Dog Grooming Business Permit Requirements in Wilmington, DE

Complete permit and license guide for starting a dog grooming business in Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware.

Verified 2026-09-07 4 stops $150–$600 est. 1–4 weeks
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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 Wilmington / New Castle County

2 stops
  1. 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

  2. Delaware Office of Animal Welfare — Kennel License (only if more than 4 dogs)

    There is no New Castle County animal services department — dog and kennel licensing is administered statewide by the Division of Public Health's Office of Animal Welfare (Delaware Animal Services), and no state or county grooming permit exists. A Kennel License is required only where more than four dogs are kept on site for show, trial, sale, breeding, boarding, or similar purposes. A City of Wilmington business license applies to the grooming business itself.

    Official government source

    Kennel license, only if applicable: $70/year up to 12 dogs, $140 up to 25, $250 up to 50, $300 for more than 50Kennel licenses are valid one year from date of purchase

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$600 · 1–4 weeks

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