Minnesota Fire Protection Contractor License

Every company that installs, services, or inspects fire protection systems in Minnesota must hold a current contractor license from the State Fire Marshal Division (SFMD). The license costs $575 to obtain and $500 per year to renew. All work — installation, alteration, repair, and inspection — is prohibited without it.

Licensing Cost and Renewal Deadlines

Licenses run July 1 through June 30. Renewals are due by May 31 each year — missing that deadline costs an extra $50.

• Original license fee: $575
• Annual renewal (by May 31): $500
• Annual renewal (June 1 or later): $550 ($500 + $50 late fee)

SFMD processes new applications within approximately 21 days. File well before the July 1 start of the license year to avoid a gap in authorization.

Bond and Insurance Required Before Licensure

SFMD requires two coverage documents on file before any license is issued — both must stay current for the duration of the license term.

• Performance bond: $30,000, payable to the State of Minnesota (Minn. R. 7512.1000, Subp. 2A)
• Liability insurance minimums: $250,000 per person / $500,000 per occurrence / $100,000 property damage

A lapse in either the bond or insurance is grounds for suspension. Verify that the bond is renewed and the certificate updated before May 31 each year.

Managing Employee, Exam, and CE Requirements

Every licensed contractor company must designate a Managing Employee (ME) — a W-2 employee personally accountable for code compliance on all jobs. The ME must qualify through one of three paths:

1. 10,000 hours of verified fire protection work experience

2. NICET Level III or higher in fire protection engineering technology

3. Professional engineering license in a related field

All Managing Employees and Journeyman Sprinkler Fitters must pass a state exam at 70% or higher. Journeymen qualify via 8,000 hours of experience or an approved apprenticeship. Both roles must complete 10 hours of continuing education each renewal year covering fire protection performance and Minnesota laws and rules (Minn. R. 7512.1500 and 7512.1900). CE completion is verified at renewal — don't wait until May to chase credits.

Compliance Risk

Performing fire protection system work without a valid Minnesota license is a misdemeanor under Minn. Stat. 299M.08. Civil penalties reach $1,000 per violation per day under Minn. Stat. 299M.04 — that clock runs separately for each day of unlicensed activity. The SFMD may also issue cease-and-desist orders, and revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew any license for violations. A 0.2% project-cost surcharge applies to permitted work regardless of licensure status.

Verify contractor license status at the SFMD public lookup: app.dps.mn.gov/SFM_PermitPlan/public/P3_LicContracList.asp.