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Handyman License Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Minnesota rules checked November 2, 2026 · Minneapolis local rules checked November 2, 2026

Minneapolis has no general business license for handymen, but requires a Residential Specialty Contractor License from CPED Business Licenses & Consumer Services for owner/operator contractors doing carpentry, interior/exterior finishing, drywall/plaster, masonry, excavation or general installation on 1-4 unit residences in the city, unless they hold a State of Minnesota Residential Building license.

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Minneapolis requirements

Minneapolis has no general business license for handymen, but requires a Residential Specialty Contractor License from CPED Business Licenses & Consumer Services for owner/operator contractors doing carpentry, interior/exterior finishing, drywall/plaster, masonry, excavation or general installation on 1-4 unit residences in the city, unless they hold a State of Minnesota Residential Building license.

Source link: minneapolismn.gov · minneapolismn.gov · checked November 2, 2026

Local business license

None found on official sources

  • Name: No general city business license found; Minneapolis licenses specific business/trade categories via CPED Business Licenses & Consumer Services
  • Office: City of Minneapolis CPED - Business Licenses & Consumer Services, Public Service Building, 505 Fourth Ave S, Room 220
"You can apply for trade, contractor and skilled industry licenses."

Source: minneapolismn.gov · checked November 2, 2026

Local contractor or handyman license

Required

  • Name: Minneapolis Residential Specialty Contractor License (excavation, masonry, carpentry, interior finishing, exterior finishing, drywall and plaster, general installation); separate city licenses for HVAC, oil burner, refrigeration, plumbing etc.
  • Trigger: Owner/operator contracting work on buildings with 4 or fewer units in Minneapolis; NOT needed if holding a State of Minnesota Residential Building license; roofers need state license instead
"You need a license from the City to do certain residential contractor work... If you have a State of Minnesota Residential Building license, you do not need a Minneapolis Residential specialty contractor license."

Source: minneapolismn.gov · checked November 2, 2026

County: Hennepin County, MN

The Minnesota rule

Regulator: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Construction Codes and Licensing Division (residential contractor licensing; also electrical and plumbing licensing). Subcontractors/commercial contractors register through DLI's Construction Contractor Registration Program.

$15,000 a year
Minnesota earnings figure

Minn. Stat. 326B.805 subd. 6(5): license not required for 'a person whose total gross annual receipts for performing specialty skills for which licensure would be required under this section do not exceed $15,000' (statute = at or below $15,000; DLI webpage says 'less than $15,000'). Must obtain a Certificate of Exemption from DLI by affidavit; if receipts exceed $15,000 in any calendar year, must immediately surrender the certificate and apply for a license. Separate exemption: specialty contractors providing only one special skill (except roofing).

What counts toward it: other: total gross ANNUAL receipts from residential contracting/remodeling (not per job), not reduced by cost of goods, expenses or losses (i.e., labor + materials, annual).

"(5) a person whose total gross annual receipts for performing specialty skills for which licensure would be required under this section do not exceed $15,000;"

Source: revisor.mn.gov · dli.mn.gov · checked November 2, 2026

State registration

Full license: base fee $180 plus Contractor Recovery Fund fee ($320 if gross annual receipts under $1M; $420 for $1-5M; $520 over $5M). Qualifying person must pass exam; 14 hours CE per 2-year renewal. Subcontractors not contracting with owners must register via Construction Contractor Registration Program.

Source: dli.mn.gov · checked November 2, 2026

Insurance and bond

Licensees: public liability insurance minimum $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate, and $25,000 property damage; plus proof of workers' compensation compliance. Contractor Recovery Fund fee instead.

Source: dli.mn.gov · checked November 2, 2026

Forming an LLC in Minnesota

State filing fee: $135.

Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked November 2, 2026

What to do, in order

  1. Read the Minnesota rule and confirm with Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Construction Codes and Licensing Division (residential contractor licensing; also electrical and plumbing licensing). Subcontractors/commercial contractors register through DLI's Construction Contractor Registration Program..
  2. Line up the Minneapolis items listed on this page.
  3. Get your insurance and rate in place before the first paid job.

Nearby places

Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice.