Landscaping 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 Pesticide Applicator License

   If you apply pesticides or herbicides as part of landscaping services in Delaware, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the state department of agriculture.

   Official government source

   $30/year (individual applicator certification, renewed annually)·2–4 weeks

   $30/year (individual applicator certification, renewed annually)

   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. Delaware Department of Labor — Office of Contractor Registration

   Landscaping and irrigation businesses performing construction services in Delaware must register with the Department of Labor's Office of Contractor Registration before beginning work (Contractor Registration Act, 19 Del. C. ch. 36), in addition to holding a Delaware business license from the Division of Revenue. This is a statewide requirement — Kent County and the City of Dover do not run a separate landscaping contractor registration.

   Official government source

   One-year registration: $200 private construction, $300 public construction, $500 both; discounted two-year renewal $300 private / $500 public·1–3 weeks

   One-year registration: $200 private construction, $300 public construction, $500 both; discounted two-year renewal $300 private / $500 public

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department
• Delaware — No Sales Tax

Related Guides