Food Truck 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. Certified Food Protection Manager (recommended, not required)

   A Certified Food Protection Manager is not required by the North Dakota Food Code. ND Health and Human Services states: "A CFPM is not a requirement of the North Dakota Food Code but may be required in some areas of the state," and recommends that each establishment have at least one supervisor or manager certified. If you pursue it, use an ANSI-accredited program and check with your city or county public health agency for any local requirement.

   Official government source

   $80–$150 for an ANSI-accredited course and exam, if you choose to certify·1–2 days

   $80–$150 for an ANSI-accredited course and exam, if you choose to certify

   1–2 days

1. Fargo Cass Public Health — Mobile Food Unit (MFU) Plan Review & Permit

   All food trucks operating in Fargo must submit a Mobile Food Plan Review Application to Fargo Cass Public Health and pass an inspection before operating. Fees are not published online; confirm current fees with Fargo Cass Public Health Environmental Health.

   Official government source

   Fee not published; confirm with Fargo Cass Public Health (701.476.6729)·2–4 weeks after application and inspection

   Fee not published; confirm with Fargo Cass Public Health (701.476.6729)

   2–4 weeks after application and inspection

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. Commissary / Servicing Area Agreement

   Mobile food units in Fargo generally work from an approved commissary or servicing area — a licensed commercial kitchen used for food prep, storage and cleaning. Fargo Cass Public Health's Mobile Food Plan Review Application asks for the commissary location and a commissary contract where one applies; a fully self-contained unit may be cleared without one after the plan-review risk assessment.

   Official government source

   Commissary rental is a private arrangement between you and the kitchen owner, not a government fee; no rate is published, so get quotes from local licensed kitchens.·Arrange before submitting your mobile food plan review application

   Commissary rental is a private arrangement between you and the kitchen owner, not a government fee; no rate is published, so get quotes from local licensed kitchens.

   Arrange before submitting your mobile food plan review application

Official Sources

• Fargo / Cass County Health Department
• North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner — Sales Tax Permit

Related Guides