Beginning January 1, 2008, all individuals and businesses who provide construction and building improvement services are required to obtain a New Castle County contractor license, in addition to the State of Delaware business license. Those who provide work requiring building permits, previously required to register, now need a permit contractor endorsement as an addendum to the contractor license. Permit Endorsement Contractors should visit the Contractor's Page of this website for their registration and licensing requirements.

Your license number should be displayed on your official stationary, business cards and work vehicles. If you don't have a license or your work does not meet code requirements, you may be subject to a stop work order, a fine, loss of license or criminal prosecution.

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Do you need a license? New Castle County Code states a contractor license is required for all persons engaging in any aspect of construction activity, as defined by Sector 23 of the current addition of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, excluding those solely engaged in subdivision and land development (Yr 2002 NAICS 2372), electrical contractors (must be licensed with the State of Delaware as an electrician), heavy utility construction in the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) right of way, and maintenance employees of state-owned facilities.

The links below can assist you in determining if your business meets the requirements stated above. You can perform a keyword search of the NAICS database and also view categories within Sector 23 - Construction. Please note that if any function of your license falls under Sector 23, you are required to obtain a New Castle County Contractor License.

Frequently Asked Questions - click here for more information about contractor licensing. 

If you still have questions, you may e-mail us at Permits@nccde.org or phone (302) 395-5420.

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License holders are required to have access to a copy of the International Code applicable to the applicant's trade. The 2003 ICC Code Books are available for purchase through www.iccsafe.org; or can be viewed at any of the New Castle County libraries. New Castle County's Amendments to the 2003 Building Codes are found in Chapter 6 of the NCC Code and a link is provided below.

Chapter 6

 Appendices

HOW TO OBTAIN A NON-PERMIT ENDORSEMENT LICENSE

Option 1- Online License Application - See link below

• Complete on-line application
• Pay with credit card
• Print your license instantly

Option 2 - Paper License Application

• Download paper application
• Submit to New Castle County with check
• Allow two (2) weeks for processing

Option 3 - Visit New Castle County Government Center

• Self-service desk is available for immediate processing of application with a credit card
• Drop off your application with a check. Please allow two (2) weeks for processing