Electrical Contractor 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.

1. North Dakota State Electrical Board — Electrical Contractor License

   Electrical contractors in North Dakota must hold a contractor license from the ND State Electrical Board. A Master Electrician must be on staff. Requires passing a state exam.

   Official government source

   $40–$50 (initial license); plus contractor registration with ND Secretary of State·4–8 weeks

   $40–$50 (initial license); plus contractor registration with ND Secretary of State

   4–8 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. Fargo Electrical Permit (billed by the ND State Electrical Board)

   Electrical work in Fargo is permitted through the City of Fargo Inspections Department, but the fee is not a city charge: Fargo reports the value of the electrical work to the North Dakota State Electrical Board, which bills the applicable inspection fee. Cass County does not permit electrical work inside the city. A final inspection is required on completion, and only a licensed electrician or a homeowner self-wiring their own occupied residence may do the work.

   Official government source

   Billed by the ND State Electrical Board based on the value of the electrical work performed, not as a flat city permit fee.·1-5 business days to obtain the permit; inspection is scheduled when the work is ready.

   Billed by the ND State Electrical Board based on the value of the electrical work performed, not as a flat city permit fee.

   1-5 business days to obtain the permit; inspection is scheduled when the work is ready.

Official Sources

• North Dakota State Electrical Board — Electrical Contractor License
• City of Fargo Finance Department

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