Licensing as a Collection Agency

"No person, other than a collection agency licensed and authorized under state law, may engage in debt collection in the state of North Dakota without a collection agency license issued by the commissioner. A person engages in debt collection in North Dakota if the debtor resides in North Dakota. (NDCC, 13-05-02)

Licensing requirements do not apply to:

1. Attorneys at law who are licensed to practice in the state of North Dakota. This exemption is limited to the actions of the licensed attorney and does not extend to persons either employed by the attorney or acting on behalf of the attorney;
2. Licensed real estate brokers if the engaged activity is regulated as part of that individual's professional license;
3. Banks;
4. Trust companies;
5. Building and loan associations;
6. Credit unions;
7. Agencies of a state or of the federal government and employees of state or federal agencies solely pursuant to the individual's official duties as an employee of the state or federal agency;
8. Abstract companies doing an escrow business;
9. Creditors collecting their own debts;
10. Mortgage servicing company;
11. Individuals or firms who purchase or take accounts receivable for collateral purposes;
12. Individuals employed in the capacity of creditmen upon the staff of an employer not engaged in the business of a collection agency; or
13. A public officer, receiver, or trustee acting under the order of a court. (NDCC, 13-05-02.3)"