Plumbing Contractor 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. North Dakota State Plumbing Board — Master / Journeyman Plumber License

   North Dakota does not issue a 'Plumbing Contractor License.' The ND State Plumbing Board licenses individuals as Master Plumber or Journeyman Plumber. Under NDCC 43-18-10 a registered, licensed master plumber must be in charge of the work for any firm installing plumbing in a location served by a public water or sewer system; in cities under 1,000 population and in rural areas a licensed journeyman may run the business. Licensure requires passing a board exam. A business contracting jobs over $4,000 also needs a North Dakota Secretary of State contractor license, and each Fargo job needs a city plumbing permit.

   Official government source

   $50 exam fee plus the annual board license fee — Master Plumber $200, Journeyman Plumber $100. Fargo plumbing permits start at a $50 minimum per job.·4–8 weeks

   $50 exam fee plus the annual board license fee — Master Plumber $200, Journeyman Plumber $100. Fargo plumbing permits start at a $50 minimum per job.

   4–8 weeks

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. City of Fargo Plumbing Permit (per project)

   A plumbing permit must be pulled from the City of Fargo Inspections Department for each job inside the city limits; Cass County has no role within them. An inspection is required when the work is complete.

   Official government source

   Per the fee schedule effective 1/1/2025: inside plumbing minimum $50 (covers up to five fixtures or traps, $10 each beyond that), water heater $35, lawn sprinkler system $40, sewer line repair or replacement $75, additional sanitary or storm sewer line $30, original sanitary or storm sewer line into a building $125.·1–5 business days

   Per the fee schedule effective 1/1/2025: inside plumbing minimum $50 (covers up to five fixtures or traps, $10 each beyond that), water heater $35, lawn sprinkler system $40, sewer line repair or replacement $75, additional sanitary or storm sewer line $30, original sanitary or storm sewer line into a building $125.

   1–5 business days

Official Sources

• North Dakota State Plumbing Board — Plumbing Contractor License
• City of Fargo Finance Department

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