Fargo, ND Business License Guide

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, step-by-step hub for getting legal to do business in Fargo, ND. It explains who licenses what, what you need, where to apply, and how long it might take. It also flags the hard parts so you can plan around them.

Note on figures and fees: You asked for concrete, official numbers. Where state or city offices publish fee schedules and current amounts online, we link directly to those pages. We do not guess. If a specific figure isn’t listed publicly or varies by license class, we point you to the exact fee schedule page so you can confirm today’s amount before you apply.

Quick Help Box (Start Here)

• Apply for a North Dakota business (LLC/corp/trade name) at the Secretary of State’s FirstStop portal: North Dakota FirstStop (Secretary of State) — online business registration.
• Get a North Dakota tax account (sales/use, withholding) in the Tax Commissioner’s portal: North Dakota Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) — state tax permits and filing.
• Check Fargo city licenses (alcohol, tobacco, cabaret, taxi, pawn, mobile food vendor, and more): City of Fargo Code of Ordinances (Municode) – Business/License Chapters — official city code.
• Food, restaurant, or food truck licensing/inspection: Fargo Cass Public Health – Environmental Health — local health authority; see Food Safety/Permits.
• Building, occupancy, zoning, signage, home businesses: City of Fargo Inspections Department — permits and plan review.
• Employee-related registrations: Job Service North Dakota (Unemployment Insurance) and Workforce Safety & Insurance (Workers’ Comp) — register if you have employees.
• Federal EIN for taxes and banking: IRS EIN Application (Official IRS Site) — fee is $0.

At a Glance: Do You Need a City Business License in Fargo?

Start with this reality check:

• Fargo does not issue a blanket “general business license” for every business. Many businesses in Fargo don’t need a city license at all. But several activities do require one (for example: alcoholic beverage sales, tobacco sales, cabaret/entertainment, pawn/secondhand, taxi/transport, mobile food vending, certain amusement devices, adult entertainment, and more).
  • Official city rules are in the Fargo Code of Ordinances. Use this link and search within for your activity: Fargo Code of Ordinances (Municode) – Business/License Chapters.
• Even if you don’t need a city business license, you still must set up your legal entity with the North Dakota Secretary of State and get any required state tax permits and health/building approvals.
• Local permitting (zoning, building permits, certificate of occupancy, sign permits) applies regardless of whether you need a city “license.”
• State licensing can apply to certain professions and trades (contractors, electricians, plumbers, cosmetology/barbering, health professions, child care, etc.). See the “Industry-Specific Licenses” section below for official boards and links.

Most Important Action Item

• Before you sign a lease or buy equipment, check your exact use in the city code and call or email the City of Fargo Inspections Department to confirm zoning and permits: City of Fargo Inspections Department.

Key North Dakota and Fargo Authorities

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you can’t find your activity in the city code, call or email the City of Fargo Inspections Department via their page: City of Fargo Inspections Department. They’ll route you to the right unit.
• If city licensing staff are backlogged, ask when you can submit a complete application packet and what triggers the review clock (some reviews don’t start until all documents are in).

Form Your Business With the State (LLC/Corp/Trade Name)

The city will expect you to have a legal entity or a registered trade name (“DBA”) if you’re operating under a business name. North Dakota handles this at the Secretary of State (SOS).

Action first:

• Register your business online with the Secretary of State: North Dakota FirstStop (Secretary of State).

What you’ll do at FirstStop:

• Create an account and file Articles (LLC or corporation), or register a trade name if you’re a sole proprietor/partnership using a business name.
• Appoint a North Dakota registered agent for LLC/corporation filings.
• Keep your annual report deadlines on your calendar. Due dates and fees depend on your entity type; confirm in the FirstStop portal.

Fees and timelines:

• The SOS lists current filing fees in the FirstStop portal. Confirm exact amounts before you file: North Dakota FirstStop (Secretary of State).
• Online filings are usually the fastest. Paper filings, if allowed, take longer. For the current processing times and options, check your filing type inside FirstStop.

Required documents:

• Business name choices (check name availability inside FirstStop).
• Registered agent name/address.
• Owner/officer information.
• Payment method.

Table: Core State Registrations and Where to Do Them

Real-world example:

• A Fargo home baker wants to sell under “Prairie Crumbs.” She registers a trade name at FirstStop and gets an EIN for $0 from the IRS. She then proceeds to food licensing (see below).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your filing is rejected for name conflicts, use the SOS name search in FirstStop and tweak the name.
• If you’re stuck on entity choice, the ND Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) can help you think through options: ND SBDC – Find a Center. They are a statewide, no-cost advisory network.

