Personal Trainer 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)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Minnesota Secretary of State Business Registration

   All formal business entities (LLC, corporation) operating in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Minnesota does not require a state license specifically for personal trainers, but business entity registration is required for LLCs. Filing costs approximately $155.

   Official government source

   $155 (LLC filing fee)·Immediate (online or in-person); 4-7 business days if filed by mail

   $155 (LLC filing fee)

   Immediate (online or in-person); 4-7 business days if filed by mail

2. Minnesota Department of Revenue Sales Tax License

   Standalone personal training services are generally not subject to Minnesota sales tax -- personal training itself is not on the state's enumerated list of taxable services. However, if personal training is sold bundled with a health club or athletic facility membership, that membership fee is taxable. Confirm structuring with the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

   Official government source

   Free·1 week

   Free

   1 week

1. No Minneapolis Business License Required for Personal Trainers

   Minneapolis does not issue a general business license. The city licenses only the specific categories in its business-license directory and License Fee Schedule (alcohol and tobacco, food, body art/massage/tanning, lodging, animal, contractors and trades, vehicles-for-hire, entertainment, cannabis). Personal training and fitness instruction are not licensed categories, so no city business license is required.

   Official government source

   $0 — no Minneapolis license category applies to personal trainers·Not applicable — no city application is filed

   $0 — no Minneapolis license category applies to personal trainers

   Not applicable — no city application is filed

2. Certificate of Occupancy (if opening a studio)

   If you are opening a dedicated personal training studio in Minneapolis, a Certificate of Occupancy from Community Planning & Economic Development (Construction Code Services) is required if the space's use or occupancy classification is changing. This ensures the space meets zoning requirements, building codes, and occupancy standards for a fitness facility.

   Official government source

   No separate Certificate of Occupancy fee is published; the CoO inspection is part of the building permit process, and Minneapolis building permit fees are based on the valuation of the job (labor and materials)·Issued after all on-site construction inspections and a final CoO inspection pass; you request the final CoO inspection when the space is ready to be occupied

   No separate Certificate of Occupancy fee is published; the CoO inspection is part of the building permit process, and Minneapolis building permit fees are based on the valuation of the job (labor and materials)

   Issued after all on-site construction inspections and a final CoO inspection pass; you request the final CoO inspection when the space is ready to be occupied

Official Sources

• City of Minneapolis — Business Licenses
• Minnesota Secretary of State — Business Filing
• Minnesota Department of Revenue — Sales Tax

Related Guides