Minnesota general contractor license

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. General contractor license classes

3. Fees, exam, bond and insurance

Fees

Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.

Experience and steps

1. Name a qualifying person The qualifying person passes the DLI exam for the license type. (source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab), source: DLI: Contractor, roofer and remodeler exams (opens in a new tab))
2. Get insurance Carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate and $25,000 property damage, plus workers' comp. (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))
3. Apply in iMS Apply online with an active Secretary of State filing and pay the fees. (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))

Exam

An exam is required. (source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab), source: DLI: Contractor, roofer and remodeler exams (opens in a new tab))

• Qualifying person exam (QB, QC or QR) (source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab), source: DLI: Contractor, roofer and remodeler exams (opens in a new tab))

• If you fail, wait 30 days and reapply with a new fee. (source: DLI: Contractor, roofer and remodeler exams (opens in a new tab))

Bond

We're still verifying this, check the official board: DLI website (opens in a new tab).

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))

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years. (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))
• Continuing education: 14 hours. (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))

Qualifying persons complete 14 hours of approved CE every 2 years, including 1 hour on the Energy Code and 1 on business management. (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab))

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))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Reciprocity (license transfer)

We're still verifying this, check the official board: DLI website (opens in a new tab).

Use the reciprocity checker

6. 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))

7. How to complain

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))