Event Planning Permit Requirements in Wilmington, DE

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if operating as a business entity (LLC or corporation) or if you have employees. Free from the IRS. You will need an EIN to open a business bank account and sign vendor contracts professionally.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Delaware Business Registration (Division of Corporations)

   Event planning businesses operating in Delaware must register with the Delaware Division of Corporations if operating as an LLC, corporation, or limited partnership. Sole proprietors using a trade name must register it with the Delaware Division of Revenue through Delaware One Stop — as of February 2, 2026 the Division of Revenue administers the statewide trade name (DBA) registry and filings are no longer made with the county Superior Court Prothonotary. Names filed with the Superior Court before that date remain recognised. An LLC provides personal liability protection, which matters when coordinating large events. Every business also needs a Delaware business license from the Division of Revenue.

   Official government source

   $110 for an LLC Certificate of Formation; $109 minimum for a Certificate of Incorporation (rises with authorised shares); plus $25 for a trade name registration if you use one·1–7 business days online; 24-hour and same-day expedited service available for an extra fee

   $110 for an LLC Certificate of Formation; $109 minimum for a Certificate of Incorporation (rises with authorised shares); plus $25 for a trade name registration if you use one

   1–7 business days online; 24-hour and same-day expedited service available for an extra fee

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

   Event planning businesses operating in Wilmington must hold a City of Wilmington business license in addition to their State of Delaware business license. Applications go to the Department of Finance's Wage/Business License Division (302-576-2415) at 800 N. French Street, and a copy of the current State of Delaware business license must be attached. Fees are set by license-type code. Employers also pay a head tax of $15 per month for each employee above five. Renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $200/year under Miscellaneous Non-Professional Service (code 4035); $300/year if classified under Professional Services such as Consultants (code 5003), per the fee schedule effective 1/1/2024·1–3 weeks

   $200/year under Miscellaneous Non-Professional Service (code 4035); $300/year if classified under Professional Services such as Consultants (code 5003), per the fee schedule effective 1/1/2024

   1–3 weeks

2. City of Wilmington Special Event / Park Permit (events in public spaces)

   Events using Wilmington public parks, streets, plazas, or other city venues require a permit from the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs. The online application states it must be submitted 45 days or more before the event and that applications submitted later will not be accepted; applicants agree to pay all permit fees and City service costs at least two weeks before the event. Insurance and site/traffic plan requirements are set case by case.

   Official government source

   Permit fees plus City service costs apply; amounts are not published — confirm with the Office of Cultural Affairs (302-576-2138)·Apply at least 45 days before the event (applications received later are not accepted)

   Permit fees plus City service costs apply; amounts are not published — confirm with the Office of Cultural Affairs (302-576-2138)

   Apply at least 45 days before the event (applications received later are not accepted)

3. New Castle County Temporary Public Interest and Special Events Permit (unincorporated county only)

   Events on unincorporated New Castle County land — outdoor gatherings, auctions, art sales, outdoor concerts, carnivals, circuses, and special entertainment at commercial properties — require a Temporary Public Interest and Special Events permit from the County's Department of Land Use. It does not apply inside the City of Wilmington, which issues its own special event and park permits. Non-profit and charitable events file the county's Temporary Nonprofit/Charitable Event form instead of a permit.

   Official government source

   Not published on the county's permit page — view and pay Land Use fees through the county's Pay Fees service or call 302-395-5400·2–4 weeks

   Not published on the county's permit page — view and pay Land Use fees through the county's Pay Fees service or call 302-395-5400

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Wilmington Business Licensing
• Delaware Secretary of State — Business Registration
• IRS EIN Application

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