Permits for a Food Truck in Wilmington, Delaware

A food truck in Wilmington, Delaware needs 9 permits including delaware business license, delaware entity registration (division of corporations), unemployment insurance registration, and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.

We found 9 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.

9 permits found

For a Food Truck in Wilmington, DE

Business License (2)Employment (2)Health & Safety (3)Tax (2)

Business License

Delaware Business License
Delaware Division of Revenue·DE (state-level)
Business License

Required for all businesses operating in Delaware. Issued by the Delaware Division of Revenue. Annual license required before commencing business. Fee varies by gross receipts.

$1 - $1 (Annual business license fee of $75.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Operating without a license: fines and penalties under Delaware Code Title 30. ($1 - $10)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Delaware Entity Registration (Division of Corporations)
Delaware Division of Corporations — Department of State·DE (state-level)
Business License

All LLCs, corporations, and other entities must register with the Delaware Division of Corporations. LLC Certificate of Formation $90. Annual franchise tax required for corporations.

$1 - $3 (LLC Certificate of Formation: $90. Annual LLC tax: $300. Corporation charter and franchise tax varies.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Failure to pay annual franchise tax: entity may be voided. $200 penalty plus interest. ($2 - $2)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Employment

Unemployment Insurance Registration
Delaware Department of Labor — Division of Unemployment Insurance·DE (state-level)
Employment

Delaware employers must register with the Department of Labor for unemployment insurance. New employer rate approximately 1.8%. Taxable wage base is $10,500 per employee.

$0 - $0 (Registration free. Tax rate varies by experience.)
Renewal: Varies
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register or pay: penalties and interest. ($1 - $50)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Delaware Department of Labor — Office of Workers' Compensation·DE (state-level)
Employment

Delaware requires all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. No minimum employee threshold. Coverage from private insurers.

$5 - $50 (Premium varies by industry, payroll, and experience.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Operating without coverage: fine up to $10,000 per day and/or imprisonment. Employer liable for all injury costs. ($10 - $500)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Health & Safety

Food Establishment License
Delaware Division of Public Health — Office of Food Protection·DE (state-level)
Health & Safety

Required for all food establishments in Delaware. Issued by the Delaware Division of Public Health, Office of Food Protection. Must comply with Delaware Food Code. Certified food manager required.

$1 - $4 (Annual license fee $100–$400 based on establishment type and risk level.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~14 days
Operating without a license: fines and closure under Delaware Food Code. ($1 - $10)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Food Handler Certification
ANSI-Accredited Training Providers / State Health Department·DE (state-level)
Health & Safety

Delaware requires food handlers to obtain certification from an ANSI-accredited training provider. At least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) must be on staff.

$0 - $2 (handler card $10-$15; manager certification $80-$175)
Renewal: Varies
Processing: ~1 days
Establishments without certified food safety personnel face health inspection violations and potential permit suspension. ($1 - $10)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Mobile Food Unit Permit
DE Division of Public Health·DE (state-level)
Health & Safety

Required for operating a mobile food unit (food truck, cart, or trailer) in Delaware. Issued by county or city health departments after plan review and inspection.

$1 - $10 (varies by county/city and food preparation type)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~30 days
Operating a food truck without required permits can result in fines, confiscation of goods, and forced closure. ($3 - $50)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Tax

Delaware Gross Receipts Tax Registration
Delaware Division of Revenue·DE (state-level)
Tax

Delaware has no sales tax but imposes a gross receipts tax on businesses. Rate varies by business type (0.0945%–0.7468%). Registration through Delaware One Stop portal. Included in business license application.

$0 - $0 (Registration included in business license. Gross receipts tax rate varies by activity.)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~7 days
Failure to file or pay: penalties of 1%/month (up to 25%) plus interest. ($0 - $100)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Delaware Withholding Tax Registration
Delaware Department of Revenue / Taxation·DE (state-level)
Tax

Employers in Delaware must register to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration required before first payroll.

$0 - $0 (no registration fee)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register for withholding can result in penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. ($1 - $50)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Don't forget these deadlines

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From $12/month

Total penalty exposure

$19 – $782

if you skip or miss these permits

Based on published penalty schedules. Your actual fines may differ depending on your city or county.

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