Delaware renewal guide
Non-Resident Contractor 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.
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
Yes — $1,200.00
Insurance requirement
Yes — Workers' Compensation
Before you renew
Get the filing straight.
- 1
Make sure the bond still clears
The $1,200.00 bond requirement needs to stay active through the renewal.
- 2
Check the insurance certificates
Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
- 3
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 - 4
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 Non-Resident Contractor License
The Delaware Division of Revenue requires any contractor who does not regularly maintain a place of business in Delaware to obtain a non-resident contractor license before performing construction work in the state. This license carries additional surety bond requirements beyond the standard resident contractor registration.
What This License Authorizes
The non-resident contractor license authorizes out-of-state contractors to perform construction contracting work in Delaware, subject to the same scope as the resident contractor license.
Bond Requirements
- Surety Bond: 6% of the contract or subcontract price on all contracts of $20,000 or more (minimum $1,200 bond on a $20,000 contract)
- For cost-plus contracts of $20,000 or more, the bond is 6% of the estimated cost-and-profit
- When the aggregate of two or more contracts in one calendar year reaches $20,000, bonds must cover 6% of the aggregate
- The bond must be filed before construction begins in Delaware
Registration Requirements
- Department of Labor Certification: Must comply with Delaware Department of Labor registration
- Workers' Compensation Insurance: Proof of coverage required
- Gross Receipts Tax: 0.6472% on monthly aggregate gross receipts (after $100,000 monthly deduction)
Fees
- Annual License Fee: $75
- Late Penalty: 10% per month past due, capped at 50% ($37.50 maximum late fee)
Renewal Process
- Renewal Period: Annual, expires December 31
- Renewal Fee: $75
- Maintain active surety bond and insurance throughout the license term
- Entities awarding contracts must report nonresident contractors to the Department of Finance within 10 days
Consequences of Operating Without a License
Nonresident contractors operating without a valid license and bond face a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per occurrence. Willful violations are a misdemeanor with fines up to $3,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months.
*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the Delaware Division of Revenue.*
Official links
Check the board or agency directly.
Required documents
- workers_compensation_certificate
- department_of_labor_certification
- surety_bond
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
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Delaware checklist
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