The Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) administers and enforces licensing requirements for businesses and contractors operating within Upper Darby Township.

Licensing ensures that all individuals and entities conducting business in Upper Darby are properly registered, compliant with applicable laws, and accountable for their operations.

It is unlawful to operate a business or perform contracting work within Upper Darby Township without first obtaining all required licenses.

Business Licensing (Business Privilege & Mercantile License)

All persons, entities, and organizations conducting business within Upper Darby Township are required to obtain a Business Privilege License and/or Mercantile License, as applicable, prior to operating.

This requirement applies regardless of whether the business is:

• Located within the Township
• Based outside the Township but performing work within it
• Operating from a commercial location or a residential property
  

Important Requirement

A Business Privilege License and/or Mercantile License must be obtained prior to:

• Operating a business within the Township
• Performing work within the Township
• Applying for permits
• Conducting sales or services

All required business and contractor licenses must be obtained and verified prior to the submission or issuance of any permit.

The Township reserves the sole authority to determine licensing requirements based on the nature of the business or work being performed.

Failure to obtain proper business licensing is a violation of Township regulations and may result in enforcement action.

Business License Application

What is a Business Privilege License (BPL)

A Business Privilege License (BPL) is required for any person or entity engaging in business activity within Upper Darby Township.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Contractors and tradespersons
• Retail businesses and storefronts
• Offices and professional services
• Home-based businesses
• Service providers operating within the Township

The BPL ensures that businesses are properly registered with the Township and are operating in compliance with local regulations.

What is a Mercantile License

A Mercantile License is required for businesses engaged in the sale of goods, wares, or merchandise within the Township.

This generally applies to:

• Retail establishments
• Businesses selling products directly to consumers
• Vendors and sellers of goods

Contractor Licensing

In addition to business licensing, contractors performing work within Upper Darby Township must also obtain a Township Contractor License.

This includes:

• General Contractors
• Home Improvement Contractors
• Electrical Contractors
• Plumbing Contractors
• Mechanical Contractors
• Demolition Contractors
• Fire Protection Contractors

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Residential Contractors (Single Family & Duplexes Only)

• UDT Contractor License Application
• Proof of Pennsylvania Attorney General Home Improvement Contractor Registration
• Proof of Upper Darby Business Privilege License
• Certificate of Liability Insurance with Upper Darby Township listed as certificate holder
• Proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance or Notarized Exemption Form

No fee is required for residential contractor license verification.

Commercial Contractors

• UDT Contractor License Application
• Proof of Upper Darby Business Privilege License
• Proof of Master/Trade License or Exam
• Certificate of Liability Insurance with Upper Darby Township listed as certificate holder
• Proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance or Notarized Exemption Form

License fee: $150 (plus $50 for each additional endorsement)

Acceptable Proof of Trade Qualification

Acceptable proof of master or trade qualification must consist of one of the following:

• A current and active master trade license (Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing) issued by a recognized and approved jurisdiction, where the applicant personally obtained the license through successful completion of a trade examination administered directly by that jurisdiction
• Proof of successful passage of the applicable International Code Council (ICC) master-level trade examination
• Proof of completion of an approved training program and successful passage of the corresponding trade examination, where the training program is provided by a recognized organization (such as the Philadelphia Suburban Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors), and the trade examination is administered, and certification is issued, by the Delaware County Municipalities Plumbing Council

Upper Darby Township will independently verify all submitted licenses with the issuing jurisdiction to confirm that the applicant was directly tested and examined by that jurisdiction and that the license was not obtained through reciprocity, transfer, waiver, or by presenting a license from another jurisdiction.

Only licenses issued by jurisdictions that require and administer a direct trade examination to the applicant will be accepted. Licenses obtained without direct examination by the issuing jurisdiction will not be accepted as proof of qualification, regardless of title or designation.

Important Contractor Licensing Requirements

• Contractor licensing is required in addition to Business Privilege and/or Mercantile licensing
• State licensing or registration alone does not satisfy Township requirements
• Contractors must be licensed prior to performing work or applying for permits
• Contractor licenses are issued to a specific individual or entity and are not transferable
• Use of another contractor’s license is strictly prohibited
• Contractors are responsible for ensuring that all subcontractors performing work under their permit are properly licensed and compliant with Township requirements

Incomplete Applications

Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned without review.

Door-to-Door Solicitation Licensing

Individuals or businesses conducting door-to-door solicitation must obtain a Solicitation License from the Township.

This applies to:

• Home improvement companies
• Energy suppliers
• Solar companies
• Telecommunications providers
• Any business engaging in direct door-to-door sales or marketing

For more information, please visit the Door-to-Door Solicitation page.

Relationship to Permits and Approvals

Licensing is separate from permits and inspections.

Depending on the activity, applicants may also be required to obtain:

• Building permits
• Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits
• Fire protection permits
• Use & Occupancy Certificate
• Health Department approvals (for food-related businesses)

All required licenses and approvals must be obtained prior to operation.

License Expiration and Renewal

All licenses are subject to expiration and must be renewed in accordance with Township requirements.

Failure to maintain an active license may result in enforcement action and the inability to obtain permits or perform work within the Township.

Compliance and Enforcement

Performing work or operating a business without the required licenses may result in:

• Denial or revocation of permits
• Stop work orders
• Citations and fines
• Suspension or revocation of licenses
• Legal enforcement action

Submission of false, misleading, or incomplete information may result in denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses and may be referred for further enforcement action.

Each day a violation continues may constitute a separate offense.

Important Reminders

• All businesses operating within Upper Darby Township must be properly licensed
• Business licensing is required before contractor licensing and permits
• Township licensing is required in addition to state licensing
• Multiple licenses may be required depending on the activity
• Licensing does not replace permit or inspection requirements

Submission and Payment

Completed applications can be submitted via email to LI@UpperDarby.org

Payments can be made online at UpperDarby.org/CodePay

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Business Privilege License if I already have a state license?
Yes. Township business licensing is required in addition to state licensing.

Do contractors need both a business license and contractor license?
Yes. Contractors must obtain both.

Do I need a license if my business is not located in Upper Darby?
Yes, if you are performing work or conducting business within the Township.

Do I need a license before applying for permits?
Yes. Licensing must be completed prior to permit application.

Contact the Licensing Division

For questions regarding business or contractor licensing, please contact:

Email: LI@UpperDarby.org
Phone: 610-734-7613

Residents may also submit inquiries or report concerns through the Township One Center.

To submit a concern, email One@UpperDarby.org or call the One Center Request Line at 610-734-7625.