Nail Salon 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 Nail Technician License (per technician)

   Each nail technician must hold a valid North Dakota Manicurist License from the ND State Board of Cosmetology. Requires completion of a minimum 350-hour manicuring program at a board-approved school and passing the state board exam.

   Official government source

   Up to $50 (initial license, statutory maximum per NDCC 43-11-28)·4–8 weeks

   Up to $50 (initial license, statutory maximum per NDCC 43-11-28)

   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. North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology — Establishment (Salon) License

   A nail salon in North Dakota must hold an establishment license from the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology, and every technician working there must separately hold a manicurist license. The salon is inspected before the license is issued, and the license renews annually. The board also charges a reinspection fee if a follow-up visit is needed.

   Official government source

   $150 for the original establishment license and $100 per year to renew (NDCC 43-11-28). Late renewal within a year adds $50; a reinspection is $75.·3-6 weeks, driven by scheduling the pre-opening inspection.

   $150 for the original establishment license and $100 per year to renew (NDCC 43-11-28). Late renewal within a year adds $50; a reinspection is $75.

   3-6 weeks, driven by scheduling the pre-opening 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

Official Sources

• North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology — Salon License
• City of Fargo Finance Department

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