Skip to content
State files updated Oct 27, 2026
Look up a contractor
MenuClose

Home / Licensing / Minnesota

Minnesota contractor license (DLI)Requirements, cost, exam

Minnesota licenses general contractors through the Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI). You need a state residential license to build or remodel homes for pay if you offer more than one special skill.1

Minnesota · general contractor

State license required

Experience
None.2
Exam
Yes.2
Bond
No bond for residential building contractors and remodelers.3
Insurance
Commercial general liability insurance with premises, operations, products and completed operations coverage: at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, or a single limit of $300,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate.3
Fees
$50 application and exam fee, then a $180 license fee after you pass.4
Renewal
Licenses last two years and expire March 31.5

Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI)

How do you get a Minnesota contractor license?

  1. Check that you need a license

    You need a state residential license to build or remodel homes for pay if you offer more than one special skill.1

  2. Meet the experience rule

    None.2

  3. Apply to the DLI$50

    $50 application and exam fee, then a $180 license fee after you pass.4

    DLI site
  4. Pass the exam

    Yes.2

    What's on the exam
  5. File the bond and insurance

    No bond for residential building contractors and remodelers. Commercial general liability insurance with premises, operations, products and completed operations coverage: at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, or a single limit of $300,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate.3

    Minnesota bond and insurance rules
  6. Get the license, then renew$180

    Licenses last two years and expire March 31.5

    Renewal and CE
Board fees$230Bond premium and insurance cost extra.

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licenses in Minnesota

Which license class do you need in Minnesota?

Minnesota licenses residential building contractors (new construction and remodeling), residential remodelers (work on existing homes only) and residential roofers.1

Classes with the most active holders in the state file, 2026-10-276.

Do you need workers' comp?

The application must include a Minnesota workers' compensation insurance certificate and an employment insurance account number.7

Minnesota insurance and bonds

Sources

  1. Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI): who needs a license (revisor.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI): experience (dli.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI): bond (revisor.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI): fees (revisor.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)
  5. Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI): renewal (revisor.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)
  6. MN DLI license/registration export (dli.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)
  7. Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI): workers' comp (revisor.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)
  8. Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI): Residential contractor faqs (dli.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)
  9. Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI): 326B.802 (revisor.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)
  10. Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI): 326B.821 (revisor.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)
  11. Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI): 326B.84 (revisor.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)
  12. Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI): 326B.885 (revisor.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)
  13. Dept of Labor and Industry (DLI): 326B.89 (revisor.mn.gov, 2026-10-27)