Which permits does your market need?
Pick your city or county, tell us whether you'll have food, use public space, or set up tents and cooking, and get the permits that apply to you and your vendors, with fees, deadlines and official links. Covers 225 US cities and counties.
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Tell us about your event.
Permits for your market in Wilmington, DE.
In Wilmington, DE, organizers apply to the city's Office of Cultural Affairs for a Special Event, Park or Block Party Permit at least 45 days ahead. Every vendor needs a state business license from the Division of Revenue, Delaware has no sales tax but charges gross receipts tax, and food booths need a Division of Public Health temporary food permit.
Not shown, based on your answers: parks and public space, food vendors. See everything for Wilmington.
Event permit.
Special Event Permit (plus Block Party, Park and Walk/Run permits)
Organizers apply online with the form that matches the event. The Events Permitting staff then decide which city services are required and what fees are owed, and the applicant agrees to pay fees and service costs. Events of 500 or more people must have EMS coverage, and police presence may be required after review. The city does not supply portable toilets, tents or tables.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of Wilmington Office of Cultural Affairs (Event Permitting Center)
- When
- Most events within city limits; the city's own page says most need some type of permit. Use the Special Event Permit for events other than block party, park or walk/run events.
- Fee
- Permit fees and city service costs vary by event; amounts not stated on the page
- Timing
- Submit at least 45 days before the event (later applications not accepted); pay all fees at least 2 weeks before
Vendor and business licenses.
Delaware general business license (state)
The Division of Revenue says any person or entity conducting a trade or business in the State must have a Delaware business license, and that a city or county license may also be required locally. Licenses expire each December 31, and a temporary license can be printed after online registration.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Delaware Division of Revenue (One Stop Business Licensing and Registration Service)
- When
- Any person or business selling at a market or event in Delaware; the Division also says a city or county license may be required locally
- Fee
- Fees for a general business license are dependent on the type of business and category.
Sales tax.
No state sales tax; business license and gross receipts tax instead
The Division of Revenue says Delaware imposes no state sales tax, so vendors do not collect sales tax from buyers. Instead the business holds a Delaware business license and pays a gross receipts tax on its receipts; the Division gives rates from .0945% to 1.9914% depending on business activity.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Delaware Division of Revenue
- When
- Any person or business selling goods in Delaware, including at markets and events
Transient retailer license, bond and gross receipts tax
Transient retailers must hold a business license, register the merchandise they will sell and a registered agent in Delaware, and post a bond. Gross receipts tax for retail sales is .7543% after a $100,000 monthly exclusion, and sales of handmade or craft objects by the maker of less than $1,000 per year are not counted as gross receipts. The Division notes some retailers in listed categories are exempt from these provisions.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Delaware Division of Revenue
- When
- A retailer who transacts a temporary or transient business for less than four months during the year or less than 90 actual days of business, such as at a craft fair or flea market
- Fee
- $90 for the first place of business and $40 for each additional location; $1,000 bond
When to apply.
- Special Event Permit (plus Block Party, Park and Walk/Run permits): Submit at least 45 days before the event (later applications not accepted); pay all fees at least 2 weeks before
Collect your vendors' permits with their applications.
Make the vendor licenses, sales tax registration and food permits above required documents on your application, and check them before you approve anyone.
Check with the office.
This checklist summarizes official government pages read on 2026-10-11. It isn't legal advice; rules, fees and deadlines change. Special events contact: Wilmington Events Permitting, (302) 576-2138, specialevents@wilmingtonde.gov. Full page and sources for Wilmington.
Common questions.
What permits do I need to host a vendor market?
Usually an event permit from the city or county, licenses and sales tax registration for vendors, and temporary food permits for anyone selling food. Parks, streets, tents and cooking can add more. Pick your city above to see the exact list.
Do I need a permit for a pop-up market on private property?
It depends on the city. Some only require permits on public property; others, like zoning temporary-use permits, apply anywhere. The checklist shows what each city's official pages say.
How far ahead should I apply for an event permit?
Often 30 to 90 days. The median deadline across 111 places in our study is 45 days, and 43 want 60 or more.
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Free for organizers: vendor applications with required documents, booth payments, tickets and check-in.