Pesticide Applicator Licensing

The information and resources provided on this page are for persons wishing to obtain a license to apply pesticides in the State of Minnesota. Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and other products intended to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate a pest and substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.

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

• 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 Pesticide Applicator License with MDA

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.

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

• See Structural Pest Control License Requirements

Renewal 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
7. To request a duplicate renewal form contact pesticide.licensing@state.mn.us.

Conditions of Holding a License

• Hold a valid card with valid dates
• Proof of financial responsibility, if applicable
• Proof of workers’ compensation, if applicable
• Pesticide License card shows correct employer and address. Notify the MDA of any changes.
• Certified in correct category for intended application. Notify the MDA of any changes in categories.
• To make changes to your license contact MDA at 651-201-6615 or Pesticide.Licensing@state.mn.us

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.

  Compliance Resources

  • Keep accurate application records
  • Follow Application Notification Requirements
  • More information on Compliance Resources