Roofing Contractor License Requirements in Minnesota
| Licensing Authority | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) |
| License Type | Residential Roofer License |
| Experience Required | No specific experience hours mandated. Must designate a 'qualifying person' (owner, officer, member, partner, or managing employee) who passes the comprehensive DLI written exam covering roofing knowledge and practices. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Residential Roofer Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $15,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 14 hours every 2 years |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $180 |
| Est. Initial Total | $180 |
Renewal: $180 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Residential Roofer 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 · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →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→Notes
- Residential Roofer license required for any individual/company contracting directly with a residential property owner for roofing work
- A Residential Building Contractor or Residential Remodeler license also covers roofing work
- Criminal background check (BCA) required for all owners, officers, and managing employees
- Contractor Recovery Fund contribution included in license fee
You're licensed in Minnesota as a roofing contractor — 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 issues the Residential Roofer License; 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 $15,000 surety bond. Residential roofers must file a $15,000 surety bond with DLI. Bond must be signed and sealed by the surety company. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Minnesota requires general liability insurance for this license. Minimum $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate, and $25,000 property damage general liability insurance required. Certificate of Insurance must be submitted with application. Workers comp required for all employers. 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 roofing contractor 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 at $180. Continuing education: 14 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Minnesota
- General Contractor license in Minnesota
Statewide license required · $200 in initial government fees · DLI
- Electrician license in Minnesota
Statewide license required · $64 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a roofing contractor license in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota requires a statewide roofing contractor license through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
How much does a roofing contractor license cost in Minnesota?
The estimated initial cost is $180, including application, exam, and license fees. A $15,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a roofing contractor license in Minnesota?
No specific experience hours mandated. Must designate a 'qualifying person' (owner, officer, member, partner, or managing employee) who passes the comprehensive DLI written exam covering roofing knowledge and practices.
What exams are required for a roofing contractor license in Minnesota?
You must pass the Residential Roofer Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by DLI.
Do I need a bond for a roofing contractor license in Minnesota?
Yes, a $15,000 surety bond is required. Residential roofers must file a $15,000 surety bond with DLI. Bond must be signed and sealed by the surety company.
How long does it take to get a roofing contractor license in Minnesota?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for roofing contractors in Minnesota?
Yes, 14 hours per every 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for roofing contractors in Minnesota— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DLI