Delaware Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Business License (Contractor) Issued by the Division of Revenue under 30 Del. C. Chapter 25. Required for every person or business performing contracting work in Delaware, resident or non-resident. Renews annually by December 31. Contractors also pay the contractor's gross receipts tax on taxable Delaware receipts (monthly exclusion of $100,000 per 30 Del. C. § 2503). | Annual renewal required by December 31 | None for resident contractors; non-residents must file surety bond equal to 6% of contract value for contracts over $20,000 (30 Del. C. § 375) | |
| Contractor Registration (Department of Labor) Mandatory registration under the Delaware Contractor Registration Act (19 Del. C. Chapter 36), administered by the Department of Labor's Office of Contractor Registration. Applies to all construction contractors before work begins in Delaware. Requires Delaware Business License number, Delaware workers' compensation policy, unemployment insurance (SUI) number, and OSHA-compliant safety plan. | $200 (private) / $300 (public) / $500 (public and private) for one-year registration; two-year registration available at $300 (private) / $500 (public) after two consecutive years of clean registration | $200–$500 depending on scope; two-year renewals available | |
| Master Electrician Issued by the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners under 24 Del. C. Chapter 14. Authorizes full electrical work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Requires 6 years of full-time experience under a licensed master electrician, or 8,000 hours of experience plus 576 hours of approved technical training, and passing the Board's exam. | None (specialty license) | ||
| Limited Electrician Issued by the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners under 24 Del. C. Chapter 14. Authorizes electrical work in residential settings. Requires 3 years of experience under a master or limited electrician, or 4,000 hours of experience plus 288 hours of approved technical training, and passing the Board's exam. | |||
| Master Electrician Special / Limited Electrician Special Issued by the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners for work restricted to a specific specialty (for example, elevators, HVAC, or signs). Experience and training requirements mirror the master or limited classifications in the relevant specialty. | |||
| Journeyperson Electrician Issued by the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners. Requires age 20+ and either completion of a Board-approved apprenticeship with a final examination, or more than 8,000 hours of experience under licensed master/limited/special electricians. | |||
| Residential Electrician Issued by the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners for work limited to residential occupancies. Requires passing the Board-approved residential exam and either more than 4,000 hours of experience under licensed supervision or completion of an approved residential apprenticeship. | |||
| Master Plumber Issued by the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners under 24 Del. C. Chapter 18. Authorizes plumbing contracting in Delaware. Administered by DPR through DELPROS. | |||
| Master HVACR / Master Restricted HVACR Issued by the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners under 24 Del. C. Chapter 18. Authorizes HVACR contracting. Master Restricted HVACR limits the scope of practice to a specific subset of HVACR work. |
Delaware does not issue a single state-wide general contractor's license. Instead, anyone doing construction work in Delaware must (1) hold a Delaware Business License from the Division of Revenue, (2) register with the Delaware Department of Labor's Office of Contractor Registration under the 2021 Contractor Registration Act (19 Del. C. Chapter 36), and (3) — if working in a regulated specialty trade such as electrical, plumbing, or HVACR — hold the relevant occupational license from the Division of Professional Regulation (DPR). Non-resident contractors also must post a surety bond equal to 6% of the contract value on contracts over $20,000 (30 Del. C. § 375). To verify a Delaware contractor, use two lookups: the Division of Revenue business license search and the DELPROS professional license verification portal.
Step 1: Get the contractor's Delaware Business License number
Every contractor operating in Delaware must have a Business License issued by the Division of Revenue. Ask for the license number before signing anything — legitimate contractors will provide it. This is the primary identifier you'll use for verification.
Step 2: Search the Delaware Business License database
Use the Delaware Division of Revenue's Business License Search to confirm the contractor is currently licensed. You can search by business name, activity, or location. The results show the license number, business activity, validity dates, and business address.
Delaware Business License Search →
Step 3: If it's a specialty trade, verify the DPR license on DELPROS
For electrical, plumbing, HVACR, elevator, land surveying, home inspection, and similar regulated trades, verify the individual's professional license on DELPROS (eLicense Delaware). DELPROS is the official primary-source verification system for the Division of Professional Regulation and is free to use.
Verify a DPR License on DELPROS →
Step 4: Confirm Department of Labor Contractor Registration
Under 19 Del. C. Chapter 36, every construction contractor must register with the Delaware Department of Labor's Office of Contractor Registration before work begins. Ask the contractor for their registration number and proof of current Delaware workers' compensation coverage. You can confirm registration status by calling the Office of Contractor Registration at (302) 430-7739 or emailing Contract.Registry@delaware.gov.
