Landscaping 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. North Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification

   If you apply pesticides or herbicides as part of landscaping services in North Dakota you must be certified as a commercial applicator. Certification and training are administered by the NDSU Extension Pesticide Certification and Training Program, with licensing and registration handled by the ND Department of Agriculture Pesticide and Fertilizer Division. Under NDCC 4.1-33-10 a commercial applicator must also maintain $100,000 in financial responsibility through a bond, insurance, or net assets — an obligation that is easy to miss and applies before you may operate.

   Official government source

   Fees are set by the board rather than fixed in statute; confirm the current exam and license amounts with NDSU Extension or the ND Department of Agriculture (701-328-1500). Budget separately for the $100,000 financial responsibility requirement.·2–4 weeks

   Fees are set by the board rather than fixed in statute; confirm the current exam and license amounts with NDSU Extension or the ND Department of Agriculture (701-328-1500). Budget separately for the $100,000 financial responsibility requirement.

   2–4 weeks

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

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

   Not applicable

2. North Dakota Secretary of State Contractor's License

   Landscaping/irrigation contractors performing construction work exceeding $4,000 in North Dakota must obtain a statewide Contractor's License from the ND Secretary of State (not a county or city registration). License classes range by maximum job size, from Class D (jobs up to $100,000) to Class A (jobs over $500,000). Renew annually by March 1.

   Official government source

   $100-$450 initial fee by class; $30-$90 annual renewal·1–3 weeks

   $100-$450 initial fee by class; $30-$90 annual renewal

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Bismarck City Clerk
• North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner — Sales Tax Permit

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