Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Wilmington, DE

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware.

Verified 2026-09-07 5 stops $200–$800 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and 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 Cosmetology and Barbering — Barber License (per barber)

    Each barber working in Delaware must hold a Barber or Master Barber licence issued by the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (Division of Professional Regulation). Licensure requires completion of an approved barbering programme or apprenticeship and passing the written and practical examinations administered by Prometric. Applications are filed through DELPROS.

    Official government source

    $128 DPR application fee for a Barber or Master Barber licence; Prometric examination fees are paid separately4–8 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 Wilmington / New Castle County

2 stops

  1. Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — Salon License

    Barber shops in Delaware must be licensed as an establishment by the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (Division of Professional Regulation). The shop must pass an inspection before the license is issued.

    Official government source

    $142 (initial establishment/shop application fee)4–8 weeks

  2. City of Wilmington Business License (Department of Finance, Wage/Business License Division)

    Businesses operating inside Wilmington must hold a City of Wilmington business license in addition to their State of Delaware business license. Applications are filed with the Department of Finance, Wage/Business License Division (302-576-2415), and a copy of the current State of Delaware business license must be attached. Fees are set per license-type code; air conditioning, plumbing, heating, mechanical and refrigeration contractors must first pass a trade test with the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Employers also pay a head tax of $15 per month for each employee above five.

    Official government source

    Set by license-type code (fee increase effective 1/1/2024): $200/year for most non-professional services (e.g. landscaping/tree services, beauty parlor/barber shop, day care centers, janitorial, pest control, photographers) and construction trades; $300 for professional services; $250 for retailers; $151 for a mobile food vendor; $50 branch license1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$800 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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Official Sources

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