Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a private investigator in Bismarck, ND. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Only specific industries (e.g., oil & gas) are subject to a gross‑receipts tax; private investigation is exempt.
All businesses, including professional services such as private investigation, must obtain a city business license.
Professional service firms, including private investigators, are required to obtain a business license.
Required for foreign LLCs; domestic LLCs file Articles of Organization ($135 fee). Renewal via Annual Report.
Required for all LLCs to maintain good standing.
Agency license required for LLC providing PI services. Prerequisites for qualifying agent: 5 years experience or equivalent, background check, $10,000 surety bond. Exam not required for agency but may be for individuals.
Required for each person performing investigative services. Prerequisites: 21+, 5 years experience (or degree + 3 years), background check, no disqualifying convictions.
$10,000 surety bond required for agency license.
Required if LLC uses DBA/trade name. Renewed upon LLC annual report.
PI services generally not taxable, but required if selling products.
All LLCs conducting business in ND must register for the state income tax. If the LLC is taxed as a partnership, the owners file personal ND income tax returns (Form ND‑1).
After registration, employers must file withholding returns either monthly or quarterly depending on tax liability.
Employers must remit withheld taxes with the filing.
Registration is completed via the UI Online portal. Employers receive a UI account number.
Employers must report wages and pay UI contributions each quarter.
ND sales tax applies only to tangible personal property and a limited list of services; private investigation is exempt.
Employers must retain I‑9 forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later.
Certification required for any commercial use of unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 lb.
Required for all businesses including private investigators; LLC registration with ND Sec of State prerequisite
Limits client visits, signage, employees; no specific PI restrictions noted
Private investigation offices permitted in commercial/office zones (O, C-1+ districts)
Complies with Fargo Municipal Code Chapter 10-14
Required for Certificate of Occupancy issuance
Must also provide a copy to the customer.
Requires prior express consent for autodialed calls to consumers.
The report must be filed online through the Secretary of State portal. The filing includes basic entity information and a $50 fee.
Renewal requires proof of $100,000 general liability insurance and completion of required continuing‑education hours.
Minimum 12 CE hours required per renewal period, including at least 2 hours of ethics.
Certificate of insurance must be dated within 90 days of renewal filing.
LLC members report income on personal returns. Estimated quarterly payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
Single‑member LLCs taxed as disregarded entities file Schedule C with Form 1040.
Employers must register for a UI account and file quarterly wage reports.
Certificate of coverage must be kept on file at the principal place of business.
Required posters include Minimum Wage, OSHA, Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, and anti‑discrimination notices.
Renewal is filed online or in‑person; proof of state PI license must be attached.
Records must be kept in a secure manner and be available for inspection by the Department of Public Safety upon request.
Report includes total number of investigations conducted, types of services rendered, and any disciplinary actions.
The inspection verifies egress routes, fire extinguishers, and alarm systems.
Fargo Ordinance 10-26; private investigators often require secure office alarms
Home occupations allowed with restrictions; commercial use may require conditional use permit
Applies to professional services including PI; Burleigh County has no county-wide license
Bismarck Municipal Code Title 10, Chapter 15
Professional services license category includes private investigators
Mandatory for all employers with one or more employees in North Dakota, including LLCs. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt from carrying coverage but may elect to be covered. Enforced by Job Service North Dakota under NDCC § 65-01-07 and NDCC § 65-05-01.
A $10,000 surety bond is required for all private investigator license applicants (individuals and business entities) pursuant to NDCC § 12.1-16-02 and enforced by the Department of Human Services. Bond must be issued by a surety company licensed in North Dakota. The bond protects the public against fraud, misrepresentation, or unlawful acts by the licensee.
General liability insurance is not legally required by North Dakota law for private investigators. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims. No state agency mandates this coverage for PI licensing.
Professional liability insurance is not mandated by North Dakota law for private investigators. However, it is highly recommended to protect against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in investigative services. No state agency enforces this requirement.
Commercial auto insurance is required for any vehicle registered to the business and used on public roads. North Dakota law mandates minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). Applies regardless of business type under NDCC § 39-16.1-06.
Not required unless the private investigator business sells physical products (e.g., surveillance equipment). Standard PI services do not involve product sales, so this insurance is not applicable or mandated in North Dakota.
Not required unless the business serves or sells alcohol. Private investigation firms in North Dakota are not involved in alcohol service or sales, so this insurance does not apply.
All LLCs, even single‑member, should obtain an EIN if they have employees, elect corporate tax treatment, or need to open a bank account.
LLC may elect to be taxed as a corporation (Form 8832) which would require filing Form 1120.
Even a single‑member LLC with no employees must file Form 1040 Schedule C, but employment taxes apply only when payroll exists.
Private investigators with fewer than 10 employees are exempt from the annual summary posting but must still keep records of any work‑related injuries.
Applies to physical accessibility of office space and nondiscriminatory service delivery.
Most private investigation work does not involve hazardous waste; this requirement is conditional.
PI firms must avoid false claims about success rates, licensing, or investigative capabilities.
Includes minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child‑labor rules.
Several federal agencies have oversight, including the IRS for tax obligations, the FTC for advertising practices, and the DOJ for ADA compliance. FinCEN also has reporting requirements related to beneficial ownership.
No, there are currently no federal licenses specifically required for Private Investigators; however, you must still comply with various federal regulations.
ADA compliance costs can vary significantly, ranging from $3000.00 to $50000.00 depending on your business’s specific needs and existing accessibility features.
The FTC requires compliance with advertising and consumer protection rules, including truth-in-advertising and fair business practices. Fees for compliance can vary depending on the specific requirements.
The IRS requires LLCs to fulfill federal income tax filing obligations, maintain business records, and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if applicable. Fees for filing and EIN acquisition vary.
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