Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a pawnshop in Bismarck, ND. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Multi‑member LLCs are taxed as partnerships (Form 1065). Single‑member LLCs are disregarded entities (Schedule C on Form 1040).
Required if the LLC has employees. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration is completed via the ND TAP system. Forms NDW-1 and NDW-4 must be filed initially.
All employers with employees in North Dakota must register. The tax is employer-funded; employees do not contribute. Registration is done through the DLR Employer Portal.
As an LLC treated as a pass-through entity, the business itself does not pay state income tax. However, owners must report income on personal returns. If the LLC elects corporate taxation, it must file Form 500. North Dakota does not impose a corporate income tax on C corporations, but does tax distributed income. No separate franchise or gross receipts tax exists in North Dakota.
Most cities in North Dakota, including Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks, require a local business license or privilege tax. Fees and requirements vary. For example, in Fargo, businesses must register with the City Auditor’s Office. Check with the specific city clerk or finance department. No statewide local tax, but local compliance is mandatory.
Required for all LLCs, regardless of employee count. Used for federal tax reporting, including income, employment, and excise taxes. Obtained via IRS Form SS-4 online. While federal, it is a prerequisite for state tax registrations in North Dakota.
Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) applies to employers. Most employers receive a credit of up to 5.4% for paying state unemployment taxes, resulting in an effective FUTA rate of 0.6%. Form 940 must be filed annually by January 31.
Pawnbrokers must register annually with the North Dakota Office of the State Tax Commissioner. Requires fingerprinting and background check. This is a licensing requirement with a fee, not a tax, but is mandatory for operation. Includes compliance with reporting of pawned items to the National Pawn Reporting System.
Pawnshops specifically require a "Secondhand Dealer/Pawn Broker License" in some cities like Fargo (Fargo Municipal Code Sec. 31-1). Check specific city clerk office.
Required for out-of-state LLCs; domestic LLCs file Articles of Organization ($135). Annual report required separately.
Applies to all LLCs; filed online or by mail.
Required for all pawnshops under NDCC 51-21. Application includes background check, bond ($10,000 minimum), and proof of secure storage. No exam required. Effective as of current NDCC.
$10,000 surety bond required per NDCC 51-21-05. Must be from authorized surety.
Required if using DBA; renewable every 10 years for $25. Applies to all businesses.
Pawnshops sell goods; required for all retailers. No fee, but must file returns.
Pawnshops must collect and remit sales tax on all taxable retail sales of goods, including redeemed or forfeited items sold. North Dakota state sales tax rate is 5%. Local municipalities may impose additional local sales taxes. Registration is done through the North Dakota Taxpayer Access Point (ND TAP).
Required for all LLCs that have employees, open bank accounts, or file any federal tax returns.
Even pawnshops with no employees must maintain a safe environment for customers; standards apply to any employer.
Pawnshops are considered places of public accommodation and must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Pawnshops that extend credit (i.e., pawn loans) must disclose APR, finance charges, and other required terms under TILA.
Applies to any pawnshop LLC that employs workers covered by the FLSA.
Most small pawnshops will not meet the employee threshold, but the requirement is listed for completeness.
All employers, including pawnshop LLCs, must complete Form I‑9 for each new hire.
A pawnshop that deals in firearms must obtain an FFL and maintain required recordkeeping (Form 4473).
Fargo Code Sec. 31-101 requires pawnbrokers to obtain license from city auditor; background check required. Bismarck has similar under Title 8.
Pawnshops classified as "Adult Business" or high-impact retail in some zones (Fargo Zoning Ch. 20). Verify with local planning dept.
Required for pawnshop fit-outs including secure vaults/rooms. See Fargo Code Ch. 23.
Pawnshop signs may have content restrictions (no "guns" if firearms sold). Fargo Zoning Ch. 20-140.
Pawnshops need fire code compliance for storage of flammables/jewelery (NFPA adopted locally).
Mandatory for high-risk businesses like pawnshops. Registration required.
Verifies zoning, building, fire compliance.
Pawnshops may require special use permit in C-2+ zones.
North Dakota law (Workers’ Compensation Act, §§ 31‑01‑01 et seq.) requires any employer with at least one employee to secure workers’ comp insurance or be self‑insured with Department approval.
While North Dakota does not mandate general liability insurance by law, the DFI’s pawnshop licensing guidelines state that applicants must provide proof of liability coverage (minimum $100,000 per occurrence) as part of the licensing packet.
North Dakota law (ND Codified Laws § 57‑01‑01) requires every pawnshop to secure a surety bond of at least $10,000 as a condition of licensure.
North Dakota statutes (ND Century Code § 37‑01‑01) require all commercial vehicles to carry liability insurance meeting the state minimum limits.
The DFI notes that professional liability insurance is optional but recommended when the shop provides paid appraisal services.
North Dakota does not mandate product liability insurance, but the Consumer Protection Division advises retailers to maintain coverage to mitigate risk.
Even without an FFL, ATF requires pawnshops that receive firearms to maintain acquisition and disposition records.
Pawnshops are considered “financial institutions” under the BSA and must file CTRs for qualifying cash transactions.
Pawnshops must file SARs when they detect patterns that may indicate money‑laundering or other illicit activity.
Most pawnshops do not handle regulated hazardous waste, but the requirement applies if such materials are present.
Pawnshops are not typically licensed to sell alcohol; this requirement only applies if the business diversifies into liquor sales.
The U.S. Department of Justice does not charge a fee for ADA Title III compliance, but costs can arise from making necessary physical modifications to your Bismarck pawnshop to ensure accessibility.
The IRS does not charge a fee to obtain an EIN; however, professional assistance with the application process may incur costs, and fees may vary for related tax filings.
The FTC Pawn Industry Rule mandates detailed record-keeping of pawned items, proper disclosure of terms, and adherence to specific appraisal practices.
As an LLC, you’ll need to file federal income taxes, potentially pay self-employment taxes, and adhere to other IRS regulations depending on your specific business structure and income.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there is no federal business license specifically required for pawnshops, but you still need to comply with all other applicable federal regulations.
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