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General Contractor License in Minnesota

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your General Contractor license in MN. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$450

Processing Time

6-8 Weeks

Exam Required

Contractor Business & Law Exam

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your General Contractor license in Minnesota.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved General Contractor training program in Minnesota.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 6 required documents for your MN application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the Contractor Business & Law Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Minnesota licensing board and pay the $450 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 6-8 weeks in MN. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

To obtain your General Contractor license in Minnesota, you must first complete the state-mandated pre-licensing education requirements. Minnesota requires all applicants to pass the Contractor Business & Law Exam before submitting their application to the state licensing board. The application process in MN is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail and documentation.

Requirements

Before applying for a General Contractor license in Minnesota, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria. MN requires candidates to have completed the necessary educational coursework and accumulated the required training hours. All applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. Successfully passing the Contractor Business & Law Exam is a non-negotiable requirement in Minnesota.

Fees & Costs

The cost of becoming a licensed General Contractor in Minnesota starts at $450 for the application fee. MN requires this fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Factor in additional expenses such as exam fees, background check costs, and any required continuing education. Late renewal penalties in Minnesota can add up to $150 to your costs.

License Fee Calculator — General Contractor in Minnesota

Base License Fee$450
Estimated Total$450

Renewal Process

Your General Contractor license in Minnesota must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal fee in MN is $300. Minnesota requires completion of continuing education credits before renewal. Submit your renewal application at least 30 days before expiration to avoid late fees. Practicing with an expired license in MN can result in fines and disciplinary action.

License Expiry Calculator — General Contractor in MN

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Minnesota requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

The demand for licensed General Contractor professionals in Minnesota continues to grow. MN offers a supportive regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with professional opportunity. The licensing board in Minnesota provides online tools and resources to help applicants navigate the process efficiently. Many General Contractor professionals in MN report high job satisfaction and competitive compensation.

Document Checklist — General Contractor

0 of 6 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Minnesota General Contractor License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) PartialAK requires additional exam or paperwork for MN license holders.
Alabama (AL) PartialAL requires additional exam or paperwork for MN license holders.
Arizona (AZ) NoneAZ does not recognize MN General Contractor license. Full re-application required.
Arkansas (AR) NoneAR does not recognize MN General Contractor license. Full re-application required.
Colorado (CO) FullCO accepts MN General Contractor license via reciprocity agreement.
Delaware (DE) PartialDE requires additional exam or paperwork for MN license holders.
California (CA) NoneCA does not recognize MN General Contractor license. Full re-application required.
Florida (FL) FullFL accepts MN General Contractor license via reciprocity agreement.

Where to File Locally in Minnesota

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

St. Paul

85 7th Place E, St. Paul, MN 55101

(651) 539-1500

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Minneapolis

350 S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415

(612) 673-3000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Rochester

201 4th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904

(507) 328-2000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Duluth

411 W 1st St, Duluth, MN 55802

(218) 730-5000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Bloomington

1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55431

(952) 563-8700

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Official Minnesota Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Minnesota state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.