Event Planning Permit Requirements in Dover, DE

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if operating as a business entity (LLC or corporation) or if you have employees. Free from the IRS. You will need an EIN to open a business bank account and sign vendor contracts professionally.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Delaware Business Registration (Division of Corporations)

   Event planning businesses operating in Delaware must register with the Delaware Division of Corporations if operating as an LLC, corporation, or limited partnership. Sole proprietors using a trade name must register it with the Delaware Division of Revenue through Delaware One Stop — as of February 2, 2026 the Division of Revenue administers the statewide trade name (DBA) registry and filings are no longer made with the county Superior Court Prothonotary. Names filed with the Superior Court before that date remain recognised. An LLC provides personal liability protection, which matters when coordinating large events. Every business also needs a Delaware business license from the Division of Revenue.

   Official government source

   $110 for an LLC Certificate of Formation; $109 minimum for a Certificate of Incorporation (rises with authorised shares); plus $25 for a trade name registration if you use one·1–7 business days online; 24-hour and same-day expedited service available for an extra fee

   $110 for an LLC Certificate of Formation; $109 minimum for a Certificate of Incorporation (rises with authorised shares); plus $25 for a trade name registration if you use one

   1–7 business days online; 24-hour and same-day expedited service available for an extra fee

1. Dover General Business License

   Event planning businesses operating in Dover must obtain a general business license from the city. The application requires your business entity information, primary business address, and description of services. If you work primarily from home coordinating events elsewhere, a home occupation permit may also be required. Renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $52-$96/year (1-3 vs 4-9 employees, per Dover's business-license fee schedule)·1–2 weeks

   $52-$96/year (1-3 vs 4-9 employees, per Dover's business-license fee schedule)

   1–2 weeks

2. City of Dover Outdoor Public Event Permit (events in public spaces)

   Events using Dover public parks, streets, plazas, or other city venues require an Outdoor Public Event Permit or Parade/Assembly Permit from the City of Dover Department of Planning and Inspections. A Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Dover is required, with minimum general liability limits of $1,000,000 each occurrence and $3,000,000 general aggregate; vendor lists and vendor licenses are due within seven business days of the event. Parks and Recreation facility rentals are permitted separately.

   Official government source

   $25.00 per event (Dover Municipal Code Appendix F, ch. 46); Police, EMS, and Fire extra-duty services are billed separately·Submit the complete application at least 30 days before the event

   $25.00 per event (Dover Municipal Code Appendix F, ch. 46); Police, EMS, and Fire extra-duty services are billed separately

   Submit the complete application at least 30 days before the event

3. City of Dover Outdoor Public Event / Parade Permit

   Outdoor events within Dover city limits — on city property, roadways, or sidewalks, or requiring traffic control — need an Outdoor Public Event Permit or Parade/Assembly Permit, applied for through the Department of Planning and Inspections (the Police Department coordinates traffic and extra-duty staffing). A Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the City of Dover is required, and all vendors must hold City of Dover business licenses. Events on unincorporated Kent County land fall to Kent County Levy Court instead.

   Official government source

   $25.00 per event (Dover Municipal Code Appendix F, ch. 46); Police/EMS/Fire extra-duty staffing is billed separately·Submit the complete application at least 30 days before the event

   $25.00 per event (Dover Municipal Code Appendix F, ch. 46); Police/EMS/Fire extra-duty staffing is billed separately

   Submit the complete application at least 30 days before the event

Official Sources

• Dover Business Licensing
• Delaware Secretary of State — Business Registration
• IRS EIN Application

Related Guides