Minnesota Pest Control Regulations
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North
Saint Paul, MN 55155-2538
Phone: 651-201-6000
Toll Free: 800-967-2474
The MDA issues licenses to Commercial and Noncommercial Pesticide Applicators and Structural Pest Control Applicators.
The MDA administers closed-book and monitored exams as part of the certification and license process. The initial certification exam measures competency in specific use categories and determines if the person is eligible for a pesticide applicators license.
Determine Your License Type
Determine your license type:
- Commercial: applicator makes pesticide applications for-hire (customers are billed or invoiced)
- Noncommercial: applicator makes applications of Restricted Use Pesticides as part of his/her job on property owned or controlled by the employer; or for two or more governmental units sharing resources through a joint powers agreement.
- Structural: applicator makes pesticide applications in, on, or around structures
- Private Applicators (typically farmers)
How to Apply for a Commercial or Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator License
- Apply online OR complete and submit a Pesticide Applicator License Application
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Pay license fee and Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement Account (ACRRA) surcharge, if applicable, before taking the exam. Fees are surcharges are non-transferable and nonrefundable.
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Schedule exam. Call 651-201-6633 or email Pesticide.Testing@state.mn.us
- Commercial and Structural Pest Control Applicators must meet Financial Responsibility Requirements
Structural Pest Control License Requirements
- See Structural Pest Control License Requirements
- Structural Pest Control Applicators must be employed by a company and the company must be licensed.
- Apply online OR complete and submit a Structural Application
- Pay license fee and Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement Account (ACRRA) surcharge, if applicable, before taking the exam. Fees are surcharges are non-transferable and nonrefundable.
- Schedule exam. Call 651-201-6633 or email Pesticide.Testing@state.mn.us
- Commercial and Structural Pest Control Applicators must meet Financial Responsibility Requirements
Renewal Requirements
- All pesticide applicator licenses expire on December 31st.
- Renewal application forms are mailed to the employer before your license expires at the end of the year.
- The license fee and surcharge are due at the time of renewal.
- Licenses can be renewed online, by mail or in-person at MDA.
- Applicators must meet recertification requirements per category listed
- Structural Pest Control Licenses have unique renewal requirements
Other Requirements
- Pesticide applicators may not apply pesticide UNTIL they have a valid license. This can be the license identification card they receive in the mail or printed proof of license from the License Lookup page.
- Minnesota law requires pesticide applicators to carry a valid license identification card, either the electronic facsimile from our webpage or the plastic wallet card, whenever applying pesticides.
- License applicants must answer the following question truthfully: “Has applicant for license/certification ever had a license or certification denied, revoked or suspended by another state?”
Change in License
- Licensed applicators must notify MDA of any change in address, name, change of employer, or change of license type (i.e. noncommercial to commercial).
- NOTE : An applicator may not legally perform pesticide application work for a new company without first obtaining a license under that company's name.
- To make any of these changes, contact MDA at 651-201-6615 or Pesticide.Licensing@state.mn.us
Conditions of Holding a License
- Hold a valid card with valid dates
- Proof of financial responsibility
- Proof of workers’ compensation, if applicable
- Card shows correct employer. Notify MDA of any changes.
- Certified in correct category for intended application. Notify MDA of any changes in categories.
Compliance Resources
- Keep accurate application records
- Follow Application Notification Requirements
- More information on Compliance Resources
Reciprocal License
MDA accepts certification (reciprocity) from some in place of testing in Minnesota for a Minnesota Pesticide Applicator License. Find out more about reciprocal licenses.