Personal Trainer 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 does not require a state personal trainer license

   North Dakota does not have a state licensing requirement for personal trainers. However, national certifications from organizations like NASM, ACE, or ACSM are strongly recommended and may be required by employers or facilities.

   Official government source

   $200–$800 (national certification)·1–6 months (self-study and exam)

   $200–$800 (national certification)

   1–6 months (self-study and exam)

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. City of Bismarck Certificate of Occupancy or Home Occupation Permit

   A personal training business in a commercial space in Bismarck needs a Certificate of Occupancy from the Community Development Department’s Building Inspections Division, obtained through the building permit for any buildout. Training run from a residence needs a Home Occupation permit from the same division instead. Neither is handled through the city’s right-of-way event permits.

   Official government source

   Home Occupation permit: $25 flat. Commercial buildout: valuation-based building permit starting at $40 for work up to $500 and rising with job cost, plus a 20% commercial review fee.·A Home Occupation permit is issued on application. A commercial Certificate of Occupancy follows plan review and the inspections tied to the building permit, typically 2-6 weeks.

   Home Occupation permit: $25 flat. Commercial buildout: valuation-based building permit starting at $40 for work up to $500 and rising with job cost, plus a 20% commercial review fee.

   A Home Occupation permit is issued on application. A commercial Certificate of Occupancy follows plan review and the inspections tied to the building permit, typically 2-6 weeks.

Official Sources

• City of Bismarck City Clerk

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