Minnesota renewal guide
St. Paul General Contractor License
If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.
Start here
What matters before you file.
Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.
Issuing authority
Renewal period
Every 24 months
Late penalty
$60.00
Bond requirement
Yes — $2,500.00
Insurance requirement
Yes — General Liability, Workers' Compensation
Before you renew
Get the filing straight.
- 1
Make sure the bond still clears
The $2,500.00 bond requirement needs to stay active through the renewal.
- 2
Check the insurance certificates
Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
- 3
File with the board
File through City of St. Paul - Department of Safety and Inspections once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online - 4
Leave room for processing
Typical processing time is 21 days, so do not wait until the last minute.
If you miss the deadline, the late penalty is $60.00, with a 30-day grace period.
Detailed notes
The fine print is here.
St. Paul General Contractor License
The City of St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections requires contractors working within city limits to hold a city contractor license in addition to their state DLI residential contractor license.
Requirements
- State License: Must hold a valid Minnesota DLI residential building contractor or remodeler license
- Bond: $2,500 License, Permit and Performance Bond (notarized)
- Insurance: Certificate of Insurance with $500,000 combined single limit of liability
- Application Fee: Contact DSI at 651-266-8989 for current fee
Renewal Information
- Renewal Period: Expires when State of Minnesota exemption card expires (typically every 2 years)
- Renewal Fee: Contact DSI at 651-266-8989 for current fee
- Late Fee: $60 if renewed after expiration date
- Early Expiration: If insurance or bond expires before state card, city license expires at that earlier date
Scope of Work
Licensed contractors can perform general construction and remodeling work on residential structures (fewer than 4 dwelling units) within St. Paul city limits.
Relationship to State License
St. Paul's city contractor license is a supplement to, not a replacement for, the state DLI license. The city license ensures local accountability through the bond and insurance requirements.
*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with St. Paul DSI.*
Official links
Check the board or agency directly.
Required documents
- Proof of Insurance
- Experience Documentation
- government_issued_id
Source notes
City of St . Paul Department of Safety and Inspections. Bond and insurance requirements verified. Fees available at 651-266-8989. Updated March 2026.
Rules move. Check City of St. Paul - Department of Safety and Inspections again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.
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Next steps
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Printable checklist
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