Do you need an HVAC license in North Dakota?

What our research found about HVAC licensing in North Dakota, and what to check with the city or county where you work.

Full rule details

Verified dataLast checked Oct 17, 2026, next review due July 2027

Informational: verify with the issuing board.

Track my local licenses How reminders work

Short answer

North Dakota does not issue a state HVAC license. Licensing is handled by cities and counties.

What our research found

North Dakota has no statewide HVAC license. Contractors on jobs over $4,000 need the Secretary of State contractor license; HVAC trade licenses are issued by cities. Fargo: Master Heating $125/year (expires December 31, certificate of liability required); Journeyman Heating $100 for a 3-year term per the city licensing page (the printed application form shows $30). Fargo exam fees: journeyman $40, master $125. Bismarck requires a mechanical license through Building Inspections (701-355-1465); fees and renewal terms not published online. Fargo licensing questions: Auditor's Office 701-241-8108 or 701-241-1304. EPA 608 applies federally.

Who handles it, per our sources: North Dakota Secretary of State - Contractor Licensing

What to check locally

Call the building or permit office of the city or county where the job is. Ask whether it needs a local HVAC license or a contractor registration before you pull a permit.
Ask what keeps that local license current: the renewal date, the fee, any bond or insurance certificate, and any continuing education.
Check each city or county you work in on its own. Each one sets its own rules, fees and renewal dates.
Read the notes above for anything the state still requires, such as a business registration, a tax license or a license for related trade work.

Track local licenses, bonds and insurance dates

HVAC / mechanical (no state license; city licenses, e.g. Fargo Master Heating)

Master Heating (Fargo) · Local / county license · North Dakota Secretary of State - Contractor Licensing

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 701-328-2900

Renewal cycle: Every year
Continuing education: Set by your city or county
Deadline rule: Fargo Master Heating license expires December 31 each year.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: Not published, check with the board

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $125
Late fee: Check the official site for the fee.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond: Not required
Insurance: Fargo Master Heating applicants must provide a certificate of liability insurance (amount not stated on the application form).
Reciprocity: A passed state reciprocity mechanical/fuel gas exam (proctored by Fargo; list kept by the ND Building Officials Association) is valid in all participating ND jurisdictions, but a license must still be obtained in each jurisdiction where you work.

Notes

MediumLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (5)

Track your local licenses

Add the city or county licenses, bonds and insurance you hold in North Dakota and we will email you 90, 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each one expires.

Start the free trial Or have our team file it for you

North Dakota HVAC licensing questions

Answers come from the records above. Informational: verify with the issuing board.

Do you need a state HVAC license in North Dakota?

No. North Dakota does not issue a state HVAC license. Licensing is handled by cities and counties. North Dakota has no statewide HVAC license. Contractors on jobs over $4,000 need the Secretary of State contractor license; HVAC trade licenses are issued by cities. Fargo: Master Heating $125/year (expires December 31, certificate of liability required); Journeyman Heating $100 for a 3-year term per the city licensing page (the printed application form shows $30). Fargo exam fees: journeyman $40, master $125. Bismarck requires a mechanical license through Building Inspections (701-355-1465); fees and renewal terms not published online. Fargo licensing questions: Auditor's Office 701-241-8108 or 701-241-1304. EPA 608 applies federally. Check with the city or county where the job is before you start work.

Who handles HVAC licensing in North Dakota?

Our records point to: North Dakota Secretary of State - Contractor Licensing. Rules differ from one city or county to the next, so check with the one where the job is.

When does a North Dakota HVAC license expire?

HVAC / mechanical (no state license; city licenses, e.g. Fargo Master Heating): renews every year. Fargo Master Heating license expires December 31 each year. Check with North Dakota Secretary of State - Contractor Licensing before you rely on it.

How much does it cost to renew a North Dakota HVAC license?

HVAC / mechanical (no state license; city licenses, e.g. Fargo Master Heating): About $125. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Does North Dakota accept HVAC licenses from other states?

A passed state reciprocity mechanical/fuel gas exam (proctored by Fargo; list kept by the ND Building Officials Association) is valid in all participating ND jurisdictions, but a license must still be obtained in each jurisdiction where you work. Check with North Dakota Secretary of State - Contractor Licensing before you rely on it.

Sources

Spot something out of date?

Informational only. Check it with the issuing board. Licensing rules, deadlines and CE requirements change, fee amounts are approximate, and this page can be out of date. It is not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with any state board. Read the disclaimer.

This information is here to help you plan, not to replace the board. Fee amounts are approximate and may be out of date. Deadlines and continuing education rules change too, sometimes without much notice. Always confirm with your licensing board and its official site before you rely on a date or an amount. This is not legal advice.

Free trial

Keep your North Dakota HVAC license current.

Try Basic free for 14 days. No credit card.

Start the free trial See pricing