Electrician License Requirements in Minnesota
| Licensing Authority | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Board of Electricity (DLI) |
| License Type | Journeyworker / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | Journeyworker: 8,000 hours of practical electrical experience under a licensed electrician. Master: must hold journeyworker license plus additional supervisory experience. Unlicensed individuals must register and work under supervision. |
| Education Substitute | Technical school or college electrical programs may count toward experience hours at the Board's discretion. A DLI-approved apprenticeship program is the most common pathway. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyworker Electrician Exam + Master Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $25,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 16 hours every 2 years (at least 12 hours NEC-related) |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $14 |
| Exam Fee | $50 |
| Est. Initial Total | $64 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Journeyworker initial application | $14 |
| Journeyworker renewal | $53 |
| Master Electrician renewal | $93 |
| Unlicensed registration | $19 |
| Unlicensed renewal (annual) | $19 |
| Exam fee | $50 |
| Late renewal penalty (journeyworker) | $20 |
| Late renewal penalty (master) | $40 |
Renewal: $53 every 2 years (journeyworker); odd-year February (master)
Exam Requirements
Journeyworker Electrician Exam
Master Electrician Exam
Exam provider: DLI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredElectrician Exam Secrets Study GuideFull review of the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, and safety practices for the journeyman and master electrician exams — concept breakdowns and practice questions built for a first-try pass.See the study guide →Set up the business before you apply in Minnesota
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Minnesota. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Unlicensed Electrician (Registered)
Entry level — must register with DLI, work under supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyworker Electrician
8,000 hours of practical experience under a licensed electrician
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
Journeyworker license plus additional supervisory experience
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 7 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- Minnesota has some of the lowest licensing fees in the nation
- Exams are 5.5 hours long — among the longest in any state
- 16 CE hours required, at least 12 must relate to the NEC
- Unlicensed individuals must complete 2 hours CE annually
- Electrical contractor license requires a master electrician on staff
You're licensed in Minnesota as an electrician — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Board of Electricity issues the Journeyworker / Master Electrician; the business that invoices Minnesota customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
Minnesota requires a $25,000 surety bond. Electrical contractors must file a $25,000 surety bond with DLI. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Minnesota requires general liability insurance for this license. Electrical contractors must maintain general liability insurance and workers comp. Proof of insurance required for contractor licensing. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck electrician businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years (journeyworker); odd-year February (master) at $53. Continuing education: 16 hours every 2 years (at least 12 hours NEC-related)
Other licenses in Minnesota
- General Contractor license in Minnesota
Statewide license required · $200 in initial government fees · DLI
- Plumber license in Minnesota
Statewide license required · $126 in initial government fees · DLI
- HVAC Technician license in Minnesota
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Roofing Contractor license in Minnesota
Statewide license required · $180 in initial government fees · DLI
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota requires a statewide electrician license through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Board of Electricity.
How much does an electrician license cost in Minnesota?
The estimated initial cost is $64, including application, exam, and license fees. A $25,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Minnesota?
Journeyworker: 8,000 hours of practical electrical experience under a licensed electrician. Master: must hold journeyworker license plus additional supervisory experience. Unlicensed individuals must register and work under supervision. Education substitute: Technical school or college electrical programs may count toward experience hours at the Board's discretion. A DLI-approved apprenticeship program is the most common pathway.
What exams are required for an electrician license in Minnesota?
You must pass the Journeyworker Electrician Exam and Master Electrician Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by DLI.
Do I need a bond for an electrician license in Minnesota?
Yes, a $25,000 surety bond is required. Electrical contractors must file a $25,000 surety bond with DLI.
Does Minnesota have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes, Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with 7 states that may apply to electricians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Minnesota?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Minnesota?
Yes, 16 hours per every 2 years (at least 12 hours NEC-related) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Minnesota— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DLI