There is probably some confusion here, though I can't speak for DE, many places that first day green helper is probably an apprentice, apprentices are generally not "licensed" but usually need to be registered in some way. So the law in DE likely means that apprentices are allowed, but they must still follow requirements that apply to the apprenticeship process. That usually means they must still have a valid registration and registration card to be able to work. There could be exceptions for the "first day green worker", but I can also see that being abused and next thing you know all temp employees or general laborers will become "first day green workers" should they be caught with no proper documentation, so it is probably simpler to require documentation before work can begin. Registering to be an apprentice in most places is probably simple, fill out the form and pay the fee and you have registered, unlike obtaining a license where you must first meet certtain qualifications, then take an exam and pass it.
Apprentice registration can probably be done almost instantly on line in some places.
