How to Renew a Contractor License in MN

Published on July 9, 2024 by Nate Bortz

Minnesota Contractor Continuing Education

Keeping up with Minnesota’s residential contractor license renewal requirements can save you time and money. To help you avoid a lapse in licensure, we created this article that outlines the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s renewal application process.

Contractor Licensing Renewal Requirements

Residential building contractor licenses are on a two-year cycle ending on March 31, with some expiring in odd-numbered years and others in even-numbered years.

All licensees have a qualifying person* (QP) who has a separate Q registration number. Residential building contractors cannot renew their license unless the QP has an active Q registration, which can also expire.

*A designated qualifying person is someone registered with the state who is responsible for completing continuing education on behalf of the company.

Continuing Education Requirements

Licensed residential builders (QB), remodelers (QC), and roofers (QR) who are QPs must take 14 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to renew their license.

The 14-hour total must include:

One hour of energy code

One hour of business management

12 hours of non-code-related topics that cover federal and state laws, rules, and regulations

Fortunately, if you’re a QP, you don’t need to spend 14 hours in a classroom to finish your CE. Our complete renewal package is completely online and fulfills all your CE requirements! It includes a seven-hour Exploring the MN Residential Building Code course, a seven-hour Construction Health and Safety Compliance course, and a free Social Media Marketing for Construction Trades course.

View our online CE course catalog here to find what works best for you.

Complete the License Application

Contractors can renew online using the iMS license management system 60 days before the expiration date. To get started, log in with your account information or continue as a guest.

If you don’t have an account, you can find your records by entering your complete license number in the iMS quick search bar. Or, if you don’t know your number, click the Renew a License button and search by other means like your name or company name.

If you’d rather renew through the mail, you can fill out then print the full application from here. But keep in mind that online renewals can be processed about one week sooner than those submitted by mail.

Include the Required Documents

Your renewal application needs to include copies of multiple documents required by the Department of Labor and Industry.

MN Secretary of State (SOS) Business Registration Verification

Include a screenshot of the active SOS Business Record Detail screen with your license renewal forms. Visit the SOS portal to find your business.

Disclosure of Business Owners, Partners, Officers and Members Form

Disclose all owners, partners, shareholders, and members who own more than 10 percent of the business. Key officers responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business must be also disclosed.

Certificate of Insurance (Liability)

Have your business’s insurance agent complete this certification form* to prove that your company has the required commercial general liability insurance.

Workers’ Compensation Certificate of Compliance

Complete this Certificate of Compliance Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Law form* to prove that you or your company is compliant with the state workers’ compensation insurance coverage law.

*Make sure the business name on these forms matches the business name you filed with the SOS.

Qualifying Person Designation Form

Completing this form proves that you are a QP and have completed the CE requirements to renew.

If you cannot upload any of these forms during the renewal process, email them directly to dli.license@state.mn.us.

Pay the Renewal Fee

The license renewal fees are different based on your business revenue. If you mail in your renewal packet, you can pay your fee with a check or money order, or you can use an electronic payment method if you renew online.

As of 2024, the current fees are:

$505 for businesses with gross annual receipts of less than $1 million

$605 for businesses with gross annual receipts between $1 and $5 million

$705 for businesses with gross annual receipts of more than $5 million

You can find the up-to-date fees here. Submit renewals as early as possible — ideally by March 1 — to avoid delays and a possible lapse in licensure. You’ll be charged a $90 late fee if your renewal is not received by the license expiration date.

Ready to start your renewal? Complete your required CE online! Or view our licensing FAQ page if you need more information.