Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Fargo, ND

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of North Dakota

2 stops

  1. North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in North Dakota. North Dakota charges a 5% state sales tax; local jurisdictions may add up to 3.5%. Register with the ND Office of State Tax Commissioner.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

  2. North Dakota Background Check Requirement

    All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in North Dakota child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Fargo / Cass County

3 stops

  1. North Dakota Department of Human Services — Child Care Facility License

    Child care centers in North Dakota must be licensed by the ND DHS Early Childhood Services. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and staff ratio compliance.

    Official government source

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  2. City of Fargo Finance Department — Business License

    Fargo requires a Business License for regulated businesses operating within city limits. The Finance Department processes license applications. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  3. Cass County / Fargo Building and Fire Safety Inspection

    Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards.

    Official government source

    $100–$3002–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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