Rochester, MN
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201 4th Street SE
Room 135
Rochester, MN 55904 (Map)
Rochester 311
Phone: 507-328-2311
Fax: 507-328-2901
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Departments » City Clerk » Licenses and Permits
License Renewals For 2024
2024 License Renewals
All licenses expired on December 31, 2023, or March 31, 2024, can still renew their license; however, they will be subject to 50% expired license fee. This renewal includes licenses in the following categories:
- Animal Licenses
- Business Licenses
- Trade and Contractor Licenses
- Transportation Licenses
- Liquor Licenses
For detailed instructions on renewing a license, select your license category from the list:
Animal Licenses
Chicken/Duck Licenses
Chicken/Duck licenses are for a two-year period. The biannual license fee is $36. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Follow these step-by-step instructions to complete your Chicken/Duck License Renewal on the Citizen Access Portal now!
- Chicken/Duck Renewal Packet*
*Only submit a paper application if unable to use the online application system
Pigeon License
Pigeon licenses are for one calendar year, and expire each year on December 31. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Follow these step-by-step instructions to complete your Pigeon License Renewal on the Citizen Access Portal now!
- Pigeon Renewal Packet*
Massage Therapist Licenses
Massage therapist licenses cover a two-year period. The biannual license fee is $100. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Follow these step-by-step instructions to complete your Massage Therapist License Renewal on the Citizen Access Portal now!
- Please have a Signed and Notarized Verification Form ready to upload when completing your application online.
- Paper Massage Therapist Application Packet*
*Submit a paper application only if unable to apply online.
Massage Therapy Business Licenses
All massage therapy business licenses expire on December 31. The annual license fee is $200. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Follow these step-by-step instructions to complete your Massage Business License Renewal on the Citizen Access Portal now!
- Please have a Signed and Notarized Verification Form ready to upload when completing your application online.
- Paper Massage Therapy Business Application Packet*
- Designated Manager Information
- Business Ownership Information
*Submit a paper application only if unable to apply online.
Mobile Food Units
Current Mobile Food Unit (MFU) Licenses will expire on March 31, 2024.
- MFU Application and Checklist-
-Mobile Food Unit Policy Guide and Information on Downtown Zone Permitting
- Apply for a Downtown Operation Zone Permit
Example of a MFU Certificate of Insurance
Sidewalk, Street Café and Parklet Permits
All current sidewalk café permits expire April 30, 2024.
Go HERE for information about completing your Sidewalk, Street Café or Parklet Permit.
Pawnbrokers
All pawnbroker business licenses expire on December 31. The annual license fee is $700. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
Liquor Licenses
All active liquor licenses will expire on March 31, 2024.
Submit Your Renewal Using Accela Citizen Access
Complete your renewal using Citizen Access and these Instructions for Liquor Renewals Using Citizen Access.
If you do not already have a Citizen Access account, use this video to create your account.
Contact the Clerk's Office with any questions or issues with the renewal process by calling 507-328-2900 or emailing licenses@rochestermn.gov.
Required Step |
Online Submission |
Paper Submission |
Review the checklist for your license type |
Follow check list to complete ( links found at the bottom of this table) |
Submit with application (links found at bottom of this table) |
Renewal Application |
Complete online via Accela |
Complete form (links found at bottom of this table) |
Application Verification & Acceptance of Responsibility Page |
This page is to be signed at the City Clerk’s Office OR Upload a notarized copy of it under Step 4 of the online application |
Final page of the application - must be signed at the City Clerk’s Office OR in front of a notary public |
Addendum B: Business Plan (if applicable) |
Required only if plan has changed since the application was last submitted |
Required only if plan has changed since the application was last submitted |
Required if any changes or if document on file is not sufficient |
Required if any changes or if document on file is not sufficient |
|
Copy of any Summons |
Required only if received during the preceding year by any applicant or owner, for any business(es) involved in |
Required only if received during the preceding year by any applicant or owner, for any business(es) involved in |
Certificate of Insurance OR Other acceptable proof of financial responsibility as required by Minn. Stat. 340A.409 |
Must provide coverage through 3/31/2023(the next licensing period) |
Must provide coverage through 3/31/2023 (the next licensing period) |
State Renewal Form(s) |
||
Payment of Renewal Fees |
Required upon receipt of invoice after online application is submitted Can be paid by credit card online or by check to the City Clerk's Office |
Required with submission of paper application -or-upon receipt of invoice after paper application is submitted Can be paid by credit card online or by check to the City Clerk's Office |
Renewal Checklists and Application Forms
On-Sale Licenses
Choose the appropriate checklist to ensure you have completed all renewal steps:
- Full On-Sale Intoxicating Renewal Checklist
- Full On-Sale Intoxicating Club Renewal Checklist
- Limited On-Sale Intoxicating Renewal Checklist
- Wine/Beer On-Sale Renewal Checklist
- 3.2 On-Sale Renewal Checklist
When renewing on paper, use this On-Sale Paper Application for all on-sale alcohol licenses.
