Minnesota Contractor Renewal FAQs
Published on August 14, 2024 by Nate Bortz
Maintaining residential building contractor and remodeler business licenses in Minnesota is a straightforward process if you follow the steps carefully.
This article reviews frequently asked questions that cover the requirements and steps for renewal. It also briefly explains continuing education (CE) requirements and offers state-approved course suggestions.
How to Renew: Explained in Brief
The contractor licensing renewal process involves only a few steps but completing them can require extensive preparation and work. This article covers the absolute basics. Click here for more detailed instructions that walk you through the entire process.
To renew your license, you must do the following:
- Ensure the designated qualifying person (QP), which can be either yourself or someone else, is actively registered to complete the required CE.
- Check the status of your Secretary of State filing and your corporate insurance policies.
- Complete the online license application.
- Pay the renewal fee.
License holders must complete 14 hours of CE and one hour of energy code within their two-year licensing cycle. To meet state requirements, licensees can break their continuing education into two 7-hour segments over their two-year cycle or take all 14 hours in the same year. Many residential builder and remodeler licenses expire on March 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to renew?
Residential building contractors and remodeler business licenses must be renewed every two years by March 31. Some expire in odd-numbered years, and others in even-numbered years.
You can get started 60 days prior to the expiration date. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) suggests submitting renewals as early as possible to avoid delays.
How much does it cost?
Renewal fees vary depending on the income of your employer. Businesses with gross annual receipt amounts less than one million dollars pay a different fee than those that make over five million.
Visit this page and look under the Renewal fee header to view the latest numbers.
What CE is required to renew my certification?
All qualifying builders, remodelers, and roofers must complete DLI-approved CE courses that cover the following:
- One hour of Energy Code
- One hour of Business Management
- 12 hours of Non-Code related topics
Where can I find classes to renew my Minnesota builders or remodelers license?
QPs can take any DLI-approved CE courses to fulfill the CE requirements.
We offer several DLI-approved courses and a complete course package that are online and accessible from any device.
The online course material allows students to work around their schedules and.
Can I take the same course more than once?
No. DLI does not allow licensees to take the same CE courses twice in the same two-year cycle.
If you have used our courses in the past, check your records or contact us to determine which courses you’ve taken.
Can I complete all my courses at once?
No. All CE may not be completed on the same date.
How long do I have access to the courses?
After purchase, you have six months of unlimited, 24/7 access to complete the courses. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (additional fees may apply).
Do I need to create an iMS account?
No. Users can renew using DLI’s license management system, iMS, without creating an account. To do so, select Continue as Guest on the login screen and click Renew a License or Registration.
Who submits my Minnesota builder or remodeler continuing education?
When you purchase CE from us, we submit student education to the state of Minnesota the day after completion. Students can download their certificates at the end of their course. We also suggest students keep a copy for their records.
What happens if my license expires?
There is no grace period for expired licenses. The DLI says municipalities cannot issue building permits to contractors whose license renewals have not been processed and approved.