How to Get a State Employment Insurance Number in Delaware

Starting a business in Delaware can be exciting, but there are a few important steps to take care of before hiring employees. One of those is applying for a State Employment Insurance Number. This number is issued by Delaware’s Division of Unemployment Insurance and is required for all employers who pay wages in the state.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting your Employment Insurance Number—based on my own experience setting up a business in Delaware.

What Is a State Employment Insurance Number?

A State Employment Insurance Number is used by the state to track unemployment insurance tax contributions. This number is separate from your federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) and is required by Delaware law if you plan to have employees.

Delaware uses this number to make sure that your business is contributing to the unemployment insurance fund. That fund, in turn, supports workers who may lose their jobs in the future. It’s all part of staying compliant with state employment laws.

Who Needs This Number?

Any business with employees in Delaware needs to apply for a State Employment Insurance Number. Even if you only hire part-time help or seasonal workers, you’re still required to register with the Division of Unemployment Insurance.

When I hired my first part-time assistant, I didn’t think this rule applied to me—but it absolutely did. Whether you’re operating a brick-and-mortar shop or working from a home office, if you’re paying wages, you must register.

If you’re looking into other important coverages, check out why business insurance is necessary for Delaware-based employers.

What You’ll Need Before You Apply

Getting prepared ahead of time made the application much smoother for me. Here’s what Delaware typically requires before you can register:

• Business Name and Address – Your official business details as registered with the state
• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) – Assigned by the IRS
• Delaware Business License – If you haven’t applied yet, this is a separate step
• SSN or ITIN – For sole proprietors or individuals without a business EIN

If you’re still waiting on your EIN, our guide on how to get an EIN can help you complete that step first.

How to Apply for a State Employment Insurance Number in Delaware

Prepare Your Business Information

Before visiting the registration portal, make sure you have all your documentation ready. Double-check business name spellings, your address, and EIN. Small errors can delay your application.

Register Through Delaware’s Department of Labor

Delaware’s Division of Unemployment Insurance provides both online and in-person options. I chose the online application, which saved a lot of time. You can access the portal through the official Delaware Department of Labor website.

Navigate to the Unemployment Insurance section and look for the Employer Registration page to get started.

Complete and Submit the Application

Fill out the form carefully. It will ask for your business structure, type of services, start date, and expected wages. Once complete, submit it either online or print it out for in-person submission.

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What Happens After You Apply?

Once your application is submitted, Delaware usually takes a few days to process it. In my case, I received my Employment Insurance Number in about a week. Keep an eye on your inbox or mailbox for confirmation.

Once you have it, you’ll start using the number to report unemployment tax payments and file required forms. It’s a critical ID for your payroll system.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying is simple, but it’s also easy to make small mistakes that can cause delays. From my experience, here’s what to watch for:

• Incomplete Applications – Always check that all fields are filled in
• Wrong EIN or Business Info – Errors here can slow down approval
• Not Following Up – If it’s been over a week, contact the Department of Labor to check status

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Why It Matters

Having a State Employment Insurance Number isn’t just a formality—it’s a requirement. It keeps your business compliant, helps your employees qualify for unemployment benefits, and protects you from penalties.

It’s also something you’ll need for tax filing, payroll setup, and potentially when applying for certain licenses or loans.

Final Thoughts

Getting a State Employment Insurance Number in Delaware was easier than I expected once I knew what was required. It’s one of those steps that shows you’re serious about running your business the right way.

For anyone planning to hire employees, don’t put this off. The application only takes a short time, and the benefits of being compliant from the start far outweigh the consequences of skipping it.

If you’re new to Delaware business ownership, you might also want to check out our guide on liability insurance to keep your business covered from the start.