Food Truck Permit Requirements in Fargo, ND

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $600–$1,500 est. 3–6 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 Department of Health — Food Safety Manager Certification

    North Dakota requires at least one certified food protection manager per food establishment. Certification must be from an ANSI-accredited provider.

    Official government source

    $80–$1501–2 days

City of Fargo / Cass County

3 stops

  1. Cass County / City of Fargo — Mobile Food Unit Permit

    All food trucks operating in Fargo must obtain a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit from the local health department. The truck undergoes an inspection before the permit is issued. Annual renewal required.

    Official government source

    $250–$450/year2–4 weeks after application and inspection

  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. Commissary Agreement

    Most jurisdictions require mobile food units to operate from an approved commissary — a licensed commercial kitchen for food prep, storage, and cleaning. A signed commissary agreement must be submitted with the permit application.

    Official government source

    $200–$700/month (commissary rental fees vary)Arranged before permit application

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$1,500 · 3–6 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides