Massage Therapy 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 Board of Massage and Bodywork — License

   Massage therapists in Delaware must be licensed by the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork. Requires 500 hours of training and passing the MBLEx.

   Official government source

   $175 (initial application fee)·4–8 weeks

   $175 (initial application fee)

   4–8 weeks

2. 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)

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 Certificate of Occupancy / Zoning Verification

   A Certificate of Occupancy issued by the City of Dover Department of Planning and Inspections is required before a commercial space may be occupied as a massage therapy practice. The Public Inspections Division issues the certificate after a final inspection; the Planning Division administers the zoning code (Appendix B) and will confirm whether personal-service uses are permitted at the address. A written zoning verification letter or administrative interpretation can be purchased in advance. Any fit-out work needs a building permit first.

   Official government source

   $75.00 certificate of occupancy for uses other than one-family residential (first 20,000 sq ft, plus $15.00 per additional 10,000 sq ft); $100.00 temporary certificate of occupancy; $60.00 per zoning verification letter/administrative interpretation; building permits $25.00 for the first $1,000 of cost plus $8.00 per additional $1,000 — all per Dover Code of Ordinances Appendix F (Fees and Fines)·1–4 weeks, depending on inspection scheduling

   $75.00 certificate of occupancy for uses other than one-family residential (first 20,000 sq ft, plus $15.00 per additional 10,000 sq ft); $100.00 temporary certificate of occupancy; $60.00 per zoning verification letter/administrative interpretation; building permits $25.00 for the first $1,000 of cost plus $8.00 per additional $1,000 — all per Dover Code of Ordinances Appendix F (Fees and Fines)

   1–4 weeks, depending on inspection scheduling

Official Sources

• Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork — License
• City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department

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