Delaware Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide
Delaware regulates most construction trades at the state level through several agencies. Electricians, plumbers, and HVACR professionals are licensed under the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR). Elevator mechanics, water well professionals, and fire protection companies are licensed by their respective state authorities. General contractors obtain a state business license and a separate contractor registration before performing work.
Below you will find a clear roadmap for each major trade, who issues the credential, and what to submit. We highlight several representative licenses and authorities for Delaware below; this guide is updated periodically as additional details are refined.
Local building permits and city business licenses may still be required where you perform work, but trade licensure itself is primarily statewide. Always align scopes of work with the correct state credential, and pair it with the appropriate Delaware business and labor registrations when you operate as a contractor.
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Overview of Delaware Contractor Licensing
Delaware’s contractor licensing is organized across a few state agencies. The Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) licenses electricians, plumbers, and HVACR professionals through designated trade boards. The DPR also oversees the Board of Elevator Mechanics for those who install and service elevators and related conveyances.
Water well contractors, well drillers, and pump installers are licensed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Water. Fire suppression and fire alarm work is regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal under the State Fire Prevention Commission. General contractors must hold a Delaware Division of Revenue business license and a separate Contractor Registration Certificate issued by the Delaware Department of Labor before performing construction services.
Applications for DPR-issued trade licenses are filed online in DELPROS, the Professional Regulation Online Services portal. DNREC and the State Fire Marshal maintain their own application procedures. Business licensing and contractor registration are completed through Delaware One Stop and the Division of Revenue.
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Electrician Licenses in Delaware
Delaware regulates electrical work with 5 license types.
Master Electrician
Authority: Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners, Division of Professional Regulation — Board page
Eligibility and Experience
- Six years of full-time experience under a master electrician OR four years under a master electrician plus two years of technical electrical training (official transcript required).
- Training typically comes from a registered/approved apprenticeship or equivalent technical program accepted by the Board.
Exam
- Exam required; administered by ProV after Board approval.
- Computer-based, open-book NEC exam; minimum passing score 75.
- Topics: general knowledge; wiring and protection; wiring methods and materials; equipment for general use; special occupancies/equipment/conditions; communications; safety.
Insurance
- General liability insurance required with a minimum of $300,000. The licensee’s name must appear on the policy, even if held by an employer.
Renewal
- Biennial renewal.
Contact the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners to confirm fees, continuing education, and any additional renewal requirements before applying.
Journeyperson Electrician
Authority: Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners, Division of Professional Regulation — Board page
Eligibility and Experience
- Completion of a Board-approved apprenticeship program OR at least 8,000 hours (four years) of full-time experience under a licensed master electrician.
- Minimum age 20.
Exam
- Exam required; administered by ProV after Board approval.
- Computer-based, open-book NEC exam; minimum passing score 75.
- Topics reflect journeyperson NEC content: wiring methods, protection, equipment for general use, and safety.
Renewal
- Biennial renewal.
Contact the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners to confirm fees, continuing education, and renewal requirements before applying.
Residential Electrician
Authority: Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners, Division of Professional Regulation — Board page
Eligibility and Experience
- Over 4,000 hours of full-time residential electrical experience under supervision of a licensed limited or master electrician, OR completion of a Board-approved residential apprenticeship.
Exam
- Exam required; administered by ProV after Board approval.
- Computer-based, open-book residential NEC exam; minimum passing score 75.
- Topics: NEC dwelling requirements including branch circuits, services, grounding and bonding, and dwelling-specific provisions.
Renewal
- Biennial renewal.
Contact the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners to confirm fees, continuing education, and renewal requirements before applying.
Limited Electrician
Authority: Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners, Division of Professional Regulation — Board page
Eligibility and Experience
- At least three years of full-time electrical experience under a master or limited electrician. Apprenticeship or technical training may count toward experience.
Exam
- Exam required; administered by ProV after Board approval.
- Computer-based, open-book NEC exam; minimum passing score 75.
- Content aligns with the limited scope authorized by this license classification.
