Event Planning Permit Requirements in Bismarck, ND

Complete permit and license guide for starting a event planning in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota.

Verified 2026-09-07 6 stops $100–$400 est. 2–4 weeks to obtain business license and state registrations; allow 4–8 weeks if you need special event permits for client events in public spaces
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 operating as a business entity (LLC or corporation) or if you have employees. Free from the IRS. You will need an EIN to open a business bank account and sign vendor contracts professionally.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of North Dakota

2 stops

  1. North Dakota Business Registration

    Event planning businesses operating in North Dakota must register with the North Dakota Secretary of State if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership (LLC registration fee is a flat $135). Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a Trade Name Registration with the Secretary of State ($25 flat fee), not the county. An LLC provides personal liability protection, which is especially important when coordinating large events.

    Official government source

    $25 (trade name) or $135 (LLC registration)1–7 business days (online)

  2. North Dakota Sales and Use Tax Permit (if applicable)

    Event planning coordination services are not subject to North Dakota sales tax, but if you sell taxable tangible goods — event supplies, decorations, floral arrangements, rentals — you must register for a sales and use tax permit with the Office of State Tax Commissioner and collect and remit state and applicable local sales tax on those sales.

    Official government source

    Free — North Dakota does not charge for a sales and use tax permit.Immediate to about one week when registered online through ND TAP

City of Bismarck / Burleigh County

3 stops

  1. No City of Bismarck Business License Required

    Bismarck does not issue a general business license. The city states: "The City of Bismarck does not presently have a general business license, however certain occupations may require a license or permit, specific to that use, to operate." Event planning is not among the licensed activities (food service, gaming, liquor sales, excavation and concrete work, taxis). If you coordinate events on public streets or other city right-of-way, a separate right-of-way closure approval from City Engineering applies instead.

    Official government source

    No fee — no city business license exists for this business type.No application to file.

  2. Bismarck Special Event Permit (for events in public spaces)

    Event planners using Bismarck public property must get approval from the applicable agency: right-of-way/street closures go through City Engineering (bismarcknd.gov/2150), which requires written request 10+ days in advance (organizer pays for barricades/traffic control; no flat fee is published). Events in city parks go through Bismarck Parks & Recreation District (bisparks.org), a separate special district. Insurance requirements and fees vary by venue and event type — confirm with the specific agency.

    Official government source

    Varies by agency/venue; no flat published fee foundAt least 10 days advance notice for ROW closures; confirm with BPRD for parks

  3. Burleigh County Zoning / Temporary Use Approval (events outside city limits)

    Events on unincorporated Burleigh County land outside Bismarck city limits, or large outdoor gatherings on private property in the county, fall under Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning — not the City of Bismarck's right-of-way process. Contact the county Building Official's office (221 N 5th St, Bismarck, 701-221-3727) about zoning, temporary use, insurance and sanitation requirements before the event.

    Official government source

    Set by Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning; ask the county Building Official's office for the current fee.Allow several weeks, since temporary use requests can require Planning and Zoning Commission review

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$400 · 2–4 weeks to obtain business license and state registrations; allow 4–8 weeks if you need special event permits for client events in public spaces

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides