Not yet re-checked against the Delaware Dept of Labor; verify before relying on it.
Delaware subcontractor insurance & compliance requirements
If you're a general contractor hiring subcontractors in Delaware, here are the certificates and documents you should collect and keep current, and how TradeGuard tracks them automatically.
Documents to collect from subcontractors in Delaware
The core compliance documents a GC should require and keep current for each sub.
State or local business license.
Certificate of Insurance for General Liability coverage.
Certificate showing workers' comp for the sub's employees. Who must carry it depends on the state and the number of employees.
Used to report what you pay the sub on Form 1099-NEC. For payments made in 2026 or later the IRS reporting threshold is $2,000 (it was $600).
Some owners and contracts require it, and some states require it on public projects.
Public owners require one on larger public contracts; the threshold depends on the owner and the state.
Often required with a bid on public work; it backs the bidder's promise to sign the contract at the bid price.
Delaware does not have a statewide general contractor license. Home improvement contractors must register. Check local jurisdictions.
Delaware is under federal OSHA jurisdiction.
No statewide contractor bond requirement, though projects or public work may still require bonds.
- DDOL: Delaware Dept of Labor
- DFS: Delaware Division of Revenue (business registration)
Summary for Delaware
No state GC license. Federal OSHA applies. Collect business registration and insurance certificates.
Track all of this automatically in Delaware
TradeGuard asks each sub for these documents through an upload link and shows what's missing for Delaware, with alerts before anything expires.
No credit card required · Cancel anytime · See how COI tracking works
Delaware compliance FAQ
Do subcontractors need a contractor license in Delaware?+
Delaware does not issue a statewide general contractor license, though local jurisdictions or specialty trades may still require one. Delaware does not have a statewide general contractor license. Home improvement contractors must register. Check local jurisdictions.
Does Delaware follow federal OSHA or a state OSHA plan?+
Delaware is covered by federal OSHA. Subcontractors on active job sites are typically expected to carry OSHA 10/30 training.
Is a surety bond required for contractors in Delaware?+
Delaware does not impose a statewide contractor bond requirement, though individual projects, owners, or public work may still require performance and payment bonds.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm current rules with the relevant Delaware agencies before relying on them.