Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Wilmington, DE

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware.

$500 -- $2000 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Wilmington / New Castle County Requirements

3 requirements
1

Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing — Child Care Center License

Child care centers in Delaware must be licensed by the Office of Child Care Licensing. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance.

$50–$1506–12 weeks
Official government source
2

City of Wilmington Revenue Division — Business License

Wilmington requires a City Business License for all businesses operating within city limits. Fees are based on business type. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks
Official government source
3

New Castle County / Wilmington Building and Fire Safety Inspection

Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards.

$100–$3002–6 weeks
Official government source

Delaware State Requirements

2 requirements
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.

Free (gross receipts tax registration)Immediate (online)
Official government source
2

Delaware Background Check Requirement

All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in Delaware child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

$25–$75 per person1–4 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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