General Contractor / Minnesota
2026 data Minnesota board official source

Minnesota General Contractor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Oversees construction projects. Requirements vary significantly by state.

What the Minnesota data shows for General Contractors

To practice as a general contractor in Minnesota, the state licensing board requires board-approved training, a passing score on State Contractor License Exam, and 4 years of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Minnesota's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Experience plus Exam".

Upfront cost is $155, with renewal running $100 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 4 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 14 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Usually not reciprocal — state-by-state basis.

Licensing Requirements in Minnesota

Education / Training Hours
Experience plus Exam
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Contractor License Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$224
Renewal Fee
$189
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
4 years

Cost & Timeline

Initial License Fee
Application + first-year license
$155
Renewal Fee
Every 2 years
$100
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
14 hrs
Compare fees across all states for General Contractor →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for General Contractor All Minnesota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Minnesota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for General Contractor in Minnesota? ▼
Minnesota's requirements cover, the State Contractor License Exam exam, and an initial fee of $224. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a General Contractor in Minnesota? ▼
Certification as a general contractor in Minnesota means clearing the state's checklist plus 4 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Minnesota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Minnesota from another state? ▼
General Contractor licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Usually not reciprocal — state-by-state basis. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Minnesota licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Minnesota require a background check for General Contractor licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the general contractor licensing process in Minnesota. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
How much does it cost to get a General Contractor license in Minnesota? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Minnesota is $155. The renewal fee is $100 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does General Contractor license processing take in Minnesota? ▼
In Minnesota, license processing for general contractors typically takes approximately 4 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.