How to get a contractor license in Minnesota
The short version: 1) Name a qualifying person 2) Get insurance 3) Apply in iMS. (source: DLI: Residential contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab), source: DLI: Contractor, roofer and remodeler exams (opens in a new tab), 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.
Step by step
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
The 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)
- If you fail, wait 30 days and reapply with a new fee. (source: DLI: Contractor, roofer and remodeler exams (opens in a new tab))
Costs and fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base license fee Plus a Contractor Recovery Fund fee: $320 (under $1M receipts), $420 ($1-5M) or $520 (over $5M). | $180 (source: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab)) |
Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.
Bonds and insurance
- Workers' comp: Required as applicable
- General liability: $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate, $25,000 property damage
(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)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].