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Minnesota licensing

Do I need a contractor license in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota requires a contractor license issued by Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

State Laws

Minnesota licensing laws

9 verticals covered for Minnesota

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Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified August 3, 2026

This guide covers 9 regulated activities in Minnesota: Minnesota Contractor License Bond Requirements, Minnesota Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements, Minnesota Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements, Minnesota Notary Bond Requirements, Minnesota Subdivision Bond Requirements, Minnesota Charitable Solicitation Registration, Minnesota Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements, Minnesota Debt Collection Laws & Regulations, and Minnesota Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing. For each one, the summary below names the state agency in charge. It shows whether a license or registration is required. It also shows whether Minnesota calls for a surety bond before you can operate.

Oversight in Minnesota runs through Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, Minnesota Secretary of State, Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in Minnesota, and Minnesota Attorney General, Charities Division. 7 of the 9 need a surety bond before you can operate. The bond protects the state and your customers if you break the rules tied to your license.

States change their statutes and fee schedules often. Treat the details below as a starting point. Confirm the current rule with the regulator before you file. When you are ready, Cornerstone Licensing can prepare and submit the Minnesota filings for you. We track every renewal date and keep your license in good standing year after year.

contractor license

Minnesota Contractor License Bond Requirements

The contractor license bond Minnesota requires as a condition of holding a contractor license or registration: the required amount, the statute behind it, and how the bond is filed with Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

Application process

The bond is filed with Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) as part of the contractor license or registration application (or renewal). The surety issues the bond on the state's required form naming the state as obligee; most contractors qualify on the owners' personal credit and the bond is often issued the same day. Note this is the license bond only, project bid, performance, and payment bonds are separate obligations posted per job.

Renewals

The bond must stay continuously in force for the license to remain active. Sureties renew the bond on its own term and file continuation certificates; a lapse or cancellation is reported to Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) and can suspend the license.

Local jurisdictions in Minnesota may layer their own permit or license bond requirements on top of the statewide bond. Confirm the current required amount with Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) before filing.

Key statutes

  • Trade-specific contractor bonds (Minn. Stat. § 326B.701) . Minnesota's construction codes chapter requires surety bonds for specific trades and registration categories rather than a single blanket license bond; amounts vary by trade.

credit services

Minnesota Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements

Minnesota requires a $10,000 credit services organization bond under Minn. Stat. §§ 332.52–332.60, filed with the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Application process

Apply for or renew your credit services organization registration with the Minnesota Department of Commerce and file a $10,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the credit services organization registration term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Key statutes

  • Minnesota credit services organization statutes (Minn. Stat. §§ 332.52–332.60) . Statutory basis for the Minnesota credit services organization bond requirement.

auto dealer

Minnesota Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements

Minnesota requires a $50,000 motor vehicle dealer bond under Minn. Stat. § 168.27, filed with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services.

Application process

Apply for or renew your motor vehicle dealer license with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services and file a $50,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the motor vehicle dealer license term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Key statutes

  • Minnesota dealer licensing statute (Minn. Stat. § 168.27) . Statutory basis for the Minnesota motor vehicle dealer bond requirement.

notary

Minnesota Notary Bond Requirements

Minnesota does not require a surety bond to hold a notary public commission. Requirements can change; confirm with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Application process

No notary bond filing applies in Minnesota. Complete the standard notary public commission process with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Renewals

No bond means no bond renewal cycle in Minnesota. Keep the underlying notary public commission current with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Key statutes

  • Minnesota notary statutes (Minn. Stat. ch. 359) . Governing law confirming Minnesota does not condition the notary public commission on a surety bond.

subdivision

Minnesota Subdivision Bond Requirements

How subdivision (site improvement / plat) bonds work in Minnesota: the enabling statute local governments rely on, how the bond amount is sized from the engineer's estimate, and what developers post to get a plat approved.

Application process

The bond is posted with the city or county that approves the plat, not a state agency. The local government (the obligee) sizes the security from the project engineer's estimate of the improvements still to be built (streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, water and sewer), and the developer files the executed bond with the development or subdivision improvement agreement. Many Minnesota jurisdictions reduce the required amount as phases are inspected and accepted.

