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    Title: Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
    Alternate Title:
    Description:

    Commercial pesticide applicator licenses are for pesticide applicators who apply any pesticide (including herbicides) “for hire". For hire means charging or invoicing for the service. Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)


    Subject: Pesticides
    Creation Date: 9/11/2008 2:12:02 PM
    Modification Date: 4/11/2025 8:51:23 PM
    Agency Name: Agriculture (MDA), Minnesota Department of
    Agency URL: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/
    Agency Description: The mission of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
    Agency Phone: 651-201-6000
    800-967-2474
    Agency Fax: Agency URL: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/
    Agency Address:
    625 N. Robert Street

    St. Paul
    MN
    55155
    Division Name: Pesticide Licensing
    Division URL:
    Division Description:
    Division Phone: Division Fax: Division URL:
    Audience: Hold Application URL: https://www2.mda.state.mn.us/webapp/erenewal/apply.jsp
    Renewal URL: https://www2.mda.state.mn.us/webapp/erenewal/login.jsp
    Versa URL:
    Requirements:

    Review:

    Pesticide Applicator Licensing

         Licensing

         License Types

         Testing

         Renew License

         Recertify

         License Changes

         Other Requirements

         Reciprocity (Other States)

    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 Fees and surcharges are non-transferable and nonrefundable.

               OR

    • Complete and submit the application for appropriate license application; for more information see license type. Pay license fee and ACRRA surcharge, if applicable, before taking the exam. Fees and surcharges are non-transferable and nonrefundable.
    • Schedule exam
    • Licenses are issued to applicators that receive a passing score in Core Exam (Category A) and at least one additional exam category. Aerial applicators must pass the Core Exam (Category A), Aerial (Category B) and at least one other category.

    Structural Pest Control License Requirements

    1. All pesticide applicator licenses expire on December 31st.
    2. Renewal application forms are mailed to the employer before your license expires at the end of the year.
    3. The license fee and surcharge are due at the time of renewal.
    4. Licenses can be renewed online, by mail or in-person at the MDA.
    5. Applicators must meet recertification requirements per category listed
    6. Structural Pest Control Licenses have unique renewal requirements 

    Conditions of Holding a License

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