Daycare / Child Care Center 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 Child Care Criminal Background Check

   Every owner, staff member, volunteer, and (for home-based programs) household member age 18 or older in a licensed North Dakota child care program must complete a criminal background check through ND Health and Human Services, including fingerprint-based state and FBI checks. HHS runs the checks and results follow the applicant between approved programs.

   Official government source

   No fingerprinting fee when prints are taken at an ND Health and Human Services location. A fee applies only if you choose to be fingerprinted through another authorized agency, which sets its own charge.·Submit background check paperwork at the same time as the license application; results are part of the licensing decision.

   No fingerprinting fee when prints are taken at an ND Health and Human Services location. A fee applies only if you choose to be fingerprinted through another authorized agency, which sets its own charge.

   Submit background check paperwork at the same time as the license application; results are part of the licensing decision.

1. North Dakota Health and Human Services — Early Childhood Program License

   Child care programs in North Dakota must be licensed by ND Health and Human Services Early Childhood Services. NDCC 50-11.1-03 sets the thresholds: family child care for four or more children age 24 months and under (or six to seven children through age 11), group child care for 8 to 30 children, and a child care center for more than 30 children at one time. Licensure requires state and national background checks, health and fire safety compliance, and staff-to-child ratio compliance.

   Official government source

   Set by NDCC 50-11.1-03: family child care $20/year or $35 for a two-year license; group child care $25/$45; preschool $30/$55; child care center $40/$75; multiple licensed program $50/$95.·6–12 weeks

   Set by NDCC 50-11.1-03: family child care $20/year or $35 for a two-year license; group child care $25/$45; preschool $30/$55; child care center $40/$75; multiple licensed program $50/$95.

   6–12 weeks

2. 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

3. City of Fargo Inspections Department — Day Care Inspection Fee

   Child care centers in Fargo must pass a building/fire safety inspection by the City Inspections Department. Initial inspection fee is flat; re-inspections are charged separately if issues are found.

   Official government source

   $50 (initial inspection); re-inspections $30 each after the first free re-check·2–6 weeks

   $50 (initial inspection); re-inspections $30 each after the first free re-check

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• North Dakota Department of Human Services — Child Care Facility License
• City of Fargo Finance Department

Related Guides