Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

North Dakota Statewide Rule

North Dakota Fireworks Sale and Use Statute

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across North Dakota (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
NDCC ch. 23-15, 23-15.1
Wholesaler license
State Fire Marshal
Retailer license
County sheriff
Sale windows
Jun 27-Jul 5, Dec 26-Jan 1
Local discharge bans
Permitted
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: North Dakota Legislative Branch

Summary

North Dakota Century Code Chapters 23-15 and 23-15.1 govern the sale and use of consumer fireworks. Wholesalers are licensed by the State Fire Marshal (Insurance Department); retailers are licensed by the county sheriff. Cities may restrict or ban discharge but must follow the statewide licensing scheme.

2. An application for a license as distributor must be made to the state fire marshal on forms prescribed by the state fire marshal. An application for a license as a retailer must be made to the county sheriff on forms prescribed by the state fire marshal. Each application must be accompanied by the required fee, which must be two hundred fifty dollars for a distributor's license and twenty dollars for a retailer's license. Fees for distributors' licenses must be deposited in the insurance regulatory trust fund in the state treasury and fees for retailers' licenses must be deposited in the county general fund. The license is valid only for the calendar year in which issued and must at all times be displayed at the place of business of the licensee. The licenses are in addition to any other license required by law or municipal ordinance. The licensing provisions of this section do not apply to a retailer who is required to become licensed by any municipality. Any license fee levied by a municipality must be deposited in the municipality's general fund.

Source: North Dakota Legislative BranchView official code

Full Breakdown

Under NDCC chapters 23-15 and 23-15.1, fireworks wholesalers are licensed by the State Fire Marshal in the Insurance Department, while retailers obtain a license from the county sheriff (or a municipality that licenses retailers itself). Consumer fireworks may be sold only June 27 through July 5 and December 26 through January 1. Cities and counties may impose additional time, place, and manner restrictions on discharge, including outright bans within their limits, but may not authorize sellers outside the statutory scheme. Supervised public displays require a permit from the city or county auditor.

Violations & Penalties

Selling without a state license, selling outside permitted dates, or selling prohibited fireworks is a Class B misdemeanor with fines and possible license revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a North Dakota city ban fireworks discharge?
Yes. Cities and counties may restrict or ban consumer fireworks discharge within their limits. Retailers are licensed by the county sheriff and wholesalers by the State Fire Marshal, so a city cannot rewrite who may sell.
When can fireworks be sold in North Dakota?
Licensed sellers may sell consumer fireworks only June 27 through July 5 and December 26 through January 1, statewide.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.