Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a bakery in |, ND. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Certificate of Occupancy
City of Fargo Inspections Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Combines building, fire, health approvals
Certificate of Authority (LLC Registration)
North Dakota Secretary of State
Required Fee: $135.00-$135.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required for all LLCs formed or authorized to do business in ND. Annual report required thereafter ($50 fee, due by anniversary date).
Annual Report (LLC)
North Dakota Secretary of State
Required Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration
Applies to all active LLCs; filed online via SOS portal.
Assumed Name (DBA) Registration
North Dakota Secretary of State
May Apply Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Renewal required every 5 years ($10 fee). Search registry first to confirm availability.
Retail Sales Tax License (Seller's Permit)
North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
Bakery sales of prepared food for off-site consumption are taxable at 5% + local rates. File returns monthly/quarterly based on volume.
Food Establishment License
North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services
May Apply Fee: $200.00-$200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
Issued via local health districts but follows state Food Code (NDAC 33-25-02). Plan review required pre-opening ($100+ fee). Fees: low risk $110, high risk $365.
Wholesale Food Processor License
North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$300.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Required if selling wholesale or interstate. Separate from retail license. HACCP plan may be required for certain products.
North Dakota Sales Tax Permit (Retail Sales of Prepared Food)
North Dakota Department of Revenue
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually) is based on average monthly tax liability: > $1,000 → monthly; $100‑$1,000 → quarterly; <$100 → annual. Registration is completed via the ND DOR’s online portal.
North Dakota State Income Tax Registration (Pass‑through Entity)
North Dakota Department of Revenue
Required Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
LLCs taxed as partnerships must obtain a state tax identification number to file Form 20 (Partnership Return) or Form 20‑C (Corporate Return) as applicable.
North Dakota Employer Withholding Tax Registration
North Dakota Office of the State Tax Commissioner
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: registration
After registration, withholding returns are filed monthly or quarterly depending on average tax withheld: > $500/month → monthly; ≤ $500 → quarterly. Returns due 15th of month following the period.
North Dakota Unemployment Insurance (UI) Employer Account Registration
North Dakota Workforce Development Agency (WDA)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
UI contributions are reported and paid quarterly. Due dates: Q1 – April 30, Q2 – July 31, Q3 – October 31, Q4 – January 31 of the following year.
North Dakota Gross Receipts Tax (Franchise Tax)
North Dakota Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
North Dakota repealed its gross receipts (franchise) tax in 2016; no filing required for bakeries.
Sales Tax Return (North Dakota)
North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Businesses with <$1,000 sales per quarter may be eligible for annual filing; check ND tax portal.
North Dakota Corporate Income Tax Return (Form 10‑C)
North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: filing
LLCs taxed as partnerships file federal Form 1065; ND follows the federal classification.
Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1065) – Partnership
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Each member receives a Schedule K‑1.
Federal Payroll Tax Returns (Form 941)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Includes Social Security, Medicare, and federal income tax withholding.
North Dakota Withholding Tax Return (Form W-4)
North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Employers must register for a withholding account.
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Quarterly Report
North Dakota Department of Labor & Human Rights – Division of Labor
May Apply Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Report via the ND UI online portal.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance (ND Workers’ Compensation Act)
North Dakota Department of Labor & Human Rights – Workers’ Compensation Division
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: certificate
Coverage may be obtained through private carriers authorized by the state.
General Liability Insurance (recommended)
North Dakota Department of Health – Food Safety Division (recommendation)
Required Fee: $1.00-$1.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Often required by landlords or vendors.
North Dakota Food Sales Tax (Prepared Food Excise)
North Dakota Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Unprepared bakery items sold for home consumption are exempt; only prepared foods are taxable.
City of Fargo Business License (Privilege Tax)
City of Fargo – Finance Department
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
Application is submitted online; the license must be displayed at the place of business.
City of Bismarck Business License (Privilege Tax)
City of Bismarck – Finance Department
May Apply Fee: $75.00-$200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
License must be posted at the business location; renewal can be completed online.
City Business License
City of Fargo
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Required for all businesses; bakeries classified under retail/food service
Cass County Business Registration
Cass County, ND
May Apply Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Fargo is in Cass County; city license supersedes for city operations
Zoning Compliance Permit
City of Fargo Planning & Development
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Verify zoning via Fargo Zoning Ordinance Chapter 20-10
Home Occupation Permit
City of Fargo
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Limited to 25% of home; no retail traffic allowed per Ordinance 20-11
Building Permit
City of Fargo Inspections Division
May Apply Fee: $0.50-$2.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required for interior build-out, kitchen installation
Sign Permit
City of Fargo Planning & Development
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Max size 1.5 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage
Food Establishment Permit
City of Fargo Health Department
Required Fee: $250.00-$250.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Plan review required pre-opening ($150 fee)
Fire Safety Inspection Certificate
City of Fargo Fire Department
Required Fee: $75.00-$75.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Required for occupancy; includes hood suppression systems
Fire Alarm Permit
Bismarck Fire Department
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$250.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required for commercial kitchens per IFC 2018
Grease Interceptor Permit
City of Fargo Engineering
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required for FOG (fats/oils/grease) control
Workers' Compensation Insurance
North Dakota State Water Commission (Administered by the North Dakota Workers’ Compensation Bureau)
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$2000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
All employers in North Dakota with one or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance through the North Dakota State Fund. Sole proprietors are not automatically exempt but may elect coverage. This is a legally required mandate under NDCC § 65-01-06 and NDCC § 65-05-01.
