Photography 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.

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. Fargo Park District Facility Use / City Special Event Permit

   Fargo public parks are run by the Fargo Park District, a separate entity from City of Fargo government (Cass County has no role inside the city). The Park District does not issue a commercial photography permit; portrait and small commercial shoots in parks are handled as a facility reservation, and larger productions need a facility use agreement. Shoots that block a street, sidewalk, or other city right-of-way go through the City of Fargo instead.

   Official government source

   No photography-specific permit fee. Costs arise only if you reserve a park facility or shelter, which is priced per the Park District reservation rate for the facility you book.·Book a park facility reservation as far ahead as your shoot date requires; no permit approval period applies to ordinary portrait sessions.

   No photography-specific permit fee. Costs arise only if you reserve a park facility or shelter, which is priced per the Park District reservation rate for the facility you book.

   Book a park facility reservation as far ahead as your shoot date requires; no permit approval period applies to ordinary portrait sessions.

Official Sources

• City of Fargo Finance Department
• North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner — Sales Tax Permit

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