Photography 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.

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. Bismarck Parks and Recreation District Permission for Park Shoots

   Bismarck's parks are run by the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, a special district separate from city government — there is no county parks department. BPRD requires permission for events involving tents or inflatables, food trucks, music, extra picnic tables or restrooms, trail use, weddings, and other special requests, so confirm with BPRD (701-222-6455) whether your session needs a reservation. Shoots on public streets or other city right-of-way go through City Engineering instead.

   Official government source

   Set by the BPRD rental and reservation schedule when a reservation is required; casual photography in a park generally involves no fee.·1–3 weeks when a reservation is required

   Set by the BPRD rental and reservation schedule when a reservation is required; casual photography in a park generally involves no fee.

   1–3 weeks when a reservation is required

Official Sources

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

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