General Liability Insurance
None (not state-mandated)
Required Fee: $500.00-$1500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
General liability insurance is not legally required by North Dakota state law for bakeries. However, it is strongly recommended due to risks of customer injury, property damage, or slip-and-fall incidents. Some landlords or municipalities may require proof as part of lease agreements or local permits.
Professional Liability / Errors and Omissions Insurance
None
Required Fee: $750.00-$2000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Professional liability insurance is not legally required for bakeries in North Dakota. It is typically relevant for service-based professionals providing advice (e.g., consultants). Not applicable to standard bakery operations unless offering custom design consulting with contractual liability.
Surety Bonds (License or Permit Bonds)
North Dakota Secretary of State - Business Registration
Required Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
No surety bond is required to form an LLC or operate a bakery in North Dakota. Some local jurisdictions or special permits (e.g., mobile vending) may require bonds, but no statewide mandate exists for bakeries. Contractors in construction trades are subject to bonding, but not food service businesses.
Commercial Auto Insurance
North Dakota Department of Transportation
May Apply Fee: $1200.00-$2500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Commercial auto insurance is legally required if the bakery owns and operates motor vehicles. Personal auto policies do not cover commercial use. Coverage must meet North Dakota's minimum financial responsibility requirements under NDCC § 39-16.1-02.
Product Liability Insurance
None
Required Fee: $1000.00-$3000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Product liability insurance is not legally mandated by North Dakota for bakeries. However, it is strongly recommended due to risks associated with foodborne illness, allergen mislabeling, or foreign object contamination. Coverage is typically included in a general liability policy but may require endorsement.
Labor Law Posters (Federal & ND)
U.S. Department of Labor & North Dakota Department of Labor
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Include Minimum Wage, OSHA, Family & Medical Leave, ND Minimum Wage, etc.
Record Retention – Tax & Financial Records
North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Include sales tax returns, income tax returns, payroll tax filings, and supporting documentation.
Record Retention – Food Safety Logs
North Dakota Department of Health
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Logs must be available for health inspector review.
Annual Report to Local Zoning/Planning (if required)
City of [Your City] Planning Department (e.g., Fargo Planning)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Check with your city’s planning department.
Liquor Liability Insurance
None
May Apply Fee: $300.00-$1000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Liquor liability insurance is required for any bakery that holds a liquor license and serves or sells alcohol. North Dakota mandates compliance with dram shop laws under NDCC § 5-01-07. Coverage must be maintained continuously while licensed. Not applicable to bakeries without alcohol service.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
All LLCs that have employees or elect to be taxed as a corporation must obtain an EIN.
Federal Income Tax Filing (LLC – Pass‑through or Corporate election)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Single‑member LLC files Schedule C with Form 1040; multi‑member files Form 1065. Quarterly estimated taxes required if tax liability > $1,000.
Quarterly Estimated Federal Tax Payments
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Applies to LLCs with pass‑through taxation that expect to owe federal tax.
OSHA General Industry Safety Standards (Food Manufacturing)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Key standards include 1910.106 (Flour Dust Explosion Hazard) and 1910.142 (Sanitation).
OSHA Recordkeeping (Form 300 Log)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: filing
If the bakery has ≤10 employees and no recordable incidents, the log is optional.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III Compliance
U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Must provide accessible entrances, service counters, restrooms, and reasonable accommodations for employees.
EPA Food Processing NESHAP (Air Emissions)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
May require installation of dust collection systems and periodic emissions testing.
EPA Hazardous Waste Management (if applicable)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Small Quantity Generators (≤100 kg per month) have less stringent reporting.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Advertising & Marketing Guidelines
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Required Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
All claims about product attributes (e.g., “gluten‑free,” “organic”) must be truthful and substantiated.
Department of Labor – Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Wage & Hour Requirements
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Must pay at least federal minimum wage, overtime for >40 hrs/week, maintain payroll records, and display required posters.
Department of Labor – I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) – Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Employers must complete Form I‑9 for each new hire and may use E‑Verify to confirm work authorization.
FDA Food Facility Registration (FSMA)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
May Apply Renewal: biennial
Type: registration
Most bakeries that sell beyond state lines must register; also required for domestic distribution if the product is subject to FDA jurisdiction.
Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ATF) – Conditional
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
May Apply Fee: $150.00-$1000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
If the bakery does not serve alcohol, this requirement does not apply.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – DOT Reporting (Conditional)
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Most small bakeries using standard delivery vans are exempt.
Food Service Establishment License (Bakery)
North Dakota Department of Health – Food Service Program
Required Renewal: annual
Type: license
Application requires a completed Form 100, floor‑plan, and proof of liability insurance.
Health Inspection (Food Establishment)
North Dakota Department of Health – Food Service Program
Required Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Inspections are scheduled by the local health district; the bakery must be ready for routine and complaint‑driven visits.
Fire Safety Inspection
North Dakota Fire Marshal’s Office (local fire department)
Required Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Includes verification of fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and egress signage.
Need a personalized checklist?
Permit Finder asks follow-up questions to give you an exact list of permits.
Find Your Permits