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Wilmington, DE Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Annual license fee
$200.00
Licensed category
Bath/massage/tanning salons
Issuing agency
Dept. of Licenses and Inspections
Unlicensed operation
Misdemeanor, daily offense

Summary

Wilmington requires bath, massage and tanning salons to hold an annual city business license under the nonprofessional service category, with a $200 yearly fee paid to the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

(a)All persons working at or engaged in a business related to a nonprofessional service shall pay per year, the license fee as required by section 5-101.(b)All businesses coming under this section shall be licensed as one of the following categories: ... Bath/massage/tanning salons ...

Source: Wilmington City CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).

Full Breakdown

City Code classifies "Bath/massage/tanning salons" as a licensed nonprofessional service business. Operators must first obtain a license under § 5-34 before doing business, then pay the annual fee set in the § 5-101 schedule ($200.00). No license issues until the state license or permit for the trade is shown, per § 5-35. Licenses are non-transferable and must be posted at the business location.

Violations & Fines

Operating without the required license is a misdemeanor; each day of unlicensed operation is a separate offense punishable under § 1-5, and the city can order an immediate cease-and-desist. Delinquent fees draw a 5% penalty plus 1.5% monthly interest until paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Wilmington massage business need a separate state license first?
Yes. Section 5-35 bars issuance of the city license until the applicant shows a current, valid state license or permit for the trade.
How much does the Wilmington massage/bath/tanning salon license cost?
The § 5-101 fee schedule sets it at $200.00 per year, the same flat rate charged to most nonprofessional service categories.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wilmington

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All Wilmington rules

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