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Delaware licensing

Do I need a debt collection license in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware requires a debt collection license issued by Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner.

State Laws

Delaware licensing laws

9 verticals covered for Delaware

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Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified August 3, 2026

This guide covers 9 regulated activities in Delaware: Delaware Debt Collection Laws & Regulations, Delaware Contractor License Bond Requirements, Delaware Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements, Delaware Notary Bond Requirements, Delaware Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements, Delaware Subdivision Bond Requirements, Delaware Charitable Registration Requirements, Delaware Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements, and Delaware Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing. For each one, the summary below names the state agency in charge. It shows whether a license or registration is required. It also shows whether Delaware calls for a surety bond before you can operate.

Oversight in Delaware runs through Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner, Delaware Division of Revenue, Delaware Secretary of State, Delaware Division of Revenue / Division of Motor Vehicles, Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in Delaware, and Delaware Attorney General (enforcement only; no registration). 7 of the 9 need a surety bond before you can operate. The bond protects the state and your customers if you break the rules tied to your license.

States change their statutes and fee schedules often. Treat the details below as a starting point. Confirm the current rule with the regulator before you file. When you are ready, Covered by Cornerstone can prepare and submit the Delaware filings for you. We track every renewal date and keep your license in good standing year after year.

debt collection

Delaware Debt Collection Laws & Regulations

Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Delaware. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Delaware.

Application process

To obtain a debt collection license in Delaware, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner, provide a surety bond of $25,000, pass background checks for all control persons, and meet net worth or financial requirements. The application review typically takes 30-90 days.

Renewals

Debt collection licenses in Delaware generally require annual renewal. Renewal generally involves submission of a renewal application, payment of renewal fees, updated surety bond confirmation, and any required annual reports. Late renewals may incur additional penalties.

Third-party debt collectors operating in Delaware are also generally expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Delaware may impose additional requirements beyond federal standards, including restrictions on communication methods, required disclosures, and limitations on fees that may be collected.

Key statutes

  • Delaware Consumer Debt Collection Licensing (5 Del. C. Ch. 79) . Requirements for consumer debt collectors

contractor license

Delaware Contractor License Bond Requirements

The contractor license bond Delaware requires as a condition of holding a contractor license or registration: the required amount, the statute behind it, and how the bond is filed with Delaware Division of Revenue.

Application process

The bond is filed with Delaware Division of Revenue as part of the contractor license or registration application (or renewal). The surety issues the bond on the state's required form naming the state as obligee; most contractors qualify on the owners' personal credit and the bond is often issued the same day. Note this is the license bond only, project bid, performance, and payment bonds are separate obligations posted per job.

Renewals

The bond must stay continuously in force for the license to remain active. Sureties renew the bond on its own term and file continuation certificates; a lapse or cancellation is reported to Delaware Division of Revenue and can suspend the license.

Local jurisdictions in Delaware may layer their own permit or license bond requirements on top of the statewide bond. Confirm the current required amount with Delaware Division of Revenue before filing.

Key statutes

  • Non-resident contractor bonding (30 Del. C. ch. 25) . Delaware has no statewide contractor license bond; its tax code requires non-resident contractors to post a bond before performing sizable Delaware contracts.

credit services

Delaware Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements

Delaware requires a $15,000 credit services organization bond under 6 Del. C. ch. 24, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State.

Application process

Apply for or renew your credit services organization registration with the Delaware Secretary of State and file a $15,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond renews alongside the underlying credit services organization registration.

Key statutes

  • Delaware credit services organization statutes (6 Del. C. ch. 24) . Statutory basis for the Delaware credit services organization bond requirement.

notary

Delaware Notary Bond Requirements

Delaware does not require a surety bond to hold a notary public commission. Requirements can change; confirm with the Delaware Secretary of State.

Application process

No notary bond filing applies in Delaware. Complete the standard notary public commission process with the Delaware Secretary of State.

Renewals

No bond means no bond renewal cycle in Delaware. Keep the underlying notary public commission current with the Delaware Secretary of State.

Key statutes

  • Delaware notary statutes (Del. Code Ann. tit. 29, ch. 43) . Governing law confirming Delaware does not condition the notary public commission on a surety bond.

auto dealer

Delaware Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements

Delaware requires a $25,000 motor vehicle dealer bond under Del. Code Ann. tit. 30, ch. 29, filed with the Delaware Division of Revenue / Division of Motor Vehicles.

Application process

Apply for or renew your motor vehicle dealer license with the Delaware Division of Revenue / Division of Motor Vehicles and file a $25,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the motor vehicle dealer license term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Key statutes

  • Delaware dealer licensing provisions (Del. Code Ann. tit. 30, ch. 29) . Statutory basis for the Delaware motor vehicle dealer bond requirement.

subdivision

Delaware Subdivision Bond Requirements

How subdivision (site improvement / plat) bonds work in Delaware: the enabling statute local governments rely on, how the bond amount is sized from the engineer's estimate, and what developers post to get a plat approved.

Application process

The bond is posted with the city or county that approves the plat, not a state agency. The local government (the obligee) sizes the security from the project engineer's estimate of the improvements still to be built (streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, water and sewer), and the developer files the executed bond with the development or subdivision improvement agreement. Many Delaware jurisdictions reduce the required amount as phases are inspected and accepted.

