The DNREC Division of Water offers online application submission through the Digital DNREC ePermitting system.

All Division of Water licenses can be applied for online.

Permit applications can be submitted online as an alternative to hand-delivery and/or mail-in applications for licenses and permits issued by the Division.

The Digital DNREC ePermitting system offers online applications for licenses and permits throughout the department. It allows users to manage their own portfolio of licenses and permits.

Those unable to take advantage of the Digital DNREC ePermitting system can contact the Division of Water at 302-739-9116.

Apply for Licenses

Apply for licenses from the following Division of Water programs online, using the Digital DNREC ePermitting system.

On-site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System Licenses

DNREC issues licenses for on-site systems professionals in eight classes, each focused on different aspects of systems design, installation and maintenance. All licenses require submission of a completed application and review by the On-Site Systems Advisory Board. These licenses must be renewed annually.

Wastewater Operator Licenses

DNREC issues four different levels of wastewater operator license, based on education and training levels. The Division of Water administers the program with advice and assistance from the Board of Certification For Operators of Wastewater Facilities.

To become a licensed wastewater operator, applicants must first pass an exam and then submit an application. Applicants can apply for the exam, and for a license, using the ePermitting system.

Well Driller Licenses

DNREC licenses professionals in the well drilling professions with advice and assistance from the Water Well Licensing Board.

Submit Permit Applications

The Digital DNREC ePermitting system can be used to submit applications for permits related to wastewater treatment and disposal, wetlands and waterways, and water supply.

The system is for submission and payment only. Electronic submission does not constitute application approval. The technical review and approval of applications submitted through this service will be processed by the appropriate staff in a manner consistent with all previous practices.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide scanned/digital versions of all necessary documentation that would otherwise be required for the hard-copy submission of these applications. It is also the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the submitted files are legible and complete.

Permitting Programs

Using the ePermitting System

Use of the ePermitting system to submit permit applications requires a modern web browser (i.e. Chrome, Edge, Safari, etc.) and is a three-step process.

1. Create an Account

The initial, one-time creation of a Digital DNREC profile account through which the applications are submitted. Please note that in order to make this service available quickly we are asking that users create “Individual” accounts for the time being.

Users will be given the opportunity to provide their Business information when submitting an application, which we can then use at a later date to create Business accounts, if desired by the applicants.

2. Upload Applications

The upload and the submission of the application and supporting documentation in PDF, JPG, or PNG format, after which the submission will be reviewed by program staff to evaluate that it is correct and complete. We are requesting that the uploaded files be named with applicant’s name and date (e.g. Smith, John – 042420.pdf)

3. Payment (If Required)

After review of the submission, the applicant will receive email notification that the application has been accepted and be directed to the payment portal, if payment is required. Only after payment has been made will the application be considered complete and placed in the queue for processing.

Any subsequent communication regarding the technical review and processing of the application, up to and including final permit issuance, will be via email correspondence. Hard copies of any issued permit/approval can be requested separately but may experience handling/mailing delays.

Please note that the Division still accepts hard copy submissions, however, those submissions may experience significant processing and transmission delays. Therefore, we are strongly encouraging applicants to use the Digital DNREC system so that the applications can be processed more efficiently.

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