DNREC Permits Go Digital
The modernization of DNREC’s environmental permitting continues. The Division of Air Quality has begun certain air permit applications online through Digital DNREC – which is e-permitting. This is part of a broader effort to streamline permitting and invest in tools to make the permitting process more efficient for applicants and staff. Beginning this week, Air Quality will accept Natural Minor construction permits and amendments through Digital DNREC – and applicants will also be able to pay for these permits and amendments online.
Additional information from DNREC:
The results are already showing up in new tools the public can use today. In September, the Division of Water launched interactive dashboards that make it easier for homeowners, contractors and the public to access information for some of its most high volume permits. The dashboards allow users to check application status, view their place in the review queue and retrieve issued permit documents.
“We have made improving the permitting experience a priority,” said DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson. “Tools like online applications and permit dashboards help customers understand what to expect, reduce paperwork and let our experts spend more time on the projects with the greatest environmental impact. We’re going to keep building on this work.”
DNREC issues many different types of permits across the Department; therefore, online applications are being introduced in phases based on permit type.
During this rollout, standard Natural Minor construction permits and amendments will move into the Digital DNREC (ePermitting) system. Other air permits will remain paper-based for now, including Synthetic Minor permits, related to facilities that agree to specific limits to stay below major-source thresholds, and Title V renewals, federal operating permits for major sources, as well as certain federally enforceable permits and amendments. Transitioning to Digital DNREC (ePermitting) for these permit types will occur in future phases.
The Department will stop accepting paper-based Natural Minor permit applications on Dec. 31. Applicants who have drafted a paper-based permit application have until the end of the year to submit the complete application. DNREC may request resubmission of incomplete applications in Digital DNREC (ePermitting). For more information on the current paper-based permitting process, visit the de.gov/aqpermits webpage.
The Digital DNREC (ePermitting) system can be accessed at the de.gov/epermitting webpage. The online workflow is designed to mirror the steps used in the existing paper-based system. Paper application forms will remain available online as a reference to help applicants prepare their digital permit submissions.
DNREC will provide online training materials and will host a virtual walkthrough of the new process on Jan. 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon, with an invitation to be sent to existing permit holders and environmental consultants in early January.
More information is available on the DNREC website.