Renewals

The bond stays in force until the local government inspects and accepts the improvements and releases the security; it is not renewed on a fixed license cycle.

Amounts are set locally under Minn. Stat. § 462.358, so two projects in different Minnesota jurisdictions can face different security terms for the same scope of work. Confirm the exact security form and amount with the approving city or county before ordering the bond.

Key statutes

  • Municipal subdivision regulation, performance security (Minn. Stat. § 462.358) . Lets municipalities condition subdivision approval on a bond, letter of credit, or other security guaranteeing completion of the required improvements.

charitable registration

Minnesota Charitable Solicitation Registration

A guide to charitable solicitation registration in Minnesota: who must register with the Minnesota Attorney General, Charities Division before asking Minnesota residents for donations, common exemptions, renewal timing, and the professional fundraiser and charitable gaming rules that run alongside it.

Application process

Charitable organizations register with the Minnesota Attorney General, Charities Division before soliciting contributions in Minnesota, whether the ask happens in person, by mail, by phone, or online to Minnesota residents. A typical filing includes the state registration form (or the multistate Unified Registration Statement where accepted), the IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation and bylaws, a list of officers and directors, the most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statements, and disclosure of any professional fundraiser contracts.

Common exemptions cover religious organizations, educational institutions, and small organizations under a revenue threshold, but exemption is rarely automatic; many states require an exemption filing. Registration fees are typically tiered to annual contributions; confirm the current schedule with the Minnesota Attorney General, Charities Division.

Renewals

Charitable registrations in Minnesota renew annually, generally keyed to the organization's fiscal year end, with updated financial reporting (IRS Form 990 or audited financials above the statutory revenue threshold) and the renewal fee. Late renewals can incur penalties and suspend the organization's authority to solicit.

Professional fundraisers, professional solicitors, and fundraising counsel must register separately in Minnesota before working with charities, and paid solicitors typically post a surety bond. Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo, casino nights) is licensed separately where Minnesota permits it. Nonprofits registering in multiple states also need a registered agent in each state where they are incorporated or qualified to do business.

Key statutes

  • Minnesota charitable solicitation law (MN charitable solicitation statute) . Requires charitable organizations to register with Minnesota Attorney General, Charities Division before soliciting contributions in Minnesota, subject to statutory exemptions.

mortgage

Minnesota Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements

Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Minnesota. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Minnesota.

Application process

Mortgage companies generally apply through the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) for Minnesota mortgage licensing. Requirements include a completed MU1 form, surety bond, audited financial statements, business plan, background checks (FBI criminal and credit) for all control persons, and net worth requirements. Individual MLOs are generally required to complete pre-licensing education (20 hours minimum including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, plus Minnesota-specific hours), pass the SAFE MLO test, and submit an MU4 form through NMLS.

Renewals

Mortgage licenses in Minnesota are renewed annually through NMLS. Company renewals require updated financial statements, bond confirmation, and payment of renewal fees. MLOs are generally required to complete continuing education (8 hours minimum annually, including Minnesota-specific requirements) and pay renewal fees through NMLS. The renewal period typically runs November 1 through December 31.

All mortgage companies and MLOs operating in Minnesota are generally required to be registered through NMLS. Minnesota participates in the CSBS multi-state licensing process. Additional requirements may include maintaining a physical office, appointing a qualified individual, and filings with both state and federal regulations including TILA, RESPA, and the Dodd-Frank Act.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • SAFE Act (12 U.S.C. § 5101) . Federal framework for MLO licensing through NMLS

debt collection

Minnesota Debt Collection Laws & Regulations

Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Minnesota. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Minnesota.

Application process

To obtain a debt collection license in Minnesota, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, provide a surety bond of $20,000, pass background checks for all control persons, and meet net worth or financial requirements. The application review typically takes 30-90 days.

