MN electrical contractor license cost

The electrical contractor license cost in Minnesota is $188 to apply or renew with DLI, plus the cost of a required $25,000 surety bond and liability insurance (minimum $100,000/$300,000/$50,000). Licenses expire the last day of February in even-numbered years. No separate contractor exam is required—your RLI must be a master electrician. Minnesota DLI; Minn. Stat. 326B.33.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-23

How to get a Minnesota electrical contractor license (and what it costs)

1. Form your business and confirm name. Set up your entity and filing with the Secretary of State so the legal name exactly matches what will appear on your insurance certificate and DLI filings. DLI guidance.
2. Designate your Responsible Licensed Individual (RLI). Your RLI must be a Minnesota master electrician who is an owner/officer/member or W‑2 employee and not serving another contractor. No extra contractor exam. DLI; statute.
3. Purchase liability insurance. Obtain a policy meeting DLI minimums ($100k per occurrence / $300k aggregate / $50k property damage, or $300k single-limit) and upload a certificate listing DLI as certificate holder. DLI.
4. File the $25,000 surety bond. Use the DLI-approved bond form and a surety licensed in Minnesota; upload the executed bond with your application. DLI bond form; statute.
5. Complete ownership disclosures and workers’ comp compliance. Submit the Disclosure of owners/partners/officers/members and the Certificate of Compliance for workers’ compensation. DLI forms.
6. Apply and pay $188 in iMS. Upload all documents and pay the $188 state fee to obtain your license. DLI.
7. Maintain and renew. Keep the RLI, insurance, and bond active; renew by the last day of February in even-numbered years ($188). DLI.

What does the electrical contractor license cost in Minnesota—line by line?

The state fee is straightforward: $188 to apply and $188 to renew. You must also carry general liability insurance at the DLI minimums and file a $25,000 surety bond (the premium is paid to your surety, not the state, and varies by underwriting). DLI fee, insurance and bond rules; bond/insurance statute.

Minnesota electrical contractor license requirements explained

Responsible Licensed Individual (master electrician)

Every electrical contractor must name a Responsible Licensed Individual who is a Minnesota master electrician and who is an owner/officer/member or W‑2 employee, actively engaged, and not designated for any other contractor. DLI requirements; definition in statute.

Insurance and bond minimums

DLI requires minimum general liability of $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate, and $50,000 property damage (or a $300,000 single-limit policy), plus workers’ compensation compliance, and a $25,000 bond on a DLI-approved form. Insurance details; statutory authority.

Renewal timing and responsibilities

Licenses expire on the last day of February in even-numbered years. Contractors must ensure permits/inspections are handled properly, supervise unlicensed workers within allowed ratios, and notify DLI within 15 days if the RLI changes. DLI responsibilities and renewal.

If you also perform HVAC or mechanical work, compare the parallel bond/fee structure outlined in our Minnesota HVAC contractor license cost guide to budget accurately across trades.

Costs vs. other Minnesota contractor licenses

Minnesota regulates numerous trades statewide. While the electrical contractor license centers on a master electrician RLI and a $25,000 bond, private investigative services follow a different DLI licensing track—see our overview of Private Investigator license costs in Minnesota for a useful cost/requirement contrast when diversifying services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a Minnesota electrical contractor license?

Budget $188 for the state application (and again at renewal), plus the premium for a $25,000 surety bond and general liability insurance meeting DLI minimums. Your total outlay depends on insurance and bond underwriting, which are paid to private carriers, not the state. DLI fees and requirements; statute.

Is there an exam for the Minnesota electrical contractor license?

No separate contractor exam. However, your Responsible Licensed Individual must be a Minnesota master electrician, and master licensure requires passing the master exam (or qualifying via reciprocity when applicable). DLI contractor basics; master license basics.

When do Minnesota electrical contractor licenses expire?

Electrical contractor licenses expire the last day of February in even-numbered years. Keep your RLI, insurance, and bond current to avoid lapses and late costs. DLI renewal timing.

What insurance do I need for a Minnesota electrical contractor license?

At least $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate, and $50,000 property damage (or $300,000 single-limit) in general liability, plus workers’ compensation compliance. DLI must be listed as certificate holder on the insurance certificate. DLI insurance rules.

How do I file the required $25,000 electrical contractor bond?

Use DLI’s Electrical Contractor Surety Bond form, executed by a corporate surety licensed in Minnesota, and upload it in your online application (iMS). The bond amount is set in statute. DLI bond form; statutory bond requirement.

Ready to budget and file with confidence? License Navigator can map your exact costs, prep your forms, and keep renewals on track for your Minnesota electrical contractor license.