Pressure Washing Business Permit Requirements in Wilmington, DE
Complete permit and license guide for starting a pressure washing business in Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware.
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 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Delaware
1 stopDelaware — 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 sourceFree (gross receipts tax registration)Immediate (online)
Free (gross receipts tax registration)
Immediate (online)
City of Wilmington / New Castle County
2 stopsCity 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 sourceSet 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
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 license
1–3 weeks
Wilmington / DNREC Wash Water Discharge Compliance
Pressure washing businesses must not discharge wash water containing detergents, chemicals, paint chips, or other contaminants into storm drains or waterways. DNREC's Sediment and Stormwater Program regulates construction-site land disturbance, not commercial wash water; discharges to surface waters fall under DNREC's NPDES surface water discharge program, and discharges to a sanitary sewer require the local utility's approval. There is no New Castle County or City of Wilmington stormwater permit specific to pressure washing.
Official government sourceNo local permit or fee; a DNREC NPDES permit is required only if wash water is discharged to surface watersImmediate — self-comply before operating
No local permit or fee; a DNREC NPDES permit is required only if wash water is discharged to surface waters
Immediate — self-comply before operating
Terminus
Open for business — est. $150–$500 · 1–4 weeks
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Official Sources
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