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.