Insurance
- General liability insurance required with a minimum of $300,000 for licensees who contract independently.
Renewal
- Biennial renewal.
Contact the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners to confirm fees, continuing education, and renewal requirements before applying.
Apprentice Electrician
Authority: Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners, Division of Professional Regulation — Board page
Eligibility and Enrollment
- Must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program approved by the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners or by a Department of Labor of a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum age 18.
Exam
- No licensure exam required for apprentice registration.
Renewal
- Biennial renewal.
Contact the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners to confirm fees and any program documentation required before applying.
Plumbing Licenses in Delaware
Delaware regulates plumbing work with 1 license type.
Master Plumber
Authority: Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners (DPR) — Board page
Eligibility and Experience
- With a journeyman certificate: at least two years of supervised experience after completing the apprenticeship.
- Without a journeyman certificate: at least seven years of supervised plumbing experience.
- Applicants via the journeyman pathway must provide the apprenticeship completion certificate and documentation of supervised experience.
Exam
- Exam required. Contact the Board to verify the current exam provider and scheduling process.
Renewal
- Biennial renewal.
Contact the Board to confirm fees, insurance minimums (if any), continuing education, and renewal details before applying.
HVAC Licenses in Delaware
Delaware regulates HVAC contractors with 2 license types.
Master HVACR
Authority: Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners (DPR) — HVACR licensure page
Eligibility and Experience
- Generally seven years of supervised HVACR experience, or another combination accepted by the Board.
- Journeyman certificate from a federally-approved HVACR apprenticeship or equivalent supervised experience may be used to qualify.
- EPA/CFC certification is required for refrigeration and air conditioning work.
Exam
- Exam required. Contact the Board to verify the current exam provider and dates.
Renewal
- Biennial renewal.
Contact the Board to confirm fees, insurance minimums (if any), continuing education, and renewal details before applying.
Master HVACR Restricted
Authority: Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners (DPR) — HVACR licensure page
Eligibility and Experience
- Supervised experience sufficient for the restricted specialty (often five to seven years depending on pathway).
- Journeyman certificate or equivalent supervised specialty experience may be used to qualify.
- EPA/CFC certification is required for refrigeration/air conditioning specialties.
Exam
- Exam required. Contact the Board to verify the current exam provider and dates.
Renewal
- Biennial renewal.
Contact the Board to confirm fees, insurance minimums (if any), continuing education, and renewal details before applying.
General Contractor Licenses in Delaware
Delaware general contractor licensing includes 2 types.
Delaware General Contractor License (Business License)
Authority: Delaware Division of Revenue — Agency site
Scope and Requirements
- Business license required for anyone conducting contracting business in Delaware.
- No trade exam or construction experience required by the Division of Revenue.
- Applicants must meet business registration and tax compliance requirements.
Fees
- Application/initial license: $75
- Annual renewal: $75
Insurance and Bonding
- General liability, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance are typically required.
- Non-resident contractors must provide a surety bond.
Renewal
- Annual renewal.
Contractor Registration Certificate
Authority: Delaware Department of Labor — Office of Contractor Registration — Program page
Scope and Requirements
- Registration required for contractors performing construction services in Delaware.
- No construction trade exam or experience requirement.
- Applicants provide business, tax, insurance, safety plan, and labor-law compliance information.
Fees
- Application/initial registration: $200
- Annual renewal: $200 (two-year option available after two compliant years)
Insurance and Labor Compliance
- Workers’ compensation coverage for Delaware and an unemployment insurance account are required.
- OSHA-compliant safety plan required.
Renewal
- Annual; eligible for a two-year registration after two compliant years.
Roofing Licenses in Delaware
Delaware does not issue a separate state roofing trade license or examination. Roofing contractors operate under the general contracting framework and must hold both:
- A Delaware Division of Revenue business license; and
- A Delaware Department of Labor Contractor Registration Certificate.
