Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Newark, DE

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

Verified 2026-09-07 5 stops $400–$1,200 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

1 stop
  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)

City of Newark / New Castle County

3 stops
  1. Delaware Board of Plumbing, HVACR Examiners — Master Plumber License

    Plumbing contractors in Delaware must hold a Master Plumber License issued by the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners under the Division of Professional Regulation (not the Department of Labor). Requires journeyman experience and passing a state exam.

    Official government source

    $173 (Master Plumber application fee, per DPR fee schedule)4–8 weeks

  2. 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

  3. City of Newark Plumbing Permit (per project)

    A separate plumbing permit must be pulled from the City of Newark's Code Enforcement Division for each job inside city limits — New Castle County has no jurisdiction here. Inspections are required on completion, and the work must be done by a plumber licensed by the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners, holding a $100 City of Newark contractor's licence.

    Official government source

    $15.00 per $1,000 of construction value with a $50.00 minimum permit fee, plus a plan review fee of $1.00 per $1,000 ($25 minimum) and a 15% technology fee, per Newark's 2026 Fee Schedule1–5 business days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,200 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses

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