Do I need a business license to operate in
North Dakota?
Whether your business is operating as a partnership,
corporation or a proprietorship, all businesses are
subject to different types of legal and tax requirements.
There is no “General state business license in North
Dakota, but there are several types of specialty licenses
required by the state, and each city or county may
have its own business licensing requirements.
 CLICK
THE LINKS TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A BUSINESS
LICENSE
|
Who issues the licenses?
In North Dakota, you first need to find out where
you need to obtain your license. Generally, there
are three different places to be licensed, however,
most likely your business will fall under one of these:
1.Licensing obtained by the state. These would include
things like: notary public, charitable solicitation
services, contractors, professional fundraisers (you
would also need to register your business with the
Secretary of State if you are a business entity, like
a corporation or LLC).
2.Licensing obtained by the Attorney General. These
would include Tobacco, amusement games, and alcoholic
beverage sales.
3.Other directories and licensing Information. If
your business doesn’t fall under the other licensing,
by visiting www.ag.ndsu.nodal.edu/ced/publications/ed752/businesses.htm,
you will find a list of over a hundred different specialties
with related licenses needed to operate (i.e., barbershop,
bakery, etc.).
4.By visiting the state website at www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/ced/publications/ec752/businesses.htm
you will find a list of hundreds of types of businesses
with the associated licensing requirements.
Will I need a city or county business license?
Most cities in North Dakota do not require or have
a city license. For most businesses however, there
are a few that do need additional permits or forms
through the city. Please contact your local city or
county in which you operate to find out if you are
required additional forms/permits.
What other city or county required licensing
is there?
There are separate applications and requirements
for the following businesses (but not limited to):
Dance halls
Alcohol sales
Automotive services stations
Apply for a business license
now by visiting your city's website using the links
above.