Roofers must also obtain any required local building permits and, where applicable, a city business license in the municipality where work occurs. If your roofing scope includes regulated trades (for example, electrical for solar tie-ins or HVAC-related penetrations), you must hold the appropriate state trade license or subcontract to properly licensed professionals.
Non-resident roofing contractors should be prepared to meet surety bond requirements under the Division of Revenue’s rules for out-of-state contractors. Confirm project-specific permit requirements with the local building department before starting work.
Specialty Trade Licenses in Delaware
Delaware regulates specialty trades with 6 license types.
Water Well Contractor License
Authority: DNREC – Division of Water — Water Well Licenses
Scope and Requirements
- Company-level credential authorizing engagement in well construction activities under 7 DE Admin. Code 7302.
- Company must provide a certificate of liability insurance naming DNREC as certificate holder.
Insurance
- Minimum liability coverage: $50,000 aggregate (per DNREC requirements).
Renewal
- Annual; licenses expire December 31 and renew by November 30.
Contact DNREC to confirm fees, application documents, and any additional renewal details before applying.
General Well Driller License (Individual)
Authority: DNREC – Division of Water — Water Well Licenses
Eligibility and Experience
- At least two years operating well construction equipment and performing pump installation/maintenance/repair in and for wells, plus additional experience as specified in 7 DE Admin. Code 7302.
- Submit a notarized application, professional references, and any training credentials required by the Delaware Water Well Licensing Board.
- Minimum age 18.
Exam
- Quarterly written exam administered by DNREC and the Delaware Water Well Licensing Board.
- Format: multiple-choice and true/false; minimum passing score 75.
- Topics include 7 DE Admin. Code 7301 (Well Construction and Use) and 7302 (Licensing Regulations).
Renewal and CE
- Annual renewal; 4 hours of continuing education (some limited-scope licenses may have reduced CE).
Contact DNREC to confirm fees and current exam calendar before applying.
Pump Installer License (Individual)
Authority: DNREC – Division of Water — Water Well Licenses
Eligibility and Experience
- At least two years of experience installing, maintaining, or repairing pumps and pumping equipment in and for wells, under supervision of a licensed pump installer or well driller, per 7 DE Admin. Code 7302.
- Professional references from licensed well drillers, pump installers, or plumbers; submit any recognized training credentials.
- Minimum age 18.
Exam
- Written exam administered periodically by DNREC and the Delaware Water Well Licensing Board.
- Minimum passing score 75; topics cover pump installation regulations, safety, and relevant portions of 7 DE Admin. Code 7301 and 7302.
Renewal
- Annual renewal.
Contact DNREC to confirm fees, exam dates, and CE expectations before applying.
Elevator Mechanic
Authority: Delaware Board of Elevator Mechanics (DPR) — Board page
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualify by experience via one of several options, e.g., six years full-time under a licensed mechanic, 8,000 hours supervised plus related instruction, or four years experience plus 6,000 hours technical training.
- Provide proof of instruction/training/apprenticeship (e.g., NEIEP or CET) and notarized affidavits documenting supervised elevator work.
Exam
- Board-accepted licensure examination; minimum passing score not less than 70% (final passing score as set by the testing agency).
- Topics include elevator installation, service, maintenance, safety, and applicable codes.
Renewal and CE
- Biennial renewal; 10 hours of continuing education covering safety, code updates, and technical subjects approved by the Board.
Contact the Board to confirm fees, exam scheduling, and documentation requirements before applying.
Fire Suppression Systems Company License
Authority: Office of the State Fire Marshal — State Fire Prevention Commission — Licensing information
Company and Certificate Holder Requirements
- Company must be licensed; it must employ a Certificate Holder in responsible charge who is certified in the categories of work performed.
- Certificate Holders must meet experience criteria, hold NICET or equivalent credentials, and pass exams on Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
Exam
- Examination prescribed or approved by the State Fire Prevention Commission for Certificate Holders.
- Topics: design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire suppression systems under Delaware regulations.
Insurance
- Liability insurance not less than $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident; proof of workers’ compensation coverage or exemption required.