Off-Sale Licenses
Choose the appropriate checklist to ensure you have completed all renewal steps:
When renewing on paper, use this Off-Sale Paper Application for all off-sale alcohol licenses.
Renewal Timeline
- January 2024: Online renewal portal opens in Citizen Access and renewal e-mails sent out
- February 29, 2024: Application Deadline to ensure no lapse in licensure
- By April 1, 2023: Submit Buyer's Card application and $20 check to the State of Minnesota
- After you submit your renewal application the following steps are taken:
- First Review. City Clerk teammates will review the application for completeness.
- Additional Information Needed. City Clerk teammates will send an email requesting more information if your application is incomplete.
- Fee Invoice. Available upon request.
- Fee Payment. Follow these instructions to pay your fees.
- Department Review. Once your application is complete, the City Clerk's Office will refer your application to other City Departments for approvals.
- Rochester Public Utilities will verify payment is current of all public utilities for the business premise.
- A building inspection will be performed by either the Building Safety or Fire Department.
- The Rochester Police Department will perform a check of any violations by the business or its owners in the prior year.
- Council Approval. The City Clerk's office will present your application to the Council for approval.
Trade & Contractor Licenses
All Trade & Contractor licenses expire on December 31.
These step-by-step instructions will walk you through renewing your trade/contractor license online through the Citizen Access Portal. If you have an account, simply log in and find your license(s) under the “My Records” tab. Then click the “Renew Application” button. This button lets you review your pre-filled application, upload the required documents, and make a payment. There’s no need to retype all your information. Log in to the Citizen Access Portal now to complete your renewal for 2024.
HVAC Contractor Licenses
This is an annual license, expiring on December 31. The annual license fee is $112, and is not prorated, regardless of when during the year a license is obtained. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Log in to the Citizen Access Portal now to complete your HVAC Contractor License Application.
- HVAC Contractor License Application Packet*
*Only submit a paper application if unable to use the online application system
HVAC Master Installer Licenses
This is an annual license, expiring on December 31. The annual license fee is $54, and is not prorated, regardless of when during the year a license is obtained. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Log in to the Citizen Access Portal now to complete your HVAC Master Installer License Application
- HVAC Master Installer Individual License Application Packet*
*Only submit a paper application if unable to use the online application system
Sewer and Drain Licenses
This is an annual license, expiring on December 31. The annual license fee is $80, and is not prorated, regardless of when during the year a license is obtained. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Log in to the Citizen Access Portal now to complete your Sewer/Drain Contractor License renewal
- NOTE: Your City Performance Bond must now reference RCO, Section 12-2-8, not 76.09. Please notify your insurance provider to update this information.
- Sewer and Drain License Application Packet*
*Only submit a paper application if unable to use the online application system
Sidewalk Contractor Licenses - Asphalt and Concrete
This is an annual license, expiring on December 31. The annual license fee is $80, and is not prorated, regardless of when during the year a license is obtained. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Log in to the Citizen Access Portal now to complete your Sidewalk Contractor License renewal
- NOTE: Your City Performance Bond must now reference RCO, Section 9-18-3, not 70.03. Please notify your insurance provider to update this information.
- Sidewalks and Driveways License Application Packet - for asphalt or cement*
*Only submit a paper application if unable to use the online application system
Sign Installers Licenses
This is an annual license, expiring on December 31. The annual license fee is $80, and is not prorated, regardless of when during the year a license is obtained. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Log in to the Citizen Access Portal now to complete your Sign Installers License renewal
- Sign Installers License Renewal Packet*
*Only submit a paper application if unable to use the online application system
Tree Work Licenses
This is an annual license, expiring on December 31. The annual license fee is $80, and is not prorated, regardless of when during the year a license is obtained. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Log in to the Citizen Access Portal now to complete your Tee Work Contractor License renewal
- Tree Work Contractor License Renewal Packet*
*Only submit a paper application if unable to use the online application system
Bus
All bus licenses expire on December 31. The annual license fee is $40 per vehicle. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Follow these step-by-step instructions to complete your Bus License Renewal on the Citizen Access