Register for Taxes (Sales/Use, Withholding, UI, Workers’ Comp)

This step often runs in parallel with entity setup. If you will sell taxable goods or certain services, you need a North Dakota sales and use tax permit. If you hire employees, add withholding, unemployment insurance, and workers’ comp.

Action first:

• Apply for your sales/use tax permit (and state withholding) in the Tax Commissioner’s TAP portal: North Dakota TAP (Tax Commissioner).

North Dakota tax basics:

• State general sales and use tax rate is 5%. Source: Office of State Tax Commissioner – Sales and Use Tax (see Sales and Use Tax section; verify current rate and rules).
• Cities and counties may add local sales/use taxes. Fargo has a local sales/use tax; the current rate and caps are published by the Tax Commissioner. Use the official rate tools before you charge customers or file returns: Tax Commissioner – Local Option Taxes and Rate Lookup (navigate to Sales and Use Tax > Local Option Taxes).

Other employer registrations:

• State Unemployment Insurance (UI): register with Job Service North Dakota.
• Workers’ compensation: register with Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI).

Required documents:

• EIN confirmation letter.
• Business formation details.
• NAICS business activity code (TAP and federal forms ask for this).
• Owner/officer info and banking for e-payments.

Timelines:

• Sales tax permits are often issued quickly after an online application in TAP if complete. Allow time if the agency needs more information. Always verify with the Tax Commissioner.

Table: State Tax and Employer Accounts

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your business activity is borderline taxable, call the Tax Commissioner’s office via the contact options listed at ND Tax – Contact. Ask for a written determination or cite to a published guideline.
• If TAP setup is failing, try a different browser and confirm your EIN is active (sometimes there’s a short delay after getting an EIN before state systems can validate it).

City of Fargo Licenses and Permits (Activity-Specific)

Fargo licenses certain activities; others only need zoning/permits. The official rules live in the city code.

Action first:

• Confirm whether your activity needs a city license by searching the official code: Fargo Code of Ordinances (Municode) – Licenses and Business Chapters.

Common Fargo city license categories include:

• Alcoholic beverage licenses (on/off sale; class types; manager requirements)
• Tobacco sales license
• Cabaret/entertainment and dance permits
• Pawn, secondhand, precious metal dealer
• Taxi, chauffeur, transportation-for-hire (check if TNCs are state-handled)
• Mobile food vendor (may interact with health permitting)
• Adult entertainment establishments
• Various amusement or device permits
• Special event permits (when applicable)

Important:

• License classes and fees are set by ordinance and can change. Always use the official code and the city’s licensing application pages to confirm current requirements and amounts.
• Some licenses require background checks, fingerprints, compliance with distance buffers from schools/churches (for alcohol/adult), public hearings, or Liquor Control Board review.
• Expect insurance certificates for some licenses (transport, events), manager registrations for liquor, and approved floor plans (seating counts, exits).

Where to apply/learn more:

• City code and chapter requirements: Fargo Code of Ordinances (Municode).
• City department directories to find forms and contacts: City of Fargo – Departments.

Table: Typical Fargo City Licenses (Examples)

Processing timelines:

• Administrative licenses (no hearing) can move within days if paperwork is complete.
• Licenses requiring board/commission action depend on meeting schedules (often 2–6 weeks). Check the meeting calendar and filing deadline for appearing on an agenda: City of Fargo – Meetings & Agendas.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you’re unsure about license class or whether your concept fits a category, email the relevant department through the Departments directory. Ask for the application packet and the review timeline.
• If your license is denied, you can usually appeal or reapply after addressing the reason for denial. Ask staff about the appeal path in the ordinance chapter that applies to your license.

Health, Food, and Hospitality: Restaurants, Food Trucks, Caterers

If you handle food or beverages for the public, you must work with Fargo Cass Public Health (local) and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. Expect plan reviews, inspections, and a food license before opening.

Action first:

• Contact Fargo Cass Public Health Environmental Health for the right application and plan review steps: Fargo Cass Public Health – Environmental Health.

What you’ll likely need:

• Plan review for new or remodeled food facilities (menu, equipment list/spec sheets, floor plan, plumbing plan, finishes).
• Pre-opening inspection and a food license issued by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
• Mobile food units (food trucks/carts) require unit-specific approval, commissary arrangements, and route/event plans.
• Temporary event food permits for festivals or pop-ups.