Renewal
- Annual renewal.
Contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal to confirm fees, submission forms, and current QA documentation requirements before applying.
Fire Alarm Signaling Systems Certificate Holder
Authority: Office of the State Fire Marshal — State Fire Prevention Commission — Regulatory reference
Eligibility and Role
- Full-time employee of a Fire Alarm Signaling Systems Company, in responsible charge of preparing technical documents, installation, inspection, testing, or maintenance of fire alarm signaling systems.
- Meet qualifications in the State Fire Prevention Regulations and pass a Commission-prescribed or approved exam (results must be within five years of application).
- Minimum age 18.
Exam
- Commission-prescribed or approved examination.
- Topics: fire alarm systems; NFPA codes and standards as adopted by Delaware; State Fire Prevention Regulations.
Renewal
- Annual; re-certification/continuing education may be required, not more frequently than every five years.
Contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal to confirm fees, acceptable credentials, and renewal documentation before applying.
Application Process
- Create a DELPROS user account through the Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services portal: https://delpros.delaware.gov/OH_HomePage.
- Select the appropriate board and license type (e.g., electrician, plumber, HVACR, elevator mechanic) and start a new application.
- Complete the online application, including personal information, experience documentation, and licensure verifications from other jurisdictions as needed.
- Upload supporting documents such as apprenticeship or journeyman certificates, Verification of Employment forms, liability insurance (if required), and EPA/CFC credentials for refrigeration/AC work.
- Submit application fees via DELPROS (credit/debit card).
- Await Board review and approval; monitor status in your DELPROS dashboard.
- After Board approval, follow examination instructions from the Board or testing vendor (e.g., ProV for electrical) to schedule and complete any required exams.
- For contractors: obtain a Delaware Division of Revenue business license and complete Department of Labor Contractor Registration via Delaware One Stop.
- When all requirements are verified and exam scores are posted, print your license from DELPROS or receive license documentation from the issuing agency.
Timeline: Issuance varies based on board meeting schedules and exam availability. Licenses are generally issued after Board approval, receipt of passing exam scores (if required), and verification of supporting documentation.
Typical Documentation Checklist
- Completed online application for the specific license type (DELPROS or agency portal)
- Proof of identity, as required
- Apprenticeship completion or journeyman certificates, where applicable
- Verification of Employment forms or tax records documenting required experience
- Out-of-state licensure verifications if applying by reciprocity or endorsement
- General liability insurance (for certain trade and company licenses)
- EPA/CFC certification for refrigeration and air conditioning specialties
- Division of Revenue business license (contractors)
- Workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance documentation (contractor registration)
- OSHA-compliant safety plan (contractor registration)
Reciprocity
Availability: DPR-issued trade boards may grant reciprocity when an applicant holds a current license from a U.S. jurisdiction whose standards are substantially similar to Delaware’s. When standards are not substantially similar, applicants typically need to document at least five years of practice after licensure. Business licensing requirements still apply to out-of-state contractors, and a surety bond may be required by the Division of Revenue. Some licenses, including DNREC well licenses and State Fire Marshal credentials, require direct application to Delaware authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Delaware?
Timeframes vary by agency and by license. Expect processing around board review cycles for DPR licenses and scheduling availability for required exams. Issuance generally follows Board/agency approval, confirmation of passing exam scores (if applicable), and receipt of all required documentation.
Can I transfer my license from another state to Delaware?
DPR boards consider reciprocity on a case-by-case basis when another jurisdiction’s standards are substantially similar. If not substantially similar, you may be asked to document at least five years of practice after licensure. Regardless of reciprocity, contractors must obtain a Delaware Division of Revenue business license and complete Department of Labor Contractor Registration before performing work in Delaware.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Retake policies are set by the Board and/or the testing vendor. After the Board approves you to test, follow the vendor’s published rescheduling and retake rules, and confirm any waiting periods or fees directly with the exam provider.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, several licenses and registrations require insurance. Examples include: Master and Limited Electrician general liability (minimum $300,000), Water Well Contractor liability (minimum $50,000), Fire Suppression Systems Company liability ($250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident), and workers’ compensation/unemployment insurance for contractor registration. General contractors typically maintain general liability and meet bonding requirements if non-resident.
