Starting a Business in North Dakota Cities
City-level guides to starting a business and getting a business license in 2 North Dakota cities.
New to this? Start with the North Dakota business formation guide, then come back for the specifics.
Starting a Business, City by City
Which North Dakota Cities License What: No General Business License in Fargo, Bismarck or Minot, Only Activity PermitsLocal rules, costs and first stepsRead the guide →Who Licenses Your North Dakota Food Business: HHS or One of 8 Local Health Units, and Why Fargo and Bismarck Mobile Food Licenses Do Not TransferLocal rules, costs and first stepsRead the guide →
City Business Licenses
Fargo and West Fargo Business License: No General License, $250 Excavator, $1,000 Hauler, West Fargo Short-Term Rental License From July 1, 2026Who issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Williston Business License: $500 Mobile Food, $35 a Day Door-to-Door, $100 Tobacco, and Where Crew Housing Is Not on the City Fee ListWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Grand Forks Business License: City Contractor Licenses $65 to $170, Door-to-Door $500 a Year or $75 a Day, and a Mobile Food LicenseWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Bismarck Business License: No General License, the 2024 Home Occupation Rules (Minor vs Major), Door-to-Door and Alcohol PermitsWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Minot Business License: The City Says It Requires None, Permits It Does Require, and the Sales Tax Rising to 2.5% on October 1, 2026Who issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →