Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Grand Forks, ND

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Grand Forks, Grand Forks County, North Dakota.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of North Dakota

2 stops

  1. North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in North Dakota. North Dakota charges a 5% state sales tax; local jurisdictions may add up to 3.5%. Register with the ND Office of State Tax Commissioner.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

  2. North Dakota Background Check Requirement

    All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in North Dakota child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Grand Forks / Grand Forks County

3 stops

  1. North Dakota Department of Human Services — Child Care Facility License

    Child care centers in North Dakota must be licensed by the ND DHS Early Childhood Services. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and staff ratio compliance.

    Official government source

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  2. City of Grand Forks City Finance Office — Business License

    Grand Forks requires a Business License for regulated businesses within city limits. Contact the Finance Office for requirements specific to your business type. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  3. Grand Forks County / Grand Forks Building and Fire Safety Inspection

    Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards.

    $100–$3002–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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