Renewals

Debt collection licenses in Minnesota generally require annual renewal. Renewal generally involves submission of a renewal application, payment of renewal fees, updated surety bond confirmation, and any required annual reports. Late renewals may incur additional penalties.

Third-party debt collectors operating in Minnesota are also generally expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Minnesota may impose additional requirements beyond federal standards, including restrictions on communication methods, required disclosures, and limitations on fees that may be collected.

Key statutes

  • Minnesota Collection Agency Act (Minn. Stat. § 332.31) . Licensing for collection agencies

money transmitter

Minnesota Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing

Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Minnesota. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Minnesota.

Minnesota money transmitter requirements at a glance

Minnesota money transmitter licensing requirements
Surety bond $25,000
Minimum net worth $100,000
Renewal cadence Annual
FinCEN MSB registration Required

Application process

To obtain a money transmitter license in Minnesota, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, provide a surety bond of $25,000-$500,000, demonstrate minimum net worth of $100,000, provide audited financial statements, implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program, and pass background checks for all control persons. Many states now accept applications through NMLS. The application process typically takes 3-12 months depending on the state and complexity of the applicant's business model.

Renewals

Money transmitter licenses in Minnesota generally require annual renewal. Renewal typically requires submission of audited financial statements, updated surety bond, quarterly or annual transaction reports, BSA/AML filing documentation, and payment of renewal fees. Some states require call report filings on a quarterly basis throughout the year.

Money transmitters operating in Minnesota are also generally expected to register with FinCEN as a money services business (MSB) and implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program. This includes appointing a filings officer, developing written policies and procedures, conducting employee training, filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Minnesota may have specific requirements for cryptocurrency and virtual currency businesses.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5311) . Federal BSA/AML requirements for money services businesses

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State Laws

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Licenses in Minnesota

Minnesota licenses by industry

Every regulated vertical we track in Minnesota, with the full law summary and the direct application path for each license type.

charitable registration licensing

Regulated by Minnesota Attorney General, Charities Division

mortgage licensing

Regulated by Minnesota Department of Commerce

debt collection licensing

Regulated by Minnesota Department of Commerce

money transmitter licensing

Regulated by Minnesota Department of Commerce

Bonds and insurance in Minnesota

Where Minnesota conditions a license on a posted surety bond, these pages carry the statutory bond amount and filing steps.

Minnesota regulator contacts

The state agencies that issue and oversee the licenses above.

Planning tools and data

Scope a Minnesota expansion before you file.

Registered agent coverage in Minnesota

Every registered entity in Minnesota needs an agent of record. Requirements, live pricing, and same-day ordering.

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Regulatory Watch

Stay Ahead of the Rules

Recent rule changes, deadline announcements, and state agency updates we are tracking for you.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS MTMA Adoption Tracker Updated, 31 States Enacted in Full or Part

    CSBS updated its Money Transmission Modernization Act tracker in August 2026 and reported that 31 states had enacted the law in full or in part. The update is not a single state rule, but it is a meaningful cross-state licensing development for money transmitters.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS Comment Letter on Federal Reserve Payment System Risk and Account Access Proposal

    On July 24, 2026, CSBS posted a comment letter on proposed revisions to the Federal Reserve Policy on Payment System Risk and the guidelines for account and services requests. This is a policy advocacy item rather than a binding regulatory change.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Remote Work Status Details Due for 2027 Renewal Readiness

    NMLS directed companies to complete MLO remote work status details by August 31, 2026 to prepare for the 2027 renewal cycle. This was an active operational requirement during the review period.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS 2026 Disclosure Question Updates Require Completion Before 2027 Renewal Activity

    NMLS implemented revised MU4 and MU2 disclosure questions earlier in 2026, and the system urged affected users to complete updates by August 31, 2026. The change remained active during the July 21 to August 4 period and could affect filing workflows.

  • Watch CSBS / NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Modernization Phase Three Scheduled for August 2026

    CSBS indicated that NMLS Modernization Phase Three is scheduled for August 2026. The planned changes include state agency task management for the individual licensing process and improved two-way communication for review items.