How do I renew my license?
Renewal cycles depend on the credential: DPR trade licenses and the Elevator Mechanic license renew biennially; DNREC well licenses and State Fire Marshal company licenses renew annually; Division of Revenue contractor business licenses renew annually; and the Department of Labor Contractor Registration renews annually (with a two-year option after two compliant years). Always verify renewal windows and CE with your issuing authority.
What if my city has different requirements than what’s shown here?
Trade licensure is primarily statewide in Delaware, but municipalities may require building permits and a city business license. Always confirm project-specific permitting and any local business licensing with the jurisdiction where you plan to work.
Where can I find practice tests for Delaware exams?
We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for Delaware contractor license exams. PDF study guides typically include 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys for every question, and reference locators pointing to exact code sections. Study offline at your own pace; no time or use limits. Browse Delaware contractor practice tests.
Delaware · Practice tests
Delaware contractor license practice tests
The Delaware practice tests we publish today: comprehensive PDF guides, typically 1,500 to 2,500 questions each, with full answer keys and reference locators to the exact code sections. We add new tests regularly, so if your license isn’t listed here, contact us and we’ll build it.
- Business, Law, and Project Management (NASCLA) Reference Practice Test
- Installing Hardwood Flooring NOFMA - Reference Practice Test
- National Electrical Code (NEC) 2020 Practice Test
- National Electrical Code (NEC) 2020 Practice Test (By Individual Chapter)
Related Official Resources
Official Sources for Further Details:
-
Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners
https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/electrician/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Electrician License (Master, Limited, Master Special, Limited Special)
https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/electrician/newlicense/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Residential Electrician
https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/electrician/residential/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Journeyperson Electrician
https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/electrician/journeyperson/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners
https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Master Plumber Licensure
https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers/newlicense/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Master HVACR and Master HVACR Restricted Licensure
https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers/hvacrlicensure/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Board of Elevator Mechanics
https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/elevator-mechanics/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Water Well Licenses
https://dnrec.delaware.gov/water/commercial-government/water-well-licenses/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Regulations for Licensing Water Well Contractors, Pump Installer Contractors, Well Drillers, Well Drivers, and Pump Installers
https://archive.regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title7/7000/7300/7302.shtml
State Statute/Regulation | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Contractors – Division of Revenue
https://revenue.delaware.gov/business-tax-forms/contractors-resident-and-non-resident/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Construction Contractors – Delaware One Stop
https://onestop.delaware.gov/Operate_Contractors
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Fire Protection Systems Licensing Requirements & Quality Assurance Forms
https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/plan-review-and-inspections/fire-protection-systems-licensing-requirements-quality-assurance-forms/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Licensed Public Fire Protection Companies & Testing Applications
https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/plan-review-and-inspections/licensed-public-fire-protection-companies-testing-applications/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
1 Del. Admin. Code § 703-5-3.0
https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/delaware/1-Del-Admin-Code-SS-703-5-3.0
State Statute/Regulation | Accessed: 2026-07-09 -
Delaware Administrative Code – Fire Alarm Signaling Systems Licensing
https://regulations.justia.com/states/delaware/title-1/700/703/chapter-4/section-703-4-4-0/
State Statute/Regulation | Accessed: 2026-07-09
Important Disclaimer
Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Requirements can change. Always verify details with the official sources listed above.
Official Contacts: Key agencies include the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, DNREC Division of Water, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Delaware Division of Revenue, and the Department of Labor’s Office of Contractor Registration.
- DPR website: https://dpr.delaware.gov | Phone: (302) 744-4500
No Legal Advice: This material is for general information only. Consult the licensing authority or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Local Requirements: While trade licensure is primarily statewide, municipalities may require building permits and local business licenses. Confirm requirements with the jurisdiction where work occurs.