How long does it take to register a business in North Dakota?

Processing times vary: 3-5 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in North Dakota?

North Dakota does not require a state-level business license, but individual cities and counties may have their own requirements. Check with your local government for specific licensing needs.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in North Dakota?

The LLC filing fee is $135. Annual fees are $50. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $250.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within North Dakota. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the North Dakota Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

North Dakota Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your North Dakota LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to North Dakota businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for North Dakota

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in North Dakota?

$135

Filing Fee

3-5

Processing (days)

90K

Total Businesses

8K/yr

New Businesses

Low unemployment rate

Strong energy sector

Business-friendly environment

Growing tech scene in Fargo

Starting a Business in North Dakota

Top Cities for Business

Fargo125,990
Bismarck74,710
Grand Forks59,166
Minot49,587
West Fargo38,642

Popular Industries

Agriculture
Energy
Manufacturing
Healthcare
Technology

Cost to Start a Business in North Dakota

LLC Filing Fee$135

Annual Report Fee$50/year

Name Reservation (optional)$10 for 365 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$250

Processing time: 3-5 business days

North Dakota Tax Overview

North Dakota has income tax rates from 0-2.5%. Corporate tax is 1.41-4.31%. Sales tax is 5% state plus local.

North Dakota Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for North Dakota

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Peace Garden Table
ND Cuisine
Fargo Kitchen
Great Plains Dining
Roughrider Eats
Local Flavors

barbershop

Fargo Cuts
Premium Grooming
Peace Garden Barbers
Classic Style
ND Shave
Expert Service

construction

North Dakota Builders
Quality Construction
Peace Garden Build
Building ND
Fargo Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

Fargo Strategy
Business Growth
Peace Garden Advisors
Strategic Solutions
ND Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

North Dakota Mercantile
Local Goods
Peace Garden Market
Quality Products
Fargo Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

ND Home Care
Complete Solutions
Peace Garden Services
Professional Care
Fargo Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Fargo Tech
Innovation
Peace Garden Digital
Tech Solutions
ND Software
Custom Development

healthcare

North Dakota Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Peace Garden Medical
Patient Care
Fargo Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

North Dakota Properties
Dream Homes
Peace Garden Realty
Expert Service
Fargo Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Fargo Fitness
Peak Performance
Peace Garden Strong
Community Fitness
ND Athletics
Elite Training

Official North Dakota Business Resources

North Dakota Secretary of State

Business registration

ND Office of State Tax Commissioner

Tax information

North Dakota SBDC

Business counseling

How to Register a Business in North Dakota

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your North Dakota LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Annual Report ($50)
Maintain registered agent
Pay state taxes
No state business license required

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for North Dakota Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your North Dakota Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the North Dakota Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.