Photography 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)

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 Outdoor Public Event Permit

   Photographers running an organised shoot on Dover city property, in city parks, or in a way that uses roadways or sidewalks or requires traffic control need an Outdoor Public Event Permit from the Department of Planning and Inspections (the Police Department coordinates traffic and extra-duty staffing). Kent County Levy Court handles events on unincorporated county land instead. A Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the City of Dover is required for events on city property. Casual photography in a public park does not need a permit.

   Official government source

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

   Submit the complete application at least 30 days before the event

Official Sources

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

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