Licensing and Regulations

Recreational fishing in Delaware requires licenses for most anglers and is governed by both state regulations promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and regional and national regulations. Fisheries Section Menu

The Fisheries

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Commercial Fishing

Commercial fishing in the state of Delaware requires proper licensure and, in some cases, permits. Some fisheries have established quotas. And there are reporting requirements that must be met. Fisheries Section Menu

The Fisheries Section

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Water Well Licenses

The DNREC Division of Water issues licenses for Water Well Contractors, Pump Installer Contractors, Well Drillers and Pump Installers. Licenses are required for all persons who perform these tasks in Delaware. Digital

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Resource Protection Section

The Resource Protection Section evaluates and protects Delaware’s water resources through technical assistance, field monitoring and sampling services, regulatory implementation, and standardizing processes for the Division’s inspection, compliance, and enforcement actions.  Professional Licensing The division oversees licensing for wastewater system operators, professionals involved in on-site wastewater treatment

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Board of Certification for Wastewater Operators

The Board of Certification For Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities was created to advise and assist the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in the administration of the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator certification program.

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Groundwater Discharge Licenses

The DNREC Division of Water issues licenses for the various professions involved in designing, installing and maintaining on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems. Licenses are granted under the state’s on-site systems regulations and with input from the On-Site Systems Advisory Board. Div. of

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Division of Water Forms

This page lists application forms for licenses, permits, leases and other regulatory items from the DNREC Division of Water. Applications are being moved to the online DNREC ePermitting system. As they are moved, they will be replaced with links to that system. Eventually, this page will not be needed and will

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Fish and Wildlife License Agents

Hunting and fishing licenses, and conservation access passes (CAP), can be purchased at the following authorized licensing agents. Some agents only sell fishing licenses while others sell only hunting licenses and conservation access passes. Licenses also can be purchased online or at the licensing desk inside DNREC’s Richardson and Robbins Building, at 89 Kings Highway

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Low Number License Lottery

DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will not hold a low-number hunting license lottery for the 2020/21 hunting season. Please check back for lottery information about the 2021/22 licensing season. For more information, Delaware residents can contact Danielle Davis, Division of Fish and Wildlife License Program Coordinator, at 302-739-9918, between the

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Fish and Wildlife License Fees

Information on fees for licenses, registrations, permits, and passes from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Delaware Resident Non-Resident Agent Fee

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Exemptions and Exceptions

Delaware state law and Delaware’s fishing and hunting regulations provide several exemptions and exceptions to the state’s fishing and hunting licensing requirements.

The following are exempt from fishing license requirements: Surf Fishing Permits Note: Exempt anglers are

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Recreational Licensing

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers licenses, permits, stamps, and passes for recreational fishing and hunting, and for the use of Delaware Wildlife Areas. Go to Digital DNREC

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