State Guide

North Dakota Business License

This guide covers North Dakota's general business license requirements — state-level registration, local city and county licenses, fees, and renewal timelines.

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Overview

North Dakota does not have a general state business license. Businesses selling taxable goods or services must obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit from the Office of State Tax Commissioner.

Local North Dakota cities may require business licenses. Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks have locally administered requirements.

North Dakota Sales and Use Tax Permit

Primary agencyOffice of State Tax Commissioner
Legal authorityNorth Dakota Century Code § 57-39.2
Key noteNo general state business license; Sales and Use Tax Permit required for taxable sales.

Initial Registration

Filing methodOnline at Taxpayer Access Point (TAP)
Agency feeNo fee

Registration Renewal

Filing methodPermit does not expire; file returns quarterly
Due dateQuarterly returns due last day of month following quarter

Local General Business Licenses

North Dakota cities may require local business licenses. Check with your city or county.

Counties

Adams CountyBarnes CountyBenson CountyBillings CountyBottineau CountyBowman CountyBurke CountyBurleigh CountyCass CountyCavalier CountyDickey CountyDivide CountyDunn CountyEddy CountyEmmons CountyFoster CountyGolden Valley CountyGrand Forks CountyGrant CountyGriggs CountyHettinger CountyKidder CountyLaMoure CountyLogan CountyMcHenry CountyMcIntosh CountyMcKenzie CountyMcLean CountyMercer CountyMorton CountyMountrail CountyNelson CountyOliver CountyPembina CountyPierce CountyRamsey CountyRansom CountyRenville CountyRichland CountyRolette CountySargent CountySheridan CountySioux CountySlope CountyStark CountySteele CountyStutsman CountyTowner CountyTraill CountyWalsh CountyWard CountyWells CountyWilliams County

Cities & Townships

BismarckDickinsonFargoGrand ForksJamestownMandanMinotWest FargoWilliston

EntityEngine does not provide tax, financial, or legal advice. Requirements change — always verify with the issuing agency. Confirm with Office of State Tax Commissioner →

Frequently Asked Questions

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