HVAC Contractor 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. EPA Section 608 Certification (for refrigerants)

   Technicians who purchase, recover, or handle refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification. Required by federal law regardless of state.

   Official government source

   $20–$100 (exam)·1–2 days

   $20–$100 (exam)

   1–2 days

1. North Dakota Contractor's License (Secretary of State)

   North Dakota has no HVAC-specific contractor license. What is required is the general North Dakota Contractor's License from the Secretary of State, needed whenever the cost of a job exceeds $4,000 (NDCC ch. 43-07). EPA Section 608 certification is required for any technician handling refrigerant. In Bismarck the Building Inspections Division separately licenses Mechanical Installers and requires a mechanical permit for each installation or major repair.

   Official government source

   State contractor license $100–$450 initially by class (D $100, C $225, B $300, A $450) and $30–$90 to renew. Bismarck mechanical installer license: $125 exam, $125/year master or $75/year journeyman. Bismarck mechanical permits start at $40.·4–8 weeks

   State contractor license $100–$450 initially by class (D $100, C $225, B $300, A $450) and $30–$90 to renew. Bismarck mechanical installer license: $125 exam, $125/year master or $75/year journeyman. Bismarck mechanical permits start at $40.

   4–8 weeks

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

3. City of Bismarck Mechanical Permit (per project)

   A mechanical permit must be obtained from the City of Bismarck Community Development Department's Building Inspections Division for each HVAC installation or major repair inside the city limits. Inspections are required on completion. Work outside the city limits is permitted by Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning.

   Official government source

   $40 for jobs up to $2,000, then $40 plus $1.65 for each additional $1,000 of job cost up to $20,000, scaling further above that per the city fee schedule.·1–5 business days

   $40 for jobs up to $2,000, then $40 plus $1.65 for each additional $1,000 of job cost up to $20,000, scaling further above that per the city fee schedule.

   1–5 business days

Official Sources

• North Dakota HVAC Contractor License
• City of Bismarck City Clerk

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