Delaware License Information

Construction Work Regulated:

The construction, alteration or repair of any structure requires a state contractors license. Licensing of contractors other than electrical and asbestos abatement is for revenue purposes only.

Contractors are required to pre-qualify in order to bid on Department of Transportation contracts.

License Requirements

Requirements:

• Contractors must, within ten days of entering into a contract, file with the Division of Revenue a statement of the total value of any contract or subcontract entered into with a non-resident of Delaware. Failure to file such a statement may subject the contractor to a $10,000 fine for each occurrence.
• There were 16,000 licensees as of June 1997.

Other:

• A performance bond equal to the amount of the contract price is required of the successful bidder on a public works contract.
• All non-resident contractors are required to post a bond equal to 6 percent of any contract if total contracts equal $20,000 or more per year. Cash bonds are acceptable for any contract amount. In lieu of posting bonds, contractors may make application with the Director of Revenue to accept a bank letter of credit to fulfill the bonding requirements, or the Secretary of State may waive the bonding requirements.

Electricians:

• Electrical contractors must be or employ a master electrician who holds a registration certificate issued by the State Board of Electrical Examiners. Examination requirements exist only for master electrical certificates.

Asbestos:

• Contractors must be certified by the Division of Facilities Management and shall notify the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control before undertaking any asbestos abatement work.

Reciprocal Agreements

Asbestos contractors certified by other states may request certification by reciprocity.

License Types

General Contractors
Subcontractors
Master Electrician Certificates
Master Limited or Master Limited Special
Master General or Master Limited General

Every contractor is required to pass the OSHA exam.