Minnesota contractor license lookup
Minnesota residential contractors working directly for owners of 1 to 4 unit homes in more than one special skill need a DLI building contractor or remodeler license. Roofers need a license too. (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab), source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the DLI website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search DLI's iMS system. License numbers start BC, CR or RR. A Q number is a person's registration, not a company license. (source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab), source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
Anyone contracting directly with an owner of 1 to 4 unit residential property for work in more than one special skill needs a residential building contractor or remodeler license. (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))
- Roofers must be licensed. A roofer license doesn't cover gutters, downspouts, soffit or fascia. (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))
- Since 1 July 2023, residential solar PV installers need a building contractor or remodeler license. (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))
- Contractors with under $15,000 gross annual residential receipts may hold a Certificate of Exemption instead. (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| BC | Residential building contractor | New and existing residential structures (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab), source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab)) |
| CR | Residential remodeler | Existing residential structures (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab), source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab)) |
| RR | Residential roofer | Roofing only (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab), source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
Insurance
- Workers' comp: Required as applicable (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))
- General liability: $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate, $25,000 property damage (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))
Ask for proof of insurance and check the bond on the official lookup before work starts.
4. How to look up a contractor
Check a license on the DLI website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search DLI's iMS system. License numbers start BC, CR or RR. A Q number is a person's registration, not a company license. (source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab), source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- Quotes a Q number as its license. (source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
- A roofer quoting gutters, soffit or fascia on a roofer license. (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))
- A solar installer without a BC or CR license. (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
Contractor Recovery Fund
- Pays up to $550,000 per licensee. The license is suspended after a payout. (source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
- To reinstate, the licensee repays twice the amount plus interest and gets a surety bond of at least $40,000. (source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
7. Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages. How we verify.
- DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- DLI: Contractor, roofer and remodeler exams (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
What is the Minnesota Contractor Recovery Fund?
It can pay homeowners for fraud, conversion of funds or failure to perform by licensed building contractors or remodelers, up to $550,000 per licensee. (source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
Is unlicensed contracting a crime in Minnesota?
Yes, a misdemeanor. Unlicensed contractors who knowingly break the law also lose lien rights. (source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))