing, 87 Reads Way New Castle, DE 19720
Bond Requirements:
  • Class U: $200,000 Statutory Compliance Bond
  • Class A: $150,000 Statutory Compliance Bond
  • Class B: $50,000 Statutory Compliance Bond
  • Class C: $25,000 Statutory Compliance Bond
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • $400 license fee + $10 ICC Digital Code Access Fee
  • Contractor License Payments can be made here
    • The NCC Contractor ID is required to process payments
Notes:
  • Authorized Agents can be added while applying through the online portal. There is no need to submit the form unless adding authorized agents throughout the year. 
  • The Master Contractor License Verification can be emailed to permits@newcastlede.gov
    • This form covers all permits issued during the license period and eliminates the need to submit a Contractor License Verification for each permit issued.
Required Attachments:

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • $400 license fee + $10 ICC Digital Code Access Fee
  • Contractor License Payments can be made here
    • The NCC Contractor ID is required to process payments
Due:

Annually on December 31

Notes:
  • Authorized Agents can be added while applying through the online portal. There is no need to submit the form unless adding authorized agents throughout the year. 
  • The Master Contractor License Verification can be emailed to permits@newcastlede.gov
    • This form covers all permits issued during the license period and eliminates the need to submit a Contractor License Verification for each permit issued.
Required Attachments:

New Castle County Permit Endorsed Utility Contractor License

Agency:New Castle County - Department of Land Use - Contractor & Building Services (DE)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Insurance in amounts no less than:

  • $250,000 for all damages arising out of personal injuries to or death of one person and all damages arising out of injury to, destruction of, or loss of use of property in any one occurrence
  • $500,000 aggregate for all damages arising out of personal injury to or death of two or more persons in any one occurrence
  • The certificate holder must read as: NCC Department of Land Use, License Processing, 87 Reads Way New Castle, DE 19720
Bond Requirements:
  • HVAC&R: $25,000 Surety Bond
  • Decorative Appliance: $10,000 Surety Bond
  • Master Plumber: $10,000 Surety Bond
  • Sewer & Drain Cleaner: $10,000 Surety Bond
  • Outside Utility Contractor: $50,000 Surety Bond
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • $400 license fee + $10 ICC Digital Code Access Fee
  • Contractor License Payments can be made here
    • The NCC Contractor ID is required to process payments
Notes:
  • Authorized Agents can be added while applying through the online portal. There is no need to submit the form unless adding authorized agents throughout the year. 
  • The Master Contractor License Verification can be emailed to permits@newcastlede.gov
    • This form covers all permits issued during the license period and eliminates the need to submit a Contractor License Verification for each permit issued.
Required Attachments:
  • State of Delaware Business License
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance
  • Statutory Compliance Bond
  • Identification of Authorized Agents, if applicable
  • State of Delaware Professional Trade License (HVAC&R and Plumbing Contractors)
  • Equipment Approval Letter from NCC Department of Public Works Sewer Maintenance Section (Sewer & Drain Cleaners)
  • Current National Fire Institute Gas and/or Solid Fuel Certificate (Decorative Appliance Contractors)
  • Certificate of Prequalification Letter from NCC Department of Public Works (Outside Utility Contractors)
  • UT - License Holder Acknowledgement
  • Master Contractor License Verification (Master CLV), if applicable

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • $400 license fee + $10 ICC Digital Code Access Fee
  • Contractor License Payments can be made here
    • The NCC Contractor ID is required to process payments
Due:

Annually on December 31

Notes:
  • Authorized Agents can be added while applying through the online portal. There is no need to submit the form unless adding authorized agents throughout the year. 
  • The Master Contractor License Verification can be emailed to permits@newcastlede.gov
    • This form covers all permits issued during the license period and eliminates the need to submit a Contractor License Verification for each permit issued.
Required Attachments:
  • State of Delaware Business License
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance
  • Statutory Compliance Bond
  • Identification of Authorized Agents, if applicable
  • State of Delaware Professional Trade License (HVAC&R and Plumbing Contractors)
  • Equipment Approval Letter from NCC Department of Public Works Sewer Maintenance Section (Sewer & Drain Cleaners)
  • Current National Fire Institute Gas and/or Solid Fuel Certificate (Decorative Appliance Contractors)
  • Certificate of Prequalification Letter from NCC Department of Public Works (Outside Utility Contractors)
  • UT - License Holder Acknowledgement
  • Master Contractor License Verification (Master CLV), if applicable

