At a Glance: Delaware Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | Delaware Division of Revenue / Local Jurisdictions |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | Business license required for all; project thresholds vary by county |
| Application Fee | $75–$200 |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Provider | Prometric / ICC |
| Exam Cost | $65–$135 |
| Experience Required | Varies by trade and county |
| Insurance Required | General Liability ($300,000+); Workers' Comp required |
| License Renewal | Annual business license; trade licenses vary |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Delaware Contractor License
- Obtain Delaware business license from Division of Revenue
- Apply for county-specific contractor registration
- Pass applicable trade exam
- Obtain insurance and any required bonds
- Register with each county you plan to work in
Exam Requirements
Provider: Prometric / ICC
Cost: $65–$135
Topics covered: Trade knowledge, Delaware building codes
Most state contractor exams test two main areas: Business & Law (contracts, lien law, workers' comp, licensing regulations) and Trade Knowledge (construction practices, building codes, safety). Prepare for both sections — even experienced contractors struggle with the Business & Law portion without dedicated study.
Study Resources
- PSI Candidate Handbook (available on PSI website — free, covers exactly what's on the exam)
- ICC Study Guides for code-based exams
- Contractor's Business & Law Study Guide by Craftsman Book Company
- Online prep courses from Contractor Exam Prep and similar providers
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
General Liability ($300,000+); Workers' Comp required
Beyond what Delaware requires, consider these coverage types for complete protection:
- General Liability: Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees; protects against job-site injury claims
- Commercial Auto: Your personal auto policy won't cover your work truck
- Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment): Covers tool theft from job site or vehicle
Reciprocity
Delaware has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
- Maryland (some trades)
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the Delaware licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for Delaware
Delaware does not have a single statewide general contractor license. Requirements are managed at county and city level. Check with New Castle, Kent, and Sussex County.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need a contractor license in Delaware?Yes. In Delaware, contractors are required to be licensed for projects valued at Business license required for all; project thresholds vary by county. The licensing is managed by the Delaware Division of Revenue / Local Jurisdictions. Operating without a license can result in fines and inability to enforce contracts.
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How much does a Delaware contractor license cost?The application fee for a Delaware contractor license is $75–$200. An exam fee of $65–$135 is also required for the Prometric / ICC exam. Renewal is Annual business license; trade licenses vary.
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Is an exam required for a Delaware contractor license?Yes. Delaware requires passing the Prometric / ICC exam (cost: $65–$135) covering Trade knowledge and Delaware building codes. Passing the exam is a prerequisite before applying for your license.
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What insurance is required for a Delaware contractor license?Delaware requires the following insurance for contractor licensing: General Liability ($300,000+); Workers' Comp required. This is the minimum required — most contractors carry higher limits for additional protection on job sites.
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How long does it take to get a contractor license in Delaware?Getting a Delaware contractor license typically involves 5 steps: obtaining required experience (Varies by trade and county), passing the exam, securing insurance, and submitting the application to the Delaware Division of Revenue / Local Jurisdictions. Processing times vary but most applications are decided within 4–8 weeks after submission.
Official Resources
- Delaware Division of Revenue / Local Jurisdictions — Official Website
- PSI Exams — Schedule Your Contractor Exam
- Contractor Insurance Guide
- Contractor Bonding Guide
- How to Start a Construction Business
Always verify requirements directly with the Delaware Division of Revenue / Local Jurisdictions. Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.