Step 5: Verify insurance and (for non-residents) the surety bond
All contractors with employees must carry Delaware workers' compensation insurance (19 Del. C. Chapter 23). General liability is standard industry practice but not state-mandated. Non-resident contractors on contracts over $20,000 must post a surety bond equal to 6% of the contract value with the Division of Revenue before construction begins (Form 1125 / Form 5060 under 30 Del. C. § 375).
- Delaware workers' compensation policy (required for any contractor with employees)
- General liability insurance (industry-standard, strongly recommended)
- Non-resident surety bond at 6% of contract value for contracts over $20,000
Step 6: Check complaint history with Consumer Protection
The Delaware Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit investigates fraud and unfair practices, including home improvement disputes. Check for prior complaints or actions before hiring. A dedicated Home Improvement Dispute Resolution process (proposed 6 Del. C. § 2562) is pending under HB 89 of the 2025 session but is not yet law as of 2026-04-20; until enacted, route home improvement disputes to the Consumer Protection Unit under the existing Consumer Fraud Act.
Delaware Consumer Protection Unit →
Delaware Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Workers' Compensation | Required under 19 Del. C. Chapter 23 for any employer with one or more employees. A Delaware-compliant policy number and a digital copy of the policy are required to complete Department of Labor contractor registration. |
| Unemployment Insurance (SUI) | Required under Delaware law for employers. A valid State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) number is required at contractor registration. |
| General Liability | Not state-mandated, but standard industry practice. Most project owners and general contractors require a certificate of insurance before allowing work to begin. |
Delaware Contractor Bond Requirements
Delaware does not require resident contractors to post a general contractor license bond. Non-resident contractors, however, must post a surety bond (or approved bank letter of credit) equal to 6% of the contract value for any single contract, cost-plus contract, or aggregate annual contracts exceeding $20,000. The bond must be filed with the Division of Revenue before construction begins under 30 Del. C. § 375, using Form 1125, and general contractors must file Form 5060 within 10 days of entering a non-resident subcontract.
Delaware Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Delaware law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Every construction contractor must hold a current Delaware Business License from the Division of Revenue (30 Del. C. Chapter 25) before doing work in the state.
- Every construction contractor must register with the Delaware Department of Labor's Office of Contractor Registration under 19 Del. C. Chapter 36 before work begins, and must show proof of workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and an OSHA-compliant safety plan.
- Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVACR) are separately licensed by the Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) and must be verified on DELPROS. Fire protection systems (sprinklers, alarms, suppression) are licensed separately by the Office of the State Fire Marshal under 16 Del. C. Chapter 66.
- Pending legislation — HB 89 of the 2025 session (153rd General Assembly) would add 6 Del. C. § 2562 to create a Home Improvement Dispute Resolution process at the Division of Consumer Protection with a 20-day contractor response window. As of 2026-04-20 the bill is still pending in House Appropriations and is not yet law.
- Door-to-door home solicitation sales are governed by 6 Del. C. Chapter 44, which gives buyers a three-day right to cancel.
- The Delaware Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit enforces the Consumer Fraud Act (6 Del. C. Chapter 25, Subchapter II) against deceptive and unfair home improvement practices.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Delaware puts you at risk:
- Operating without a Delaware Business License violates 30 Del. C. Chapter 25 and exposes the contractor to penalties and back taxes.
- Operating without Department of Labor Contractor Registration violates 19 Del. C. Chapter 36 and can result in stop-work orders and civil penalties.
- Performing regulated trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVACR) without a DPR license violates 24 Del. C. Chapters 14 and 18 and can result in cease-and-desist orders and fines.
- Consumers who hire unregistered contractors may have difficulty enforcing contracts and may be exposed to liability for uninsured on-the-job injuries.
- Non-resident contractors working without the 6% bond can have payments withheld and are in violation of 30 Del. C. § 375.
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Delaware
Report unlicensed or unregistered contractor activity to the agency with jurisdiction. The Department of Labor handles contractor registration violations; the Division of Professional Regulation handles unlicensed trade work; the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit handles fraud and home improvement disputes.
- Department of Labor — Office of Contractor Registration: (302) 430-7739, Contract.Registry@delaware.gov
- Division of Professional Regulation: (302) 744-4500, customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov
- Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit: 1-800-220-5424, attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Delaware
Delaware consumers have multiple complaint paths depending on the type of issue. The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit handles fraud, deception, and home improvement disputes. The Division of Professional Regulation handles complaints against licensed trades (electrical, plumbing, HVACR). The Department of Labor handles contractor registration, wage, and labor violations.
