> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cslid.nascla.memorang.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Minnesota

> Contractor licensing thresholds, regulator routing, requirements, reciprocity, and license types for Minnesota's single-agency construction regulation model under the Department of Labor and Industry.

Minnesota licenses residential contractors, electricians, plumbers, elevator constructors, and high pressure piping trades through a single agency — the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Commercial construction is not licensed at the state level, and local municipalities enforce the State Building Code independently.

<Warning>
  Always verify statutes, fees, and application details with the live regulator before making bidding, licensing, or legal decisions.
</Warning>

## At a glance

The fastest way to orient yourself in Minnesota is to know these key signals.

| Signal                           | Value                                                                 |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Residential licensing exemption  | Annual gross receipts under **\$15,000** (must file for exemption)    |
| Single-skill specialty exemption | Exempt from residential licensing (except roofers)                    |
| Owner-occupant exemption         | Owners working on their own property (not flippers) are exempt        |
| Electrical bond                  | **\$25,000** bond required for electrical contractors                 |
| Plumbing bond                    | **\$25,000** bond required for plumbing contractors                   |
| Contractor Recovery Fund         | **$500**–**$700** payment at initial application and biennial renewal |
| Reciprocity model                | Electrical only — endorsement agreements and multi-state compact      |

## Frequently asked questions

Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="How do I get a residential building contractor license in Minnesota?">
        Apply through the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). You must pass a 110-question written exam with a 70% minimum score, carry workers' comp and liability insurance (**\$100,000** per occurrence, **\$10,000** property damage), and make a Contractor Recovery Fund payment of **\$500** to **\$700**. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does Minnesota require a separate license for electrical, plumbing, or elevator work?">
        Yes. Electrical, plumbing, and elevator work each require separate state licenses through DLI regardless of project type (residential or commercial). These are in addition to any residential contractor license. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What is the $15,000 annual gross receipts exemption?">
        If your annual gross receipts from residential construction are under **\$15,000**, you may be exempt from the residential contractor license — but you must file for the exemption with DLI. The exemption does not apply to roofers or property flippers. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Where do I go to get licensed in Minnesota?">
        All state-level licensing flows through a single agency: the Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Codes and Licensing Division, at 443 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155. Phone: (651) 284-5034. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How much does it cost to get licensed?">
        Residential contractor exam fee is **\$50**, initial application is **\$120** plus the Recovery Fund fee, and biennial renewal is **\$125** plus the Recovery Fund fee. Electrical and plumbing contractors need a **\$25,000** bond plus liability insurance. The Recovery Fund payment ranges from **\$500** to **\$700** based on annual gross receipts. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the bonding and insurance requirements?">
        Electrical and plumbing contractors must carry a **\$25,000** bond plus liability insurance. Residential contractors need workers' comp and liability insurance (**\$100,000** per occurrence, **\$10,000** property damage). There is no bond requirement for residential contractors beyond the Recovery Fund payment. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Can I use my out-of-state electrical license in Minnesota?">
        Possibly. Minnesota has electrical endorsement agreements with Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota for journeyworker and master licenses. A separate multi-state compact covers Class A Journeyworker licenses with 8 additional states. Your qualifying-state license must have been active for at least one year. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does Minnesota require a license for roofing work?">
        Yes. Roofers are specifically excluded from the single-skill specialty exemption. Residential roofers must hold a state license through DLI regardless of their gross receipts. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does Minnesota require licensing for commercial construction?">
        No. Minnesota does not license commercial general contractors at the state level. Check your local municipality for any licensing, bonding, or registration requirements. However, individual trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) still require state licenses regardless of project type. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What is the Contractor Recovery Fund?">
        The Recovery Fund reimburses homeowners up to **\$100,000** per claimant when a licensed residential contractor fails to meet obligations. Contractors pay **\$500** to **\$700** at initial application and each biennial renewal, based on annual gross receipts. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="How does Minnesota's licensing model compare to other states?">
        Minnesota uses a single-agency model (DLI) for all residential and trade licensing. Commercial construction is not licensed at the state level, leaving municipalities to handle it. This is a distinctive split: residential requires a state license, commercial does not. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does the $15,000 residential exemption compare to other state thresholds?">
        The **\$15,000** threshold is an annual gross receipts test, not a per-project threshold. This is unusual — most states use per-project dollar thresholds. The exemption captures very small operators while requiring licensing for nearly all professional residential contractors. See [Licensing thresholds](/docs/compare/licensing-thresholds).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does local enforcement of the State Building Code interact with state licensing?">
        Local municipalities enforce the State Building Code independently for commercial work. This means a contractor may need a state trade license (electrical, plumbing) but face additional local requirements for commercial projects. The state sets the code; municipalities enforce it. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What agency handles all construction licensing in Minnesota?">
        The Department of Labor and Industry's Construction Codes and Licensing Division handles all state-level construction licensing — residential contractors, electricians, plumbers, elevator constructors, and high pressure piping. This single-agency model simplifies routing. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the fees across trades?">
        Residential contractor: **\$120** initial plus **\$125** renewal plus Recovery Fund (**\$500**-**\$700**). Electrical contractor: **\$25,000** bond required. Plumbing contractor: **\$25,000** bond required. Exam fees are **\$50** for residential contractors. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What license classifications does Minnesota use?">
        Minnesota issues both business licenses (Residential Building Contractor, Remodeler, Roofer, Electrical Contractor, Plumbing Contractor, etc.) and individual licenses (Master Electrician, Journeyworker, Master Plumber, Elevator Constructor, etc.). See [Types of licenses](#types-of-licenses).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does reciprocity work in Minnesota?">
        Reciprocity is electrical-only. Endorsement agreements with Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota cover journeyworker and master licenses. A multi-state compact with 8 states covers Class A Journeyworker licenses. No residential, plumbing, or other trade reciprocity exists. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What exam requirements exist across trades?">
        Residential contractors take a 110-question exam (70% minimum). Electrical and plumbing trade exams require a 70% minimum. Master electricians need 60 months of experience (or EE degree). Master plumbers need 60 months. Journeyworker electricians need 48 months. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the renewal cycles?">
        Most licenses are biennial. Licensed electricians and plumbers renew every two years. Registered unlicensed electricians and plumbers renew annually. Continuing education is 16 hours per two-year cycle for licensed electricians and plumbers, 14 hours for residential contractors. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does Minnesota compare to other Midwest states?">
        Minnesota's single-agency DLI model is moderately structured — more comprehensive than minimal states like Kansas or Missouri, comparable to Iowa's DIAL model, and less complex than Ohio's five-agency system. The residential vs. commercial licensing split is distinctive in the region. See the [Midwest region guide](/docs/jurisdictions/regions/midwest).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Start with your goal

Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Is licensure triggered?" icon="search" href="#construction-work-regulated">
    Start with threshold and work-lane rules, then confirm whether state or local licensing applies.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Find the right regulator" icon="building" href="#who-regulates-construction">
    Use the regulator directory to route your question to the correct DLI division.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Application and renewal details" icon="clipboard-list" href="#requirements">
    Exams, fees, bonds, continuing education, and renewal cycles for each trade.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reciprocity direction" icon="arrow-left-right" href="#reciprocal-agreements">
    Find out which electrical endorsement agreements and multi-state compacts Minnesota participates in.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Special considerations

Different roles need different things from a Minnesota page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <Tip>
      If your annual gross receipts are under **\$15,000**, you may qualify for the residential licensing exemption — but you must file for it with DLI.
    </Tip>

    * Residential building, remodeling, and roofing require a state license through DLI.
    * Commercial construction is not licensed at the state level — check local municipality requirements.
    * Electrical, plumbing, and elevator work require state licensing regardless of project type.
    * The Contractor Recovery Fund payment (**\$500**-**\$700**) is required at initial application and each biennial renewal.
    * Electrical and plumbing contractors must carry a **\$25,000** bond plus liability insurance.
    * Licensed electricians can supervise no more than two unlicensed individuals at a time.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <Info>
      Minnesota is best understood as a single-agency state (DLI) for residential and trade licensing, with local enforcement of the State Building Code for commercial work.
    </Info>

    * All residential and trade licensing flows through DLI's Construction Codes and Licensing Division.
    * Commercial construction licensing does not exist at the state level — municipalities handle it.
    * Electrical reciprocity exists through endorsement agreements (NE, ND, SD) and a multi-state compact (8 states).
    * The Contractor Recovery Fund is a distinctive feature — it reimburses homeowners up to **\$100,000** per claimant.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Readiness checklist

Four things you need to confirm before you can treat Minnesota as "ready" for a bid or an application. If any of these are unclear, you are not ready yet.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Classify the project lane" icon="tag">
    Determine whether the work is residential, trade-specific (electrical, plumbing, elevator, high pressure piping), or commercial. Commercial work is not licensed at the state level.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check the exemption test" icon="receipt">
    For residential work, confirm whether annual gross receipts exceed `$15,000`. Single-skill specialty contractors (except roofers) and owner-occupants are exempt. Electrical and plumbing contractors need a `$25,000` bond.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Route to DLI" icon="building">
    All state-level licensing goes through the Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Codes and Licensing Division. For commercial work, contact the local municipality.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the requirement set" icon="clipboard-check">
    Confirm exam scores, experience months, CE hours, bond amounts, Recovery Fund payment, and renewal cycle before filing. Biennial renewal is standard for most licenses.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  If you can identify lane, exemption status, regulator, and requirement set, you have the minimum package needed for a Minnesota readiness check.
</Check>

## Navigation

Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.

