Massage Therapy Permit Requirements in Newark, DE

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy in Newark, New Castle County, Delaware.

Verified 2026-09-07 5 stops $200–$700 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop
  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Delaware

2 stops
  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

  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)

City of Newark / New Castle County

2 stops
  1. City of Newark Code Enforcement Division — Business License

    Newark requires a Business License, administered by the Planning Department's Code Enforcement Division (not the City Clerk), for businesses operating within city limits. Fees are set per Newark Code Chapter 13, Article VII §13-43 et seq. based on estimated demand/cost of municipal services and vary by business type; contact Code Enforcement (302-366-7000) for the applicable fee. License must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    Varies by business type and estimated municipal service cost; not a published flat fee — confirm with Code Enforcement1–3 weeks

  2. City of Newark Certificate of Occupancy (Code Enforcement Division)

    A Certificate of Occupancy from Newark's Code Enforcement Division is required for any commercial space used as a massage therapy practice. Confirm with the Planning and Development Department (302-366-7000) that the location is zoned for personal service businesses before signing a lease.

    Official government source

    $150 (single-occupancy commercial Certificate of Occupancy); $125 per tenant in a multi-occupancy building — 2026 Fee ScheduleApply at least 10 business days before the requested occupancy date

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$700 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses

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