Notary Public Permit Requirements in Grand Forks, 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 Secretary of State — Notary Public Commission

   To become a Notary Public in North Dakota you apply to the Secretary of State through the FirstStop portal. North Dakota requires no exam and no training course. You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, able to read and write English, and a North Dakota resident (or work in the state, or live in a bordering county with reciprocity). The application must be accompanied by a $7,500 notary bond on form SFN 19355, obtained from an insurance company of your choice and covering the full commission term. A commission runs four years.

   Official government source

   $36 state application fee, plus the premium your insurer charges for the required $7,500 notary bond (the $7,500 is the bond amount, not a cost you pay).·2–6 weeks

   $36 state application fee, plus the premium your insurer charges for the required $7,500 notary bond (the $7,500 is the bond amount, not a cost you pay).

   2–6 weeks

2. Grand Forks Business License (only if your business type is on the city's licensed list)

   Grand Forks does NOT have a general business license for most businesses. The city requires a license only for specific categories: alcohol sales, body art/tattoo facilities and artists, food establishments (bakeries, grocery/retail meat, restaurants, mobile food vendors, concession stands), childcare facilities, hotels/motels, taxi/towing operators, retail tobacco dealers, and a few other regulated categories. Building-trade licenses (electrician, plumber, mechanical installer, etc.) are issued separately by the Building Inspections Department. Check the city's license list for your specific business type before assuming a license is required.

   Official government source

   Varies by license category - see the city's fee schedule; most businesses need no city license at all·1–3 weeks (only if your business type requires a license)

   Varies by license category - see the city's fee schedule; most businesses need no city license at all

   1–3 weeks (only if your business type requires a license)

Official Sources

• North Dakota Secretary of State

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