Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Dover, DE

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Delaware Nail Technician License (per technician)

   Nail technicians in Delaware are licensed individually by the Division of Professional Regulation's Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Applications are submitted through DELPROS; candidates licensing by examination register and pay separately through Prometric, while reciprocity and reinstatement applicants pay the DPR application fee. The salon itself needs a separate establishment license ($142).

   Official government source for Delaware Nail Technician License (per technician) (opens in a new tab)

   $103 DPR application fee (reciprocity or reinstatement); examination candidates pay the exam fees set in the Prometric Candidate Handbook·4–8 weeks

   $103 DPR application fee (reciprocity or reinstatement); examination candidates pay the exam fees set in the Prometric Candidate Handbook

   4–8 weeks

2. Delaware — 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 source for Delaware — No Sales Tax (opens in a new tab)

   Free (gross receipts tax registration)·Immediate (online)

   Free (gross receipts tax registration)

   Immediate (online)

1. Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — Salon License

   Nail salons in Delaware must obtain a cosmetology establishment license from the state board. An inspection is required before the license is issued.

   Official government source for Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — Salon License (opens in a new tab)

   $142 (initial application)·4–8 weeks

   $142 (initial application)

   4–8 weeks

2. City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department — Business License

   Every business operating within Dover city limits must hold a city business license (City Code ch. 26, art. II), separate from any Certificate of Occupancy for the space. Fees are set per business-type category in Appendix F, most recently revised by Ordinance 2024-22 (adopted July 8, 2024). Manufacturers and contractors instead pay a rate on gross receipts, and merchants and bottlers a rate on gross purchases for resale, each with a minimum fee. Licenses are annual and prorated quarterly for businesses that start mid-year.

   Official government source for City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department — Business License (opens in a new tab)

   Set per category in Appendix F — e.g. barber or beautician $64, manicurist $32, massage therapist $60, fitness trainer $72, food truck $180, eating establishment $128, car wash $192, health spa/club $192, pest control $96, photographer $128; businesses not listed pay $52 (1–3 employees) to $320 (51–100 employees). Contractors and manufacturers pay $0.00046 of gross receipts (minimum $128); merchants and bottlers $0.00046 of gross purchases for resale (minimum $64).·1–3 weeks

   Set per category in Appendix F — e.g. barber or beautician $64, manicurist $32, massage therapist $60, fitness trainer $72, food truck $180, eating establishment $128, car wash $192, health spa/club $192, pest control $96, photographer $128; businesses not listed pay $52 (1–3 employees) to $320 (51–100 employees). Contractors and manufacturers pay $0.00046 of gross receipts (minimum $128); merchants and bottlers $0.00046 of gross purchases for resale (minimum $64).

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — Salon License
• City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department

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