Handyman Business 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 Secretary of State — Contractor's License

   Anyone performing construction work in North Dakota on a job whose cost, value or price exceeds $4,000 must hold a Contractor’s License issued by the North Dakota Secretary of State under NDCC ch. 43-07. This is a state license, not a local one; classes are set by the maximum contract size. Local building permits are still required for individual jobs, and some cities (Fargo, Grand Forks) add their own trade licenses on top.

   Official government source

   Initial license by class: D (up to $100,000/job) $100, C (up to $300,000) $225, B (up to $500,000) $300, A (over $500,000) $450. Renewal, due by March 1 each year: $30, $45, $60 and $90 respectively.·2–4 weeks

   Initial license by class: D (up to $100,000/job) $100, C (up to $300,000) $225, B (up to $500,000) $300, A (over $500,000) $450. Renewal, due by March 1 each year: $30, $45, $60 and $90 respectively.

   2–4 weeks

1. 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

2. City of Fargo Permits for Regulated Trade Work

   Handyman tasks that cross into electrical, plumbing, mechanical or structural work require a permit from the City of Fargo Inspections Department for any job inside the city limits — Cass County permits only apply outside them. Each trade has its own permit and inspection. A handyman may not perform work reserved to a licensed trade, and any job whose value exceeds $4,000 requires a North Dakota Secretary of State contractor license.

   Official government source

   By trade and scope: plumbing from $50, mechanical from $30, and building permits by valuation starting at $50 for work up to $1,000 (commercial), plus a 20% plan review fee where a review is required.·1–5 business days for trade permits; 1–3 weeks where plan review is needed

   By trade and scope: plumbing from $50, mechanical from $30, and building permits by valuation starting at $50 for work up to $1,000 (commercial), plus a 20% plan review fee where a review is required.

   1–5 business days for trade permits; 1–3 weeks where plan review is needed

Official Sources

• City of Fargo Finance Department
• North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Registration

Related Guides