Delaware renewal guide
General Contractor Business License
If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.
See this alongside the other 13 Delaware license pages we track.
Start here
What matters before you file.
Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.
Issuing authority
Renewal period
Every 12 months
Renewal fee
$75.00
Late penalty
$37.50
Bond requirement
No
Insurance requirement
Yes — Workers' Compensation
Before you renew
Get the filing straight.
- 1
Check the insurance certificates
Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
- 2
File with the board
File through Delaware Division of Revenue and pay the $75.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online - 3
Leave room for processing
Typical processing time is 14 days, so do not wait until the last minute.
If you miss the deadline, the late penalty is $37.50.
Detailed notes
The fine print is here.
Delaware General Contractor Business License
Every contractor performing construction, alteration, or repair work in Delaware must register under Title 30, Chapter 25 of the Delaware Code and pay $75 per year to the Division of Revenue. Operating without a valid license risks a civil penalty up to $10,000 per occurrence — willful violations are a misdemeanor with fines up to $3,000 and up to 6 months imprisonment.
Initiate the Application Before Bidding on Contracts Over $50,000
Delaware law (Title 30, Chapter 25) requires you to initiate the license application with the Division of Revenue prior to, or in conjunction with, submitting a bid on any competitively bid contract exceeding $50,000. Starting the application is the requirement — you do not need a completed license in hand at bid time. Apply at Delaware One Stop.
Required at application:
- Workers' compensation insurance certificate (or qualified self-insurer status)
- Delaware Department of Labor certification
Annual License: $75, Valid Through December 31
The license is valid through December 31 and must be renewed annually. Apply before January 1 to maintain uninterrupted legal authority to contract. Late renewal penalty: $37.50. No continuing education requirement applies to this license.
Gross Receipts Tax on Construction Revenue
Delaware contractors also pay the contractor gross receipts tax: 0.6472% on monthly aggregate receipts after a $100,000 per-enterprise monthly deduction (per § 2502(c)(1) of Title 30).
Reporting: Nonresident Contractors
If you award a contract to any out-of-state contractor or subcontractor, report that party to the Delaware Department of Finance within 10 days of executing the contract. This obligation falls on the awarding party.
Official links
Check the board or agency directly.
Required documents
- workers_compensation_certificate
- department_of_labor_certification
Source notes
Delaware Code Title 30, Chapter 25; Delaware Division of Revenue . Verified March 2026. https://revenue.delaware.gov/business-tax-forms/contractors-resident-and-non-resident/
Rules move. Check Delaware Division of Revenue again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.
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Next steps
Turn it into a handoff.
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Printable checklist
Delaware checklist
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