* [New state evaluation](/docs/workflows/new-state-evaluation) if you are screening Minnesota for the first time.
* [Multi-state bid readiness](/docs/workflows/multi-state-bid-readiness) if you need to compare Minnesota with nearby jurisdictions.
* [Licensing thresholds](/docs/compare/licensing-thresholds) or [prequalification patterns](/docs/compare/prequalification) for cross-state context.

## Construction work regulated

Minnesota's licensing triggers depend on whether the work is residential, trade-specific, or commercial. Residential licensing is tied to an annual gross receipts test, not a per-project dollar threshold.

| Work lane               | What triggers regulation                                                     |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Residential building    | State license required unless annual gross receipts are under **\$15,000**   |
| Residential remodeling  | State license required unless annual gross receipts are under **\$15,000**   |
| Residential roofing     | State license required (roofers are not eligible for single-skill exemption) |
| Electrical work         | All electrical work requires a state-licensed electrician                    |
| Plumbing work           | All plumbing work requires a state-licensed plumber                          |
| Elevator construction   | Requires state elevator constructor license                                  |
| High pressure piping    | Requires state HPP license                                                   |
| Commercial construction | Not licensed at the state level — check local municipality                   |

<Note>
  Persons claiming the \$15,000 annual exemption must file for it with the Department of Labor and Industry. The exemption does not apply to roofers or to property flippers.
</Note>

## Common determination scenarios

If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Residential building or remodeling" icon="house">
    Confirm whether your annual gross receipts exceed **\$15,000**. If they do, you need a state residential contractor or remodeler license through DLI. You must pass a 110-question exam (70% minimum), carry workers' comp and liability insurance (**\$100,000** per occurrence / **\$10,000** property damage), and make a Contractor Recovery Fund payment.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical work on any project" icon="bolt">
    All electrical work in Minnesota must be performed by employees of a licensed electrical contractor or registered employer. Each individual must be a licensed journeyworker, master, or registered unlicensed electrician supervised by a licensed electrician. The contractor needs a **\$25,000** bond and must employ a master electrician.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbing work on any project" icon="tool">
    All plumbing work must be performed by employees of a licensed plumbing contractor or registered employer. Restricted plumbing contractors may operate in municipalities with populations under 5,000. Contractors need a **\$25,000** bond and must employ a master plumber.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Commercial general contracting" icon="building">
    Minnesota does not license commercial general contractors at the state level. Check your local municipality for any licensing, bonding, or registration requirements. Individual trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) still require state licenses regardless of project type.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Out-of-state electrical credential" icon="arrow-left-right">
    Minnesota has electrical endorsement agreements with Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota for both journeyworker and master licenses. A separate multi-state compact covers Class A Journeyworker licenses with 8 additional states. Your qualifying-state license must have been active for at least one year.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Who regulates construction

Minnesota routes all state-level construction licensing through a single agency. Local municipalities enforce the State Building Code independently for commercial work.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="All state-licensed trades — Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Codes and Licensing Division" icon="building">
    443 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155

    **Phone:** (651) 284-5034

    **Email:** [dli.license@state.mn.us](mailto:dli.license@state.mn.us)

    **Website:** [dli.mn.gov](http://www.dli.mn.gov/)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Requirements

Minnesota uses the Department of Labor and Industry for all trade licensing. Exam passing scores, experience requirements, CE hours, and bond amounts vary by trade. Expand the trade that applies to your situation.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Residential Contractors (Builders, Remodelers, Roofers)" icon="house" defaultOpen={true}>
    | Requirement          | Detail                                                                                               |
    | -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam                 | 110-question written exam; minimum score of 70%                                                      |
    | Insurance            | Workers' comp plus liability insurance (**\$100,000** per occurrence, **\$10,000** property damage)  |
    | Continuing education | 14 hours of approved CE prior to biennial renewal                                                    |
    | Renewal cycle        | Biennial                                                                                             |
    | Recovery Fund        | **\$500**-**\$700** payment at initial application and each renewal (based on annual gross receipts) |