You can file a complaint by:
- Consumer Protection Unit (fraud, home improvement disputes): 1-800-220-5424 or attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/
- Division of Professional Regulation (licensed trades): (302) 744-4500 or customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov
- Department of Labor — Office of Contractor Registration: (302) 430-7739 or Contract.Registry@delaware.gov
Proposed 6 Del. C. § 2562 (HB 89 of the 2025 session) would let a consumer submit a home improvement dispute to the Division of Consumer Protection after giving the contractor 20 days' notice, with Consumer Fraud Act consequences for non-participation. The bill remains pending in House Appropriations as of 2026-04-20 and is not yet enforceable.
Delaware Contractor Bond Schedule
Bond obligations in Delaware fall primarily on non-resident contractors and on public works. There is no general statewide contractor license bond for resident contractors.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Contractor Bond | 6% of contract value (contracts over $20,000) | Required under 30 Del. C. § 375 for non-resident contractors. Filed with the Division of Revenue on Form 1125 before construction begins. Bank letters of credit may be accepted in lieu of a surety bond. TIM 93-5 provides Division of Revenue guidance implementing the statute. |
| Public Works Bonds | Per project requirements | DelDOT and other public agencies require performance and payment bonds on public construction projects per 29 Del. C. Chapter 69 and related procurement statutes. |
What Makes Delaware Contractor Licensing Unique
No state-wide General Contractor license
Delaware is one of a handful of states that does not issue a general contractor's license. Compliance instead comes from three separate tracks: a Delaware Business License (Division of Revenue), Contractor Registration (Department of Labor), and — for regulated trades — a DPR occupational license.
Non-resident 6% bond still on the books
Under 30 Del. C. § 375, a non-resident contractor must post a surety bond equal to 6% of the contract value for any contract over $20,000. The requirement has been in effect since at least 1993 (TIM 93-5, the Division of Revenue's implementing guidance) and remains active in 2026.
2021 Contractor Registration Act
The Delaware Contractor Registration Act (19 Del. C. Chapter 36) took effect in 2021 and requires all construction contractors — including residential — to register with the Department of Labor, submit an OSHA-compliant safety plan, and disclose any labor law violations from the prior two years.
Contractor's gross receipts tax
In addition to the flat business license fee, Delaware contractors owe a gross receipts tax of 0.6472% on taxable Delaware receipts, with a $100,000 monthly exclusion ($300,000 quarterly for qualifying filers), under 30 Del. C. § 2503. Payments to licensed Delaware subcontractors may be excluded via Form 1280.
HB 89 (2025) — pending Home Improvement Dispute Resolution bill
House Bill 89 of the 2025 session (153rd General Assembly, sponsored by Rep. Eric Morrison) would add 6 Del. C. § 2562, creating a Home Improvement Dispute Resolution process housed in the Division of Consumer Protection under which contractors must respond in good faith within 20 days of notice or face treble damages, attorney's fees, and possible registration consequences. As of 2026-04-20 the bill remains pending in House Appropriations and is not yet law — consumers should not rely on § 2562 until enactment.
Frequently Asked Questions: Delaware Contractor Licensing
Does Delaware have a general contractor's license?
No. Delaware does not issue a single general contractor's license. Instead, a contractor operating in Delaware needs a Delaware Business License from the Division of Revenue, Contractor Registration with the Department of Labor under 19 Del. C. Chapter 36, and — if performing regulated trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVACR) — a professional license from the Division of Professional Regulation. Fire protection systems work is licensed separately by the Office of the State Fire Marshal under 16 Del. C. Chapter 66.
How do I check a contractor's license in Delaware?
Use two lookups. First, the Delaware Division of Revenue Business License Search at revenue.delaware.gov/business-license-search/ confirms a contractor has a current Delaware Business License. Second, if the work involves a regulated trade, verify the individual's professional license on DELPROS at delpros.delaware.gov/OH_VerifyLicense. For Department of Labor Contractor Registration status, call the Office of Contractor Registration at (302) 430-7739.
Do Delaware contractors need a surety bond?
Only non-resident contractors. Under 30 Del. C. § 375, a non-resident contractor must post a surety bond (or approved bank letter of credit) equal to 6% of the contract value for any single contract, cost-plus contract, or aggregate annual Delaware contracts exceeding $20,000. Resident contractors do not post a state contractor license bond, although public works projects typically require performance and payment bonds.
Is there a home improvement contractor license in Delaware?
