EV Charger Permit Requirements in Delaware (2024)

Most Level 2 (240V) and all DC Fast Charger installations in Delaware require an electrical permit from a local county or municipal building department. Level 1 chargers using an existing outlet generally do not. Permits are not state-issued. Residential permit timelines are typically 1 to 4 weeks; commercial timelines are 4 to 12 weeks.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit for an EV Charger in Delaware?

Yes, for any new wiring. Plugging into an existing, permitted outlet generally does not require a new permit. Installing a new circuit, a 240V outlet, or a hardwired charger requires an electrical permit from the local jurisdiction.

Delaware does not issue EV charger permits at the state level. Authority rests with the three counties (New Castle, Kent, Sussex) and municipalities with their own building departments, such as Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown.

Permit Requirement by Charger Type

A permit and a post-installation inspection are standard requirements. The installer must hold a Delaware electrical contractor license under Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 14, administered by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.

Estimated timelines for a residential Level 2 installation are 1 to 4 weeks from application to final inspection. Commercial DCFC installations may take 4 to 12 weeks, depending on project complexity and utility service upgrades.

Delaware State Law Governing EV Charger Installations

SB 21 (151st General Assembly) and Title 29

The primary state-level law is SB 21, signed by the Governor, which amended Delaware Code Title 29 to address electric vehicle charging (SB 21, 151st General Assembly). The bill's amendments relate to state government operations and facilities, not private residential permitting. Consult the official Delaware Code for specific provisions if your project involves state-owned property.

National Electrical Code Adoption

Consult the Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office for statewide electrical code requirements, including the currently adopted edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Local jurisdictions may adopt amendments that affect EV charger installations under NEC Article 625.

Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office and Commercial Installations

Consult the Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office regarding plan review requirements for commercial projects. This review may be required in addition to the local building permit and can add time to the project schedule.

HOA and Right-to-Charge

Consult Delaware Code Title 25 and a qualified attorney regarding community association rules. The status of statewide "right-to-charge" laws, which can limit an HOA's ability to restrict charger installations, can change.

Utility Notification: Delmarva Power and Delaware Electric Cooperative

Consult your utility (e.g., Delmarva Power, Delaware Electric Cooperative) regarding interconnection review requirements for DCFC installations or any project requiring a service panel upgrade. Early notification is essential to avoid service issues and potential rebate ineligibility.

Permit Requirements by Jurisdiction: County and City Breakdown

Permits are issued by either a county or a municipal office, not both. Use your property address to determine which office has jurisdiction.

New Castle County

Consult the New Castle County Department of Land Use for permit requirements in unincorporated areas. Wilmington, Newark, and Middletown operate their own permit offices. A Delaware-licensed electrical contractor is required for permitted work. Consult the department directly regarding homeowner eligibility to pull electrical permits. The process typically requires a rough-in inspection before walls are closed and a final inspection after installation.

Kent County

Consult the Kent County Department of Planning Services for permits in unincorporated Kent County. The City of Dover operates its own permit office. Contact the department directly to confirm homeowner permit eligibility.

Sussex County

Consult Sussex County Community Development and Housing for permits in unincorporated Sussex County. Incorporated municipalities may have separate requirements. Permit processing times can extend during peak construction season.

City of Wilmington

Consult the City of Wilmington Department of Licenses and Inspections for electrical permits within city limits.

City of Dover

Consult the City of Dover Building Inspections office for current permit requirements. Commercial DCFC installations may also require Fire Marshal review.

City of Newark

Consult the Newark Department of Planning and Development for electrical permits and current processing times.

Electrician Licensing

All permitted electrical work must be performed by a contractor licensed under Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 14. Verify an electrician's license at the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation's online license lookup before signing a contract.

Permit Fees and Processing Timelines: Comparison Table

Permit fees are typically calculated as a flat rate or as a percentage of the project's declared value. Verify current fees directly with the issuing authority.

Expedited Review

Some jurisdictions may offer expedited review for simple residential electrical permits. Inquire about this option when contacting the permit office.

Inspection Scheduling Lag

After a permit is issued, inspection scheduling can add 3 to 10 business days to the project timeline, depending on inspector availability.

Fees change. Always confirm the current fee schedule with the issuing authority before submitting an application.

What Changed Recently: Delaware EV Charger Regulatory Updates

SB 21 (151st General Assembly)

SB 21 was signed into law, amending Delaware Code Title 29. Its provisions primarily affect EV charging installations at state government facilities.

SB 271 (152nd General Assembly)

SB 271, which proposed amending Titles 6 and 21 relating to Commerce and Trade, was stricken in the Senate and has no legal effect (SB 271, 152nd General Assembly).

Delaware NEVI Program

Consult the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) for information on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. NEVI-funded projects must meet federal standards in addition to local permit requirements.

Delaware Public Service Commission

Consult the Delaware Public Service Commission for dockets and proceedings related to EV charging rate structures and utility regulations.

Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations

Consult the State Fire Marshal's Office for the current adopted edition of the NEC, as updates affect compliance requirements for EV charger installations.

Incentives and Rebates That Interact With the Permit Process

Following the correct order of operations is critical for rebate eligibility.

DNREC Delaware Clean Vehicle Rebate Program

Consult the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) for current guidelines. Confirm whether a passed inspection is required documentation for any charging equipment rebate. Program terms change.

Delmarva Power EV Charger Rebate

Consult Delmarva Power for current rebate program terms. Some programs require pre-approval before equipment purchase or installation. Required documentation may include permit records.

Federal Section 30C Tax Credit

The federal Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (IRC Section 30C) is claimed on IRS Form 8911. Permit and inspection certificates serve as supporting documentation that the installation was completed to code. Keep these records for tax purposes.

DNREC Workplace and Multi-Unit Dwelling Grant Programs

Consult DNREC for the availability of grant programs for workplace and multi-unit dwelling (MUD) installations. These programs typically require that installations meet all applicable code requirements.

Order of Operations

1. Check rebate and grant program availability and pre-approval requirements.
2. Hire a licensed electrician and develop an installation plan.
3. Submit the permit application.
4. Purchase equipment, adhering to any rebate pre-approval rules.
5. Install the charger after the permit is issued.
6. Pass all required inspections.
7. Submit rebate or grant documentation, including permit and inspection records.

Next Steps: How to Get Your EV Charger Permit in Delaware

Step 1: Determine Your Jurisdiction

Use your property address to identify the correct county or municipal permitting office.

Step 2: Hire a Delaware-Licensed Electrical Contractor

Verify the contractor's license number with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (Title 24, Chapter 14). If considering a self-pull, confirm eligibility directly with the permit office.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

• Site plan showing charger and panel locations
• Load calculation for the electrical panel
• Charger manufacturer specification sheet
• Electrical contractor's Delaware license number
• Property owner information

Step 4: Submit Your Permit Application

Step 5: Schedule and Pass Electrical Inspection

After the permit is issued, schedule required inspections with the permit office. The circuit cannot be energized until the final inspection is passed.

Step 6: Notify Your Utility for DCFC or Panel Upgrades

Contact Delmarva Power or Delaware Electric Cooperative before energizing a DCFC installation or a significant service panel upgrade.

Always confirm current requirements directly with the issuing authority before starting work.