Massage Therapy 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 Board of Massage — License

   Massage therapists in North Dakota must be licensed by the ND Board of Massage Therapy. Requires 750 hours of massage therapy education from an accredited program and a passing score on the MBLEx (or equivalent exam), plus a jurisprudence exam and criminal background check.

   Official government source

   $150 (initial application fee)·4–8 weeks

   $150 (initial application fee)

   4–8 weeks

2. 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. 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 Certificate of Occupancy and Zoning Approval

   A commercial space used as a massage therapy practice in Fargo needs a Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Fargo Inspections Department, with zoning confirmed by Planning and Development. The Finance Department handles budgeting and treasury and has no role in zoning or occupancy. Applications go through the city’s License and Permit Portal.

   Official government source

   Charged as a commercial building permit on total valuation: $50 up to $1,000, $338.48 at $25,000, $543.48 at $50,000 and up from there, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the building permit fee with a $50 minimum.·1-3 weeks for a straightforward tenant space, longer if the buildout needs full plan review and inspections.

   Charged as a commercial building permit on total valuation: $50 up to $1,000, $338.48 at $25,000, $543.48 at $50,000 and up from there, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the building permit fee with a $50 minimum.

   1-3 weeks for a straightforward tenant space, longer if the buildout needs full plan review and inspections.

Official Sources

• North Dakota Board of Massage — License
• City of Fargo Finance Department

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