No — Delaware does not have a dedicated home improvement contractor license. Home improvement work is covered by the general Delaware Business License, the Department of Labor Contractor Registration (19 Del. C. Chapter 36), and — for electrical, plumbing, or HVACR work — DPR trade licenses. A dedicated Home Improvement Dispute Resolution process (proposed 6 Del. C. § 2562) is currently pending under HB 89 of the 2025 session but has not yet been enacted as of 2026-04-20.
Who licenses electricians and plumbers in Delaware?
The Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) at dpr.delaware.gov. The Board of Electrical Examiners (24 Del. C. Chapter 14) issues Master, Limited, Master/Limited Special, Journeyperson, Residential, and Apprentice electrician licenses. The Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners (24 Del. C. Chapter 18) issues Master Plumber, Master HVACR, Master Restricted HVACR, and temporary licenses. Both use DELPROS for applications and verifications. Fire protection systems contractors (sprinklers, alarms, suppression) are licensed separately by the Office of the State Fire Marshal under 16 Del. C. Chapter 66.
How much does a Delaware contractor's business license cost?
Contractor business license fees are set by the Division of Revenue and renew annually by December 31. In addition to the flat license fee, Delaware contractors pay gross receipts tax of 0.6472% on taxable Delaware receipts, with a $100,000 monthly exclusion under 30 Del. C. § 2503. Department of Labor Contractor Registration is a separate fee: $200 (private), $300 (public), or $500 (both) for a one-year registration; two-year renewals ($300 private / $500 public) become available after two consecutive years of clean registration.
Do I need workers' compensation insurance in Delaware?
Yes, if you have any employees. Under 19 Del. C. Chapter 23, every employer must provide workers' compensation coverage as the exclusive remedy for work-related injuries. Proof of a Delaware-compliant workers' compensation policy is required to complete Department of Labor Contractor Registration.
How do I file a complaint against a Delaware contractor?
Route the complaint to the right agency. For fraud, deception, or home improvement disputes, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at 1-800-220-5424 or attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/. For licensed electricians, plumbers, or HVACR contractors, file with the Division of Professional Regulation at (302) 744-4500 or customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov. For contractor registration, wage, or labor issues, contact the Department of Labor's Office of Contractor Registration at (302) 430-7739 or Contract.Registry@delaware.gov.
Sources
Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.
- Delaware Division of Revenue — Contractors (Resident and Non-Resident) — Authoritative Division of Revenue page for contractor business license and tax forms. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Delaware Division of Revenue — Business License Search — Official lookup for Delaware Business Licenses by business name, activity, or location. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Delaware Division of Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax FAQ — Contractor gross receipts tax rate and monthly exclusion. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- 30 Del. C. Chapter 25 — Occupational and Business Licenses and Taxes — Statutory authority for the contractor business license and gross receipts tax (§ 2501 et seq.). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Delaware OneStop — Operate as a Contractor — State-issued summary of contractor registration requirements, fees, insurance, and safety plan. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- 19 Del. C. Chapter 36 — Contractor Registration — Statutory authority for Department of Labor contractor registration (2021 Act). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- 19 Del. C. Chapter 23 — Workers' Compensation — Statutory workers' compensation coverage requirement for Delaware employers. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Delaware Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Electrical Examiners — Authoritative page for Delaware electrical licensing (Master, Limited, Journeyperson, Residential, Apprentice). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- 24 Del. C. Chapter 14 — Electrical Examiners — Statutory authority for Delaware electrician licensing and classifications. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- 24 Del. C. Chapter 18 — Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners — Statutory authority for Delaware plumbing and HVACR professional licensing. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- 30 Del. C. § 375 (non-resident contractor bond statute) — Statutory authority for the 6% non-resident contractor surety bond requirement on contracts of $20,000 or more. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Division of Revenue TIM 93-5 (non-resident contractor bond guidance) — Delaware Division of Revenue Technical Information Memorandum implementing the 30 Del. C. § 375 non-resident contractor bond requirement. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- DELPROS — Delaware Professional License Verification — Official DPR primary-source verification for all DPR boards, including electrical, plumbing, HVACR, elevator, and home inspection. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Delaware Attorney General — Consumer Protection Unit — Consumer Protection Unit jurisdiction over fraud and home improvement disputes under the Consumer Fraud Act (6 Del. C. Chapter 25, Subchapter II). Pending HB 89 (2025) would add a dedicated Home Improvement Dispute Resolution process under proposed 6 Del. C. § 2562. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
Other States
Looking up a contractor in a different state? Visit our state-by-state contractor license lookup page to find the right verification tool for your state.
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