Personal Trainer 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.

2. North Dakota does not require a state personal trainer license

   North Dakota does not have a state licensing requirement for personal trainers. However, national certifications from organizations like NASM, ACE, or ACSM are strongly recommended and may be required by employers or facilities.

   Official government source

   $200–$800 (national certification)·1–6 months (self-study and exam)

   $200–$800 (national certification)

   1–6 months (self-study and exam)

1. 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)

2. City of Grand Forks Certificate of Occupancy / Zoning Compliance

   A personal training business in a commercial space in Grand Forks needs a Certificate of Occupancy from the city's Department of Building Safety, issued with the building permit for the space. Grand Forks does not publish a home occupation permit — home-based businesses are governed by the home occupation standards in the city zoning ordinance rather than a separate permit application, so check those standards with Planning & Zoning (701-746-2661) before training clients at home.

   Official government source

   Building permit fees are based on total construction valuation per the Building Safety fee lists; no separate home occupation permit fee exists.·1–3 weeks

   Building permit fees are based on total construction valuation per the Building Safety fee lists; no separate home occupation permit fee exists.

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Grand Forks City Finance Office

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