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: 1/30/2025 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
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
Structural Pest Control License 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 the 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. Proof of licensure 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
-NOTE : An applicator may not legally perform pesticide application work for a new company without first obtaining a license under that company's name.
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 the MDA of any changes.
- Certified in correct category for intended application. Notify the MDA of any changes in categories.
Rules:
Statutes: 18B.33
Forms:
Fees:
Annual license application fee - $50 (not refundable).
Annual Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement (ACRRA) surcharge - $14
Late fee of 50% of the application fee is added to the application total if RENEWAL applications are not received by the MN Department of Agriculture by March 1.
See Pesticide and Fertilizer License/Certification Fees
Period of Issuance:
From date of issuance through December 31.
Length of Determination: License processing time is approximately 3 weeks.
Other Info:
Activity: Pesticide
Commercial Pesticide Applicator
License Detail URL:
Pesticide Applicator Licensing
Licenses & Inspections Locator
Online Licensing System -License Lookup
Online Licensing & Payment Options