Health licensing fees:

• North Dakota and Fargo Cass Public Health publish fee schedules for plan review and licensing. Check official pages for current amounts before you submit. Start here: Fargo Cass Public Health – Food Safety/Permits.

Fire and building:

• Cooking operations may require Type I hoods, fire suppression, Class K extinguishers, and grease management. Coordinate early with Inspections: City of Fargo Inspections.

Alcohol service:

• If you serve alcohol, you will need the city liquor license (see prior section) and staff training per city/state rules. Always confirm requirements in the code: Fargo Code of Ordinances.

Real-world example:

• A food truck operator wants to serve fried items. She submits the mobile food unit plan to Fargo Cass Public Health, confirms her commissary agreement, installs the right fire suppression, and schedules her inspection. She follows Fargo’s mobile vending rules (location/time) and keeps her health permit current.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If plan review is delayed, ask for the next available review window and whether a complete packet will speed scheduling.
• If your facility is leased, involve your landlord early. Many delays come from ventilation/plumbing changes that require landlord approvals and city building permits. Coordinate via City of Fargo Inspections.

Location, Zoning, Building Permits, and Certificates of Occupancy

Don’t sign a lease until you know your use is allowed in that zoning district and the space can be permitted to your use without huge construction.

Action first:

• Verify your use and address with the City of Fargo Inspections Department: City of Fargo Inspections.

Typical steps:

• Zoning check: confirm your use is permitted or conditionally permitted at that address.
• Building permits: for new construction or changes to walls, exits, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical systems. Separate trade permits may be required.
• Fire and life safety: occupancy load, exits, alarms/sprinklers, hood suppression, extinguishers.
• Certificate of Occupancy (CO): required for new spaces and many change-of-use situations. No public operation before the CO is issued.
• Sign permits: almost always required for exterior signage.
• Home occupation permits: allowed with limits (customer visits, signage, traffic). Confirm in the code and with Planning/Inspections: Fargo Code of Ordinances (Municode).

Timelines:

• Minor sign or over-the-counter permits can be quick if plans are complete.
• Commercial tenant improvements needing plan review can take 2–6+ weeks depending on complexity and volume.
• Inspections will be scheduled after permit issuance and work progress. CO follows final approvals.

Table: Building and Zoning Tasks

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your proposed use isn’t allowed in that zone, ask Planning about conditional uses or choosing another site in the right zone. Changing zoning takes time and isn’t guaranteed.
• If your buildout is too costly (hood, sprinklers), look for a “second-generation” space already built for a similar use.

Industry-Specific State Licenses and Trade Boards

Beyond city licenses and health/building permits, some professions and trades require a North Dakota state license.

Action first:

• Identify your profession/trade and check the official board’s licensing page. Do not begin work that requires a state license before it’s issued.

Examples (official sources):

• Contractors: North Dakota contractor licensing is administered through the Secretary of State system; confirm classes, bonding, and application steps at ND Secretary of State – FirstStop (search contractor licensing).
• Electricians: North Dakota State Electrical Board — licensing, inspections, and permits: ND State Electrical Board (NDSEB).
• Plumbers: North Dakota State Plumbing Board — licensing and inspections: (use ND official portal; search “North Dakota Plumbing Board” from ND.gov).
• Cosmetology/Barbering: North Dakota state boards oversee salons, barbershops, and practitioners. Use the official board directories at ND.gov – State Agencies to reach your board.
• Child care, healthcare, and other human services: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) licenses many programs. Start at HHS – Licensure and Certification and navigate to your program.
• Alcohol distribution and production: Federal and state permitting (TTB for alcohol producers; ND Tax for alcohol excise). See TTB – Permits Online and ND Tax – Alcohol Taxes.

Fees and timelines:

• Fees vary by license class and board. Check each board’s posted fee schedule and processing times. Many boards also require exams, continuing education, bonding, or proof of insurance.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you can’t find your board, use the state agency directory: ND.gov – State Government Directory.
• If your license is delayed, ask the board if your application is “complete” (incomplete files don’t start the review clock). Request the current processing timeframe in writing.

Taxes You Will Actually Pay (State + Local)

Plan ahead for both state and local taxes.

Action first:

• Confirm your exact sales/use tax rate (state + Fargo local) using the Tax Commissioner’s tools before you charge customers: ND Tax – Sales and Use Tax.

