Catering Business Permit Requirements in Bismarck, ND

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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

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

   Free

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

2. Certified Food Protection Manager (recommended, not required)

   A Certified Food Protection Manager is not required by the North Dakota Food Code. ND Health and Human Services states: "A CFPM is not a requirement of the North Dakota Food Code but may be required in some areas of the state," and recommends that each establishment have at least one supervisor or manager certified. If you pursue it, use an ANSI-accredited program and check with your city or county public health agency for any local requirement.

   Official government source

   $80–$150 for an ANSI-accredited course and exam, if you choose to certify·1–2 days

   $80–$150 for an ANSI-accredited course and exam, if you choose to certify

   1–2 days

1. Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health Food Establishment License

   Catering businesses operating out of Bismarck must hold a food establishment license from Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health's Environmental Health Division, which licenses and inspects every food establishment in the city. Submit floor plans drawn to scale, an equipment list, and an anticipated menu for plan review, then pass a pre-operational inspection of the commercial kitchen before the license is issued.

   Official government source

   Set by license category (Food Establishment Levels 1–4); the Environmental Health Division notifies you of the fee amount once plan review is complete.·Plan review takes about 7–10 days, plus time for construction and the pre-operational inspection

   Set by license category (Food Establishment Levels 1–4); the Environmental Health Division notifies you of the fee amount once plan review is complete.

   Plan review takes about 7–10 days, plus time for construction and the pre-operational inspection

2. 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

   No fee — Bismarck issues no general business license. Activity-specific permits carry their own fees.

   Not applicable

Official Sources

• Burleigh County Health Department
• North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner — Sales Tax Permit

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