Do you need a contractor license in Minnesota?
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))
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.
When do you need 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))
Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.
- 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)
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