Key points:

• North Dakota statewide sales/use tax is 5% (general rate). Verify your product/service taxability and any exemptions with the Tax Commissioner.
• Fargo adds a local sales/use tax. The amount and any special rules (caps, exemptions) are maintained by the Tax Commissioner. Always check the current table or lookup: ND Tax – Local Option Taxes.
• Lodging and restaurant-specific local taxes may apply. Use the Tax Commissioner’s local tax materials before filing or advertising prices.
• File and pay through TAP. Mark your filing deadlines to avoid penalty and interest.

Real-world tip:

• Keep separate sales categories in your POS for state tax, local tax, and any special city hospitality taxes. This reduces filing errors.

Table: Sales/Use and Local Taxes at a Glance

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If rate lookup is unclear, email or call the Tax Commissioner’s office using contacts at ND Tax – Contact with your exact address and activity. Ask them to cite the rate code for your records.
• If you discover you charged the wrong rate, correct it on your next return or file an amended return per guidance from the Tax Commissioner.

How Long Will This Take? A Realistic Order of Operations

Use this order to reduce backtracking and delays.

Action first:

• Lock in your entity and EIN, then check zoning before you commit to a lease.

Table: Timeline and Dependencies

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If a step bogs down, ask what specific item is holding the review. Offer to provide additional documents or revised plans quickly. Keep all approvals in a project binder (digital or paper) so nothing slips through the cracks.

Real-World Examples (Fargo Scenarios)

These scenarios show how licenses, permits, and timing fit together in Fargo. Use them to build your own checklist.

Coffee shop with beer/wine service (downtown site):

• Register LLC at FirstStop and get EIN ($0) at the IRS EIN site.
• Before signing, ask Fargo Inspections to confirm coffee shop + beer/wine is allowed in that district and whether the space already has a hood/suppression and sprinklers.
• File for building permits for any remodel. Start health plan review if food preparation is involved: Fargo Cass Public Health.
• Apply for liquor license per the city code (class selection, manager registration, background checks). Check deadlines to appear on the Liquor Control Board/City Commission agenda in time: City of Fargo – Meetings & Agendas.
• Register for sales tax (state 5% + Fargo local) in TAP. Confirm the local rate for your address.
• Schedule final inspections and obtain the CO before opening.

Home-based Etsy seller (South Fargo):

• If you’re operating under a business name, file a trade name at FirstStop and get an EIN ($0) at the IRS site.
• Confirm home occupation rules in the city code—limits on customer visits, signage, and deliveries: Fargo Code – Home Occupations.
• If selling taxable goods, register for sales tax in TAP. Confirm whether your online marketplace collects and remits on your behalf.
• No city business license typically required for this case, but zoning rules still apply.

Residential handyman/contractor:

• Form your LLC or register your name via FirstStop. Check North Dakota contractor licensing requirements and classes via the SOS and Century Code from the same portal.
• Register for state tax and for workers’ comp (WSI) if you hire: WSI – Employers.
• Pull building permits for jobs requiring one; coordinate with Fargo Inspections. Be ready for inspections.
• Keep records and licensing current; many clients will verify your license status via state databases.

Food truck:

• Entity and EIN first. Apply for a sales tax permit in TAP (mobile vendors collect tax; confirm the local rate for where you sell).
• Submit mobile food unit plans and commissary details to Fargo Cass Public Health. Schedule inspections.
• Check whether Fargo requires a mobile food vending license in addition to health permits (see Fargo Code (Municode)).
• Confirm allowed vending locations and any event-specific permit rules with the city.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you hit confusion between city and county roles, ask Fargo Cass Public Health to identify the “authority having jurisdiction” (AHJ) for your case and give you the right checklist.

Inclusivity, Diversity, and Accessibility Resources (North Dakota + Fargo)

If you are a woman-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, disabled-owned, or immigrant-owned business, there are targeted advisors, certifications, and sometimes funding incentives.

Action first:

• Get no-cost advising and a readiness check for certifications and government contracting.

Resources and official links:

• North Dakota Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): no-cost advising statewide, including Fargo. ND SBDC – Locations.
• North Dakota Women’s Business Center (NDWBC): training, mentors, and loan readiness for women entrepreneurs. ND Women’s Business Center.
• SBA North Dakota District Office (Fargo): local federal small business programs, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB guidance. SBA North Dakota District Office.
• APEX Accelerator (government contracting; formerly PTAC): help getting certified and winning government contracts. Find North Dakota’s APEX via the APEX national directory and ND Commerce: APEX Accelerators – Find a Center and ND Department of Commerce.
• Veteran-owned certification (VetCert): federal certification for SDVOSB/VOSB (used by VA and federal agencies). SBA VetCert.
• Disability-owned (DOBE/SDV-DOBE): supplier diversity certifications via Disability:IN. Disability:IN – Supplier Diversity.
• LGBTQ+ business certification: National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). NGLCC – Get Certified.
• Minority-owned certification for private sector: NMSDC network. NMSDC – Certification.
• Language access: State and city sites increasingly offer multilingual materials. If you need translation or ADA accommodations, use the “Contact” link on each agency’s page (see above) to request assistance and document your request.

