Obtaining a Delaware Business License

Once you've decided to form an LLC or corporation, the next step is choosing the state to form in. An important consideration is how difficult it is to get a business license. The Company Corporation has helped thousands of companies obtain a State of Delaware business license, and encourages you to consider forming in Delaware as well.

Why Obtain a Delaware State Business License?

Delaware is a very attractive state for business formation for a number of reasons. Here are just a few:

• The nation's most advanced and flexible business entity laws
• Low franchise tax for small businesses
• No tax on capital stock or assets
• No stock transfer taxes or Delaware capital shares
• No Delaware sales tax
• A Delaware business court (Court of Chancery) that minimizes time, cost and risk of commercial litigation

To start a business in Delaware, you are required to have a Delaware business license from the state's Division of Revenue. You will need a state of Delaware business license even if you live in a different state, but plan to operate your business in Delaware. Understanding the Delaware business license regulations will ensure you are in compliance with licensing requirements.

For more in depth information on how to incorporate in the state of Delaware, you can navigate to the How to Incorporate in Delaware page.

How to Get a Business License in Delaware

Any business planning to operate in the state is required to fill out a Delaware business license application. As part of our services, we will do a search for business licenses in the state of Delaware and research your individual business needs to provide you with the appropriate forms to complete.

Depending on the type of business you have, you may need the following Delaware state business licenses:

• General business licenses
• Tax registrations
• Health permits
• State-issued occupational licenses
• Liquor licenses
• Lottery licenses
• Reseller's licenses
• Zoning and land-use permits
• Health department permits

Failure to obtain and renew the correct business licenses and permits for the state of Delaware can result in fines, notices, and forced closure of your business.

Understandably, many business owners find identifying and applying for the right business licenses and permits to be a time-consuming, complicated, and overwhelming process.

The Company Corporation can help you to meet all Delaware business license requirements by providing the initial Delaware business license application, obtaining your Federal Employee ID Number, and providing Unemployment Insurance forms.

Delaware Business License Renewal

Once you have received your Delaware state business license and you are up and running, you will need to be aware of any ongoing requirements necessary for operating your business in the state. For example, most business owners will need a Delaware business license renewal annually, or once every three years depending on which state of Delaware business license renewal option you choose.

Keep in mind that some professional industries require special Delaware business license renewals. The Company Corporation can assist you with your ongoing requirements after you have your Delaware business license to save you the extra effort.

Contact us to learn how we can help!