Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Minnesota Residential Building Contractor or Remodeler License (for projects over $15,000 or structural work)

   Minnesota requires a state Residential Remodeler or Building Contractor License from the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) for contractors whose gross receipts from residential work exceed $15,000 per year, or who perform structural work. Handymen doing small jobs under the $15,000 annual threshold may be exempt via a Certificate of Exemption. Specialty contractors limited to one trade are generally exempt, except residential roofers, who must be licensed regardless.

   Official government source

   $180 base license fee plus a Contractor Recovery Fund fee of $320 (gross annual receipts under $1 million), $420 ($1-5 million), or $520 (over $5 million)·4–8 weeks

   $180 base license fee plus a Contractor Recovery Fund fee of $320 (gross annual receipts under $1 million), $420 ($1-5 million), or $520 (over $5 million)

   4–8 weeks

1. Minneapolis Contractor/Trade License (if performing licensed trade work)

   Minneapolis has no general business license for handymen. A handyman who contracts residential work on buildings with four or fewer living units needs the city's Residential Specialty Contractor license, which covers one of excavation, masonry, carpentry, interior finishing, exterior finishing, drywall and plaster, or general installation. Holding a State of Minnesota Residential Building Contractor license removes the need for the city license, and roofers need the state license rather than a Minneapolis one. Plumbing, mechanical and other trades have their own city licenses. Purely general handyman tasks outside these trades need no city license.

   Official government source

   Residential Specialty Contractor license $215 per year, and the application must be accompanied by a $10,000 surety bond. Other Minneapolis trade licenses in the 2026 fee schedule include Plumber $299, Steam and Hot Water Installer $299, Sign Hanger $200, Duct Cleaner $299 and Window Cleaning $299.·Annual license; the application and bond go to Business Licenses & Consumer Services

   Residential Specialty Contractor license $215 per year, and the application must be accompanied by a $10,000 surety bond. Other Minneapolis trade licenses in the 2026 fee schedule include Plumber $299, Steam and Hot Water Installer $299, Sign Hanger $200, Duct Cleaner $299 and Window Cleaning $299.

   Annual license; the application and bond go to Business Licenses & Consumer Services

Official Sources

• Minnesota DLI — Residential Contractor Licensing
• Minnesota DLI — Contractor and Remodeler License
• City of Minneapolis — Licenses and Permits

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