Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Dover, DE

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Delaware — No Sales Tax

   Delaware has no state or local sales tax. Instead, Delaware levies a Gross Receipts Tax on the seller of goods or provider of services, based on total receipts. Register with the Delaware Division of Revenue.

   Official government source

   Free (gross receipts tax registration)·Immediate (online)

   Free (gross receipts tax registration)

   Immediate (online)

2. Delaware Division of Revenue — Contractor Business License

   Contractors performing work in Delaware must hold a valid Delaware Business License. Home improvement contractors must also register with the Consumer Protection Unit.

   Official government source

   $75 (business license)·2–4 weeks

   $75 (business license)

   2–4 weeks

1. City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department — Business License

   Every business operating within Dover city limits must hold a city business license (City Code ch. 26, art. II), separate from any Certificate of Occupancy for the space. Fees are set per business-type category in Appendix F, most recently revised by Ordinance 2024-22 (adopted July 8, 2024). Manufacturers and contractors instead pay a rate on gross receipts, and merchants and bottlers a rate on gross purchases for resale, each with a minimum fee. Licenses are annual and prorated quarterly for businesses that start mid-year.

   Official government source

   Set per category in Appendix F — e.g. barber or beautician $64, manicurist $32, massage therapist $60, fitness trainer $72, food truck $180, eating establishment $128, car wash $192, health spa/club $192, pest control $96, photographer $128; businesses not listed pay $52 (1–3 employees) to $320 (51–100 employees). Contractors and manufacturers pay $0.00046 of gross receipts (minimum $128); merchants and bottlers $0.00046 of gross purchases for resale (minimum $64).·1–3 weeks

   Set per category in Appendix F — e.g. barber or beautician $64, manicurist $32, massage therapist $60, fitness trainer $72, food truck $180, eating establishment $128, car wash $192, health spa/club $192, pest control $96, photographer $128; businesses not listed pay $52 (1–3 employees) to $320 (51–100 employees). Contractors and manufacturers pay $0.00046 of gross receipts (minimum $128); merchants and bottlers $0.00046 of gross purchases for resale (minimum $64).

   1–3 weeks

2. City of Dover Building Permit (for regulated work)

   Handyman work in Dover that involves electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural changes requires a permit from the City of Dover Department of Planning and Inspections — Kent County has no permitting jurisdiction inside city limits. Permits are needed for additions, structural renovations, decks, fences, siding, window and exterior door replacement, roofing when sheathing or material changes, and demolition; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and similar finish work are exempt. Licensed trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVACR) must be performed by a state-licensed contractor.

   Official government source

   Not published online — the city's permit fee flyer link is broken; confirm with Planning and Inspections (302-736-7010)·1–3 weeks

   Not published online — the city's permit fee flyer link is broken; confirm with Planning and Inspections (302-736-7010)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department
• Delaware Division of Revenue — Contractor Business License

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