Plumbing 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.

1. North Dakota State Plumbing Board — Master / Journeyman Plumber License

   North Dakota does not issue a 'Plumbing Contractor License.' The ND State Plumbing Board licenses individuals as Master Plumber or Journeyman Plumber. Under NDCC 43-18-10 a registered, licensed master plumber must be in charge of the work for any firm installing plumbing in a location served by a public water or sewer system; in cities under 1,000 population and in rural areas a licensed journeyman may run the business. Licensure requires passing a board exam. A business contracting jobs over $4,000 also needs a North Dakota Secretary of State contractor license, and each Bismarck job needs a city plumbing permit.

   Official government source

   $50 exam fee plus the annual board license fee — Master Plumber $200, Journeyman Plumber $100. Bismarck plumbing permits start at $40 per job.·4–8 weeks

   $50 exam fee plus the annual board license fee — Master Plumber $200, Journeyman Plumber $100. Bismarck plumbing permits start at $40 per job.

   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 Plumbing Permit (per project)

   A separate plumbing permit must be pulled from the City of Bismarck Community Development Department's Building Inspections Division for each job inside the city limits, with inspections 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 State Plumbing Board — Plumbing Contractor License
• City of Bismarck City Clerk

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