    | Fee type                | Amount                        |
    | ----------------------- | ----------------------------- |
    | Exam fee                | **\$50**                      |
    | Initial application fee | **\$120** + Recovery Fund fee |
    | Renewal fee             | **\$125** + Recovery Fund fee |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electricians" icon="bolt">
    | Requirement              | Detail                                                                                                         |
    | ------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam                     | Trade exam; minimum score of 70%                                                                               |
    | Master experience        | 60 months (or electrical engineering degree)                                                                   |
    | Journeyworker experience | 48 months (36 months with degree in electrical construction)                                                   |
    | Continuing education     | 16 hours per two-year cycle for licensed electricians; 2 hours annually for registered unlicensed electricians |
    | Renewal cycle            | Biennial for licensed; annual for registered unlicensed                                                        |
    | Bond                     | **\$25,000** (contractor)                                                                                      |
    | Insurance                | Liability insurance required for contractors                                                                   |
    | Supervision ratio        | Licensed electrician may supervise no more than 2 unlicensed individuals                                       |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbing" icon="tool">
    | Requirement              | Detail                                                                                                 |
    | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
    | Exam                     | Trade exam; minimum score of 70%                                                                       |
    | Master experience        | 60 months                                                                                              |
    | Journeyworker experience | 48 months                                                                                              |
    | Continuing education     | 16 hours per two-year cycle for licensed plumbers; 2 hours annually for registered unlicensed plumbers |
    | Renewal cycle            | Biennial for licensed; annual for registered unlicensed                                                |
    | Bond                     | **\$25,000** (contractor and restricted contractor)                                                    |
    | Insurance                | Liability insurance required for contractors                                                           |
    | Restricted contractor    | May operate in municipalities with population under 5,000                                              |
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Reciprocal agreements

Minnesota's reciprocity applies only to electrical licenses. There are two separate agreements: endorsement agreements with neighboring states for journeyworker and master licenses, and a multi-state compact for Class A Journeyworker licenses.

<Info>
  Reciprocity in Minnesota is electrical-only. No residential, plumbing, or other trade reciprocity exists at the state level.
</Info>

| Agreement type                                      | Reciprocal states                                                     | Coverage                              |
| --------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Electrical endorsement (Journeyworker and Master)   | Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota                                  | <Badge color="green">3 states</Badge> |
| Multi-State Reciprocal (Class A Journeyworker only) | Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington, Wyoming | <Badge color="green">8 states</Badge> |

<Accordion title="Multi-state compact eligibility requirements" icon="arrow-left-right">
  * Applicant must hold an active license in the state where they initially passed their exam (qualifying state).
  * The qualifying-state license must have been in effect for at least one year.
  * The compact applies only to the Class A Journeyworker license — master electrician licenses are not covered by the multi-state agreement.
</Accordion>

## Types of licenses

Minnesota offers both business licenses and individual licenses. Business licenses authorize a company to perform work; individual licenses credential the person doing or supervising the work.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Business Licenses" icon="building">
    * Residential Building Contractor
    * Residential Remodeler
    * Residential Roofer
    * Electrical Contractor
    * Elevator Contractor
    * Technology System Contractor (low voltage and communications)
    * Satellite System Contractor
    * Plumbing Contractor
    * Restricted Plumbing Contractor
    * Water Conditioning Contractor
    * High Pressure Piping Contractor
    * Manufactured Home Installer
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical Individual" icon="bolt">
    * Master Electrician
    * Journeyworker Electrician
    * Maintenance Electrician
    * Lineman
    * Installer A
    * Installer B
    * Power Limited Technician (low voltage and communications)
    * Satellite System Installer
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Elevator Individual" icon="building-warehouse">
    * Master Elevator Constructor
    * Limited Master Elevator Constructor
    * Journeyworker Elevator Constructor
    * Limited Journeyworker Elevator Constructor
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbing Individual" icon="tool">
    * Master Plumber
    * Restricted Master Plumber
    * Journeyworker Plumber
    * Restricted Journeyworker Plumber
    * Water Conditioning Master
    * Water Conditioning Journeyworker
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Boiler and HPP Individual" icon="flame">
    * HPP Journeyworker Pipefitter
    * HPP Contracting Pipefitter
    * Special Engineer
    * Historical Boiler
    * 2nd Class C / B / A
    * 1st Class P / C / B / A
    * Chief C / B / A
    * Boiler Inspector Certification
    * Comp. Boat Master
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Other" icon="building">
    * Mechanical Contractor (gas, heating, ventilation, cooling, A/C, fuel burning, refrigeration)
    * Pipelaying
    * Sign Contractor
    * Building Official
    * Limited Building Official
    * Accessibility Specialist
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## See also

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Midwest region guide" icon="map" href="/docs/jurisdictions/regions/midwest">
    Browse all Midwest jurisdictions for comparison.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contractors guide" icon="hard-hat" href="/docs/personas/contractor">
    Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Regulators guide" icon="shield-check" href="/docs/personas/regulatory-staff">
    Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

**Neighboring jurisdictions with reciprocity ties:**

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="North Dakota" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/north-dakota">
    Electrical endorsement agreement for journeyworker and master licenses.
  </Card>

  <Card title="South Dakota" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/south-dakota">
    Electrical endorsement agreement for journeyworker and master licenses.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Nebraska" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/nebraska">
    Electrical endorsement agreement for journeyworker and master licenses.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>