Not yet re-checked against the Minnesota Dept of Labor and Industry; verify before relying on it.
Minnesota subcontractor insurance & compliance requirements
If you're a general contractor hiring subcontractors in Minnesota, here are the certificates and documents you should collect and keep current, and how TradeGuard tracks them automatically.
Documents to collect from subcontractors in Minnesota
The core compliance documents a GC should require and keep current for each sub.
State-issued contractor license or registration.
Certificate of Insurance for General Liability coverage.
Certificate showing workers' comp for the sub's employees. Who must carry it depends on the state and the number of employees.
Used to report what you pay the sub on Form 1099-NEC. For payments made in 2026 or later the IRS reporting threshold is $2,000 (it was $600).
Some owners and contracts require it, and some states require it on public projects.
Public owners require one on larger public contracts; the threshold depends on the owner and the state.
Public owners usually require it alongside the performance bond.
Often required with a bid on public work; it backs the bidder's promise to sign the contract at the bid price.
The bond the state requires for a contractor's license or registration; ask the sub for a copy.
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry licenses residential contractors and remodelers. Commercial work may require local licenses.
Minnesota operates an approved state OSHA plan. Minnesota has an approved state OSHA plan (MNOSHA) covering private and public sector
Bond required for residential contractor license
- DLI: Minnesota Dept of Labor and Industry
- MNOSHA: Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health
Summary for Minnesota
Minnesota has its own OSHA plan. Residential contractor license required. Workers comp required.
Track all of this automatically in Minnesota
TradeGuard asks each sub for these documents through an upload link and shows what's missing for Minnesota, with alerts before anything expires.
No credit card required · Cancel anytime · See how COI tracking works
Minnesota compliance FAQ
Do subcontractors need a contractor license in Minnesota?+
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry licenses residential contractors and remodelers. Commercial work may require local licenses.
Does Minnesota follow federal OSHA or a state OSHA plan?+
Minnesota runs its own OSHA-approved state plan. Minnesota has an approved state OSHA plan (MNOSHA) covering private and public sector
Is a surety bond required for contractors in Minnesota?+
Yes. Bond required for residential contractor license
This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm current rules with the relevant Minnesota agencies before relying on them.