North-Dakota Business License

Information For Small Businesses In North Dakota

When you are seeking information for small businesses in North Dakota, you'll find the Building a Business section on the official website nd.gov to be a valuable resource. This page contains links to resources on planning your business, getting capital, and protecting your intellectual property protection, among other business topics. It includes links to multiple public and government agencies that support small business initiatives. These links help streamline all aspects of business formation and operation in North Dakota.

- Department of Commerce for N. Dakota
- Small Business Development Center for North Dakota
- Business and Industry Development Institute at N. Dakota State University
- The Small Business Administration

In North Dakota, business licensing requirements can vary. Some companies don't need any licenses to operate legally, while others could require multiple permits or licenses. North Dakota uses numerous State agencies to issue business permits and licenses. To learn what licensing requirements your small business must meet, visit the Licensing Info section found on the official website, nd.gov. Agencies responsible for issuing company-related permits and licenses include:

The North Dakota Attorney General
The North Dakota Secretary of State - or SOS
Numerous regulatory commissions and boards. Each board serves specific industries and professions.

Small business owners will find an alphabetical list of business license types required on a State level. This comprehensive list includes the agency or commission responsible for licensing, as well as the fees and other pertinent information for getting licenses or permits in North Dakota.

Depending on the area in which you're planning on doing business, additional local licenses could be required. For instance, Fargo requires certain types of companies to meet local licensing requirements. If you are uncertain whether your new company needs local licenses to operate, check the city website or contact city officials for more information. In some cases, companies could have exemption status due to state or federal law or regulations.

Once small businesses have acquired all needed licenses or permits on the local, state, or federal level, these documents must get filed with all appropriate agencies and bureaus. LLC's and Corporations must file records with the North Dakota Secretary of State. For more information on registering your LLC or Corporation with the Secretary of State, visit the Business Services page on the SOS website.

In North Dakota, members of specific occupations and professions are subject to additional licensing and permit requirements to operate within the State. For a list of professions and businesses that require specialized licenses, visit the NDSU website. This site provides a comprehensive list of business types from Abstractor to Water Treatment Providers. Other professions found in the list include tax professionals, lawyers, dental care professionals, healthcare professionals, contractors, and several others. Each listed trade has a link to the correct agency or board. Visitors can find applications, as well as fee schedules and contact information for any needed correspondences.

Most of today's small businesses don't use the name of their owners for everyday operations. Instead, owners choose a business name in which to operate. In some cases, LLC's and Corporations may operate multiple franchises or business divisions under a single registered umbrella corporate name. Conducting business in this capacity is known as Doing Business As, using an assumed name, trade name, or fictitious name. The advantage of this approach is that business owners can streamline their operations by using a single corporate entity to manage multiple divisions or franchises. Corporations and LLCs who wish to use a DBA in North Dakota must file a form with the Secretary of State. Some partnerships must also submit a DBA certificate to the SOS to conduct business.

Intellectual property plays an essential role in business frameworks. Each type of business mark offers IP protection for the holder of the property. The most common marks used in business include service marks, trademarks, trade names, corporate logos, and other identifying creative work. Each item distinguishes products and services from competitors. In the event of misuse or infringement, Intellectual property holders have recourse to remove the violations. Small business owners in North Dakota who wish to protect their intellectual property can register with the State. Registration on the State level is separate from on the Federal level. For more information and forms, visit the Service Mark - Trademark Section of the North Dakota Secretary of State website.