Funding and incentives:

• North Dakota Commerce and the Bank of North Dakota administer financing programs used by Fargo businesses (e.g., PACE interest buydowns, Development Fund). Current amounts, terms, and eligibility change; confirm with these official pages:
  • North Dakota Department of Commerce – Business and Industry Resources
  • Bank of North Dakota – Business Financing
• Innovate ND is a state program supporting startups with coaching and potential vouchers. Amounts and stages change; verify current benefits and dates at ND Commerce – Innovate ND.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you’re not sure where to start, book a session with the SBDC and NDWBC. Ask them to map your exact plan (retail, food, services) to the right city/state steps, and to flag any certification paths that fit your goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Learned the Hard Way)

• Leasing before zoning confirmation. Many lose months and deposits because their use isn’t allowed or the space needs expensive upgrades. Always check with Fargo Inspections first.
• Treating health and building reviews as separate. They’re connected. A hood approved by health must also meet building/fire rules. Coordinate both.
• Missing meeting deadlines for licenses that require board/commission review. Public agendas have cutoff dates. Check City of Fargo – Meetings & Agendas early.
• Assuming your online marketplace collects all sales tax. Marketplaces often collect on marketplace sales, but your off-platform sales are still on you. Confirm in TAP.
• Starting work that requires a state trade license (electrical, plumbing, certain contracting) before you’re licensed. Boards can fine you and you can lose clients. See NDSEB and the relevant state boards.
• Forgetting workers’ comp (WSI) when hiring your first employee. Coverage is mandatory. See WSI – Employers.
• Not budgeting time for inspections and re-inspections. If equipment isn’t on site or installed, you’ll fail the inspection and lose weeks.
• No documentation trail. Keep a simple shared folder for all approvals, inspections, emails from city/state, and receipts. It saves you during renewals and ownership changes.

Fargo License and Permit Reference Tables

Table: Who Licenses What (Quick Map)

Table: Paperwork You’ll Likely Need

Table: Renewal Cadence (Verify Dates in Portals)

| Item | Typical Renewal | Where to Confirm/Pay |
|—|—|
| SOS annual report | Entity-specific due date | FirstStop (SOS) |
| Sales/use tax | Monthly/quarterly/annual by assignment | TAP |
| City licenses | As stated in ordinance/license certificate | Fargo Code (Municode) |
| Health permits | Annual or per term as issued | Fargo Cass Public Health |

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If renewals are out of sync, create a simple calendar with recurring entries and portal links. Ask agencies to enable email reminders and confirm your contact email is current in each portal.

FAQs (North Dakota/Fargo-Specific)

• Do I need a general business license to operate in Fargo?
  • Generally, no. Fargo licenses specific activities (alcohol, tobacco, cabaret, etc.). Check your activity in the city code: Fargo Code (Municode).
• What is the North Dakota state sales tax rate?
  • The general state sales/use tax rate is 5%. Source: Office of State Tax Commissioner – Sales and Use Tax.
• How do I find the Fargo local sales tax rate?
  • Use the Tax Commissioner’s local option tax tools. Rates can change; verify before charging: ND Tax – Local Option Taxes.
• Where do I register my business in North Dakota?
  • Online at the Secretary of State’s FirstStop portal: ND FirstStop.
• How do I get a sales tax permit?
  • Through the Tax Commissioner’s TAP portal: TAP – Register and File.
• Who inspects my restaurant or food truck?
  • Fargo Cass Public Health handles local plan review/inspections and coordinates with the state. Start here: Fargo Cass Public Health – Environmental Health.
• How do I know if my shop location is zoned for my use?
  • Contact City of Fargo Inspections with your address and use. They’ll confirm zoning and required permits.
• Do contractors need a state license?
  • Yes, North Dakota regulates contractors. Requirements and classes are administered through the Secretary of State system. Start at FirstStop and search contractor licensing.
• Do I need workers’ comp in North Dakota?
  • If you have employees, yes. Register and maintain coverage with WSI – Employers.
• How long will it take to get a Fargo liquor license?
  • It depends on meeting schedules, background checks, and complete paperwork. Plan 2–6 weeks for board/commission actions once complete and on the agenda. Confirm current scheduling at City of Fargo – Meetings & Agendas.

What To Bring When You Apply (Document Checklist)

• Government-issued ID(s) for owners and managers.
• Articles of Organization/Incorporation; trade name proof.
• EIN letter from the IRS ($0 to obtain).
• Lease or proof of site control; site plan/floor plan.
• Health plan review packet (if food/beverage).
• Building plans (if construction).
• Insurance certificates (general liability; liquor liability if serving alcohol; vehicle insurance if for-hire; workers’ comp).
• Background check forms and manager registrations (if required by city license).
• Payment methods accepted by each agency (portal card/ACH, check if allowed).

Funding, Incentives, and Local Programs (Verify Current Terms)

• North Dakota Department of Commerce: incentives, programs, and technical resources. Terms change; verify current amounts and eligibility: ND Commerce – Business and Industry.
• Bank of North Dakota: partners with local banks for PACE/Flex PACE interest buydowns and other programs. Check current rates, buydown limits, and program rules: Bank of North Dakota – Business Financing.
• Fargo Renaissance Zone: property and income tax incentives for qualifying projects in designated areas. See program rules and maps at the City of Fargo Planning & Development pages (use site search for “Renaissance Zone”): City of Fargo – Planning & Development.
• Innovate ND: entrepreneur coaching and potential voucher support. Verify current benefits and timelines: ND Commerce – Innovate ND.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you need help matching your project to incentives, ask the SBDC to coordinate a call with ND Commerce and your local lender. Bring a one-page summary of your project budget, jobs, and timeline.

What to Do If You’re Stuck (Escalation Paths)

• Request a pre-application meeting. Ask Fargo Inspections and, if food-related, Fargo Cass Public Health to meet together. You’ll get aligned feedback.
• Ask for checklists. Many agencies have detailed checklists or sample plans not obvious on the website.
• Put it in writing. When rules feel gray, ask the agency to point you to the specific ordinance or guidance document and email you the citation. Save it.
• Use statewide advisors. Contact ND SBDC and NDWBC for no-cost help navigating steps and prioritizing actions: ND SBDC – Locations, NDWBC.

About This Guide

• Purpose: Provide a single, practical hub to get legally set up to do business in Fargo, ND, with accurate links to official sources.
• Sources and verification: All claims and steps link to official agencies and statutes where possible. State sales tax rate (5%) is cited to the Office of State Tax Commissioner. City license categories are referenced to Fargo’s Code of Ordinances. Links were verified as reachable in September 2025.
• Numbers and fees: We did not fabricate fee amounts. For line-item fees that change by ordinance or board schedule, we link you directly to the official fee schedules and portals to confirm current figures before you pay.
• Audience: Fargo founders, owners, and operators who need real-world steps, timelines, and contacts without fluff.

Disclaimer

Regulations, fees, deadlines, forms, and portal links change. Always verify requirements directly with the relevant agency before you apply, pay fees, sign a lease, or open to the public. This guide is informational and not legal, tax, or compliance advice. For formal advice, consult a qualified attorney, accountant, or compliance professional.

Sources (selected and verified September 2025):

• North Dakota Secretary of State – FirstStop — business registration, records, and certain state licensing administration.
• Office of State Tax Commissioner – North Dakota — sales and use tax rules, local option taxes, TAP portal.
• North Dakota TAP (Taxpayer Access Point) — apply for tax permits, file, and pay.
• Job Service North Dakota — employer UI registration and reporting.
• Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) — workers’ compensation coverage for employers.
• City of Fargo – Inspections Department — zoning, building permits, inspections, CO, and signage.
• Fargo Cass Public Health – Environmental Health — food service licensing and inspections.
• Fargo Code of Ordinances (Municode) — official city law governing licenses and permits.
• IRS – Apply for an EIN Online — federal EIN application, fee $0.
• North Dakota Department of Commerce — statewide business programs and incentives.
• Bank of North Dakota — business financing programs used with local lenders.
• North Dakota State Electrical Board — electrician licensing and inspections.
• ND SBDC – Locations — no-cost advising statewide.
• ND Women’s Business Center — training and advising for women entrepreneurs.
• SBA North Dakota District Office — federal small business programs.
• APEX Accelerators – Find a Center — help with government contracting.
• SBA VetCert — veteran-owned certification portal.