Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Fargo, 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 DEQ — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste Rules

   Auto repair shops must comply with the ND Department of Environmental Quality Hazardous Waste Program, which implements RCRA in North Dakota and regulates the generation, storage, transport, recycling and disposal of hazardous waste and used oil. In practice this means labeled and closed containers, secondary containment for used oil and solvents, no floor-drain or storm-drain disposal, and manifested pickup by a permitted hauler or recycler.

   Official government source

   No DEQ permit fee for a typical shop; costs are the commercial rates charged by your waste hauler or oil recycler.·No application to file before opening. If your shop generates enough hazardous waste to need an EPA identification number, contact NDDEQ at 701-328-5150 first.

   No DEQ permit fee for a typical shop; costs are the commercial rates charged by your waste hauler or oil recycler.

   No application to file before opening. If your shop generates enough hazardous waste to need an EPA identification number, contact NDDEQ at 701-328-5150 first.

1. City of Fargo Occupational License (only for listed trades)

   Fargo does not require a general business license. The city states: "The City does not require business licenses for every type of commerce; however, the Fargo Municipal Code does require a City license for the businesses listed below." The licensed categories are specific trades and regulated businesses — excavator, sidewalk builder, house mover, re-roofing, sign hanger, master plumber, master and journeyman heating contractor, commercial hauler, pawn broker, second hand dealer, transportation vehicles, alcohol sellers, mobile home communities and forestry. Check the Auditor's Office list before assuming a license applies to you.

   Official government source

   No general business license fee. Listed categories have set annual fees — for example excavator $250/year (with a $100,000 bond), master plumber $125/year, master heating contractor $125/year, sign hanger $125/year, forestry $50/year.·1–3 weeks, and only if your business type is on the city's licensed list

   No general business license fee. Listed categories have set annual fees — for example excavator $250/year (with a $100,000 bond), master plumber $125/year, master heating contractor $125/year, sign hanger $125/year, forestry $50/year.

   1–3 weeks, and only if your business type is on the city's licensed list

2. City of Fargo Zoning Approval and Certificate of Occupancy

   Auto repair shops in Fargo must operate in a properly zoned commercial or industrial district. Zoning approval and the Certificate of Occupancy are issued by the City of Fargo Inspections Department for property inside the city limits; Cass County zoning applies only outside them. Apply through the city License and Permit Portal.

   Official government source

   Valuation-based commercial building permit fee — $50 for work up to $1,000, $338.48 at $25,000, rising with valuation — plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee ($50 minimum).·2–6 weeks

   Valuation-based commercial building permit fee — $50 for work up to $1,000, $338.48 at $25,000, rising with valuation — plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee ($50 minimum).

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Fargo Finance Department
• North Dakota DEQ — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste

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