Renewals

The bond stays in force until the local government inspects and accepts the improvements and releases the security; it is not renewed on a fixed license cycle.

Amounts are set locally under 9 Del. C. § 4810, so two projects in different Delaware jurisdictions can face different security terms for the same scope of work. Confirm the exact security form and amount with the approving city or county before ordering the bond.

Key statutes

  • County subdivision and land development plan review (9 Del. C. § 4810) . County-level plan review statute; the improvement security itself is set in each county's land development code (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex each maintain their own).

charitable registration

Delaware Charitable Registration Requirements

Does Delaware require charitable solicitation registration? Delaware has no charitable solicitation registration statute. What that means for nonprofits fundraising in Delaware, and the professional fundraiser and charitable gaming rules that still apply.

Application process

There is no charitable solicitation registration to file in Delaware. Delaware has no charitable solicitation registration statute. Nonprofits soliciting in Delaware still need their corporate registration (and a registered agent if formed out of state), and fundraising into other states can trigger those states' registration requirements. Professional fundraisers working Delaware donors should confirm whether separate contractor or solicitor filings apply.

Renewals

With no charitable solicitation registration, there is nothing to renew in Delaware. Keep the organization's corporate annual report and registered agent current, and track registrations in every other state where the nonprofit solicits.

Deceptive solicitation remains enforceable by Delaware Attorney General under consumer protection law even without a registration regime. Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo) is regulated separately in Delaware and usually requires its own license or permit from the state or local jurisdiction.

Key statutes

  • Delaware charitable solicitation regime (No general registration statute) . Delaware has no charitable solicitation registration statute.

mortgage

Delaware Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements

Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Delaware. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Delaware.

Application process

Mortgage companies generally apply through the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) for Delaware mortgage licensing. Requirements include a completed MU1 form, surety bond, audited financial statements, business plan, background checks (FBI criminal and credit) for all control persons, and net worth requirements. Individual MLOs are generally required to complete pre-licensing education (20 hours minimum including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, plus Delaware-specific hours), pass the SAFE MLO test, and submit an MU4 form through NMLS.

Renewals

Mortgage licenses in Delaware are renewed annually through NMLS. Company renewals require updated financial statements, bond confirmation, and payment of renewal fees. MLOs are generally required to complete continuing education (8 hours minimum annually, including Delaware-specific requirements) and pay renewal fees through NMLS. The renewal period typically runs November 1 through December 31.

All mortgage companies and MLOs operating in Delaware are generally required to be registered through NMLS. Delaware participates in the CSBS multi-state licensing process. Additional requirements may include maintaining a physical office, appointing a qualified individual, and filings with both state and federal regulations including TILA, RESPA, and the Dodd-Frank Act.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • SAFE Act (12 U.S.C. § 5101) . Federal framework for MLO licensing through NMLS

money transmitter

Delaware Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing

Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Delaware. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Delaware.

Delaware money transmitter requirements at a glance

Delaware money transmitter licensing requirements
Surety bond $25,000
Minimum net worth $100,000
Renewal cadence Annual
FinCEN MSB registration Required

Application process

To obtain a money transmitter license in Delaware, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner, provide a surety bond of $25,000-$500,000, demonstrate minimum net worth of $100,000, provide audited financial statements, implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program, and pass background checks for all control persons. Many states now accept applications through NMLS. The application process typically takes 3-12 months depending on the state and complexity of the applicant's business model.

Renewals

Money transmitter licenses in Delaware generally require annual renewal. Renewal typically requires submission of audited financial statements, updated surety bond, quarterly or annual transaction reports, BSA/AML filing documentation, and payment of renewal fees. Some states require call report filings on a quarterly basis throughout the year.

Money transmitters operating in Delaware are also generally expected to register with FinCEN as a money services business (MSB) and implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program. This includes appointing a filings officer, developing written policies and procedures, conducting employee training, filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Delaware may have specific requirements for cryptocurrency and virtual currency businesses.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5311) . Federal BSA/AML requirements for money services businesses

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State Laws

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Bonds and insurance in Delaware

Where Delaware conditions a license on a posted surety bond, these pages carry the statutory bond amount and filing steps.

Delaware regulator contacts

The state agencies that issue and oversee the licenses above.

  • Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner debt collection, mortgage, money transmitter licensing
  • Delaware Division of Revenue contractor license licensing
  • Delaware Secretary of State credit services, notary licensing
  • Delaware Division of Revenue / Division of Motor Vehicles auto dealer licensing
  • Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in Delaware subdivision licensing
  • Delaware Attorney General (enforcement only; no registration) charitable registration licensing

Planning tools and data

Scope a Delaware expansion before you file.

Regulatory Watch

Stay Ahead of the Rules

Recent rule changes, deadline announcements, and state agency updates we are tracking for you.

  • Action FTC Jul 25, 2026

    Celsius Network Founders Ordered to Pay $16.5 Million

    On July 20, 2026, the FTC announced that the founders of Celsius Network were ordered to pay $16. 5 million to resolve FTC charges.

  • Action FTC May 5, 2026

    FTC sues over deceptive health care marketing scheme

    On April 22, 2026, the FTC announced a case to stop a deceptive health care scheme that allegedly impersonated the government and large insurance carriers. The item is advertising-adjacent rather than a debt collection or lending rule change, but it falls within the search window as a consumer marketing enforcement action.