Individual Licenses

Delaware Individual Construction and Contracting Licenses

Delaware Apprentice Electrician License

Agency:Delaware Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Electrical Examiners

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$69

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Fee amount will be sent with the renewal reminder.

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Several weeks before the permit expiration date, a renewal notice will be sent to the email address on the record. This notice will explain how to access the online renewal application.

Delaware Asbestos Supervisor Class A Certification

Agency:Delaware Division of Facilities Management - Asbestos Abatement Services

Initial Registration

Form:

Delaware Asbestos Supervisor Class A Certification

Agency Fee:

$50

Notes:

Provide proof of training certification for a forty (40) hour Asbestos Supervisor Training Course and/or refresher certifications issued by an approved training provider of Region III. A statement from a doctor that the Asbestos Supervisor had continued medical surveillance in accordance with OSHA 1910.1001 and is medically approved for respirator use ("B" Reader Chest X-Ray, Complete Physical and a Pulmonary Function Test). Nationally approved Adult CPR training course certification (must show ORIGINAL CPR card).

Registration Renewal

Form:

Delaware Asbestos Supervisor Class A Certification

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Expiration dates are based on the training expiration date. If someone takes their course in December but doesn?t get their license renewed until February their license will still expire in December.

Delaware Asbestos Supervisor/Worker Class B Certification

Agency:Delaware Division of Facilities Management - Asbestos Abatement Services

Registration Renewal

Form:

Delaware Asbestos Supervisor/Worker Class B Certification

Agency Fee:

$20

Due:

Expiration dates are based on the training expiration date. If someone takes their course in December but doesn?t get their license renewed until February their license will still expire in December.

Delaware Journeyman Electrician License

Agency:Delaware Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Electrical Examiners

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$84

Notarization Required?:Not required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

The fee amount will be sent with the renewal reminder.

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Several weeks before the permit expiration date, a renewal notice will be sent to the email address on the record. This notice will explain how to access the online renewal application.

Delaware Limited Electrician License

Agency:Delaware Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Electrical Examiners

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

The fee amount will be sent with the renewal reminder.

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Several weeks before the permit expiration date, a renewal notice will be sent to the email address on the record. This notice will explain how to access the online renewal application.

Delaware Limited Electrician Special License

Agency:Delaware Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Electrical Examiners

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$94

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

The fee amount will be sent with the renewal reminder.

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Several weeks before the permit expiration date, a renewal notice will be sent to the email address on the record. This notice will explain how to access the online renewal application.

Delaware Master Electrician License

Agency:Delaware Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Electrical Examiners

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$172

Notarization Required?:Not required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

The fee amount will be sent with the renewal reminder.

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Delaware Master Electrician Special License

Agency:Delaware Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Electrical Examiners

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$172

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

The fee amount will be sent with the renewal reminder.

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Several weeks before the permit expiration date, a renewal notice will be sent to the email address on the record. This notice will explain how to access the online renewal application.

Delaware Master HVACR License

Agency:Delaware Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$141

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$141

Due:

By October 31 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Several weeks before the permit expiration date, a renewal notice will be sent to the email address on the record. This notice will explain how to access the online renewal application.

Delaware Master HVACR Restricted License

Agency:Delaware Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$141

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$141

Due:

By October 31 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Several weeks before the permit expiration date, a renewal notice will be sent to the email address on the record. This notice will explain how to access the online renewal application.

Delaware Master Plumber License

Agency:Delaware Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$141

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$141

Due:

By October 31 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Several weeks before the permit expiration date, a renewal notice will be sent to the email address on the record. This notice will explain how to access the online renewal application.

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