Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Bismarck, ND

Complete permit and license guide for starting a auto repair shop in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota.

Verified 2026-09-07 5 stops $400–$1,500 est. 3–8 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of North Dakota

2 stops

  1. North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner — Sales and Use Tax Permit

    Required for any business selling taxable goods or services in North Dakota. The state sales tax rate is 5% for most retail sales, and cities and counties may levy additional local sales and use taxes that vary by location — check the Tax Commissioner’s local tax rate listings for your address. Apply for the permit in ND TAP, the state’s Taxpayer Access Point.

    Official government source

    FreeApply through ND TAP at least 30 days before you open for business, as the Tax Commissioner advises.

  2. North Dakota DEQ — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste Rules

    Auto repair shops must comply with the ND Department of Environmental Quality Hazardous Waste Program, which implements RCRA in North Dakota and regulates the generation, storage, transport, recycling and disposal of hazardous waste and used oil. In practice this means labeled and closed containers, secondary containment for used oil and solvents, no floor-drain or storm-drain disposal, and manifested pickup by a permitted hauler or recycler.

    Official government source

    No DEQ permit fee for a typical shop; costs are the commercial rates charged by your waste hauler or oil recycler.No application to file before opening. If your shop generates enough hazardous waste to need an EPA identification number, contact NDDEQ at 701-328-5150 first.

City of Bismarck / Burleigh County

2 stops

  1. No General Business License in Bismarck

    The City of Bismarck states plainly that it does not presently have a general business license. Certain occupations do require a license or permit specific to that use — building permits, food service, gaming, liquor sales, excavation and concrete work, taxi operations, and Fire Department permits among them — and the State of North Dakota licenses some occupations separately. Check whether your specific activity is regulated rather than assuming a general license applies. There is no City Clerk business license.

    Official government source

    No fee — Bismarck issues no general business license. Activity-specific permits carry their own fees.Not applicable

  2. City of Bismarck Zoning Approval and Certificate of Occupancy

    Auto repair shops must operate in a properly zoned commercial or industrial district and obtain zoning approval plus a Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Bismarck Community Development Department's Building Inspections Division before opening. Burleigh County zoning applies only outside the city limits.

    Official government source

    Commercial building permit fees are based on project valuation: $40 for work up to $500, rising with job cost (for example $260.95 at $25,000), plus a 20% commercial plan review fee.2–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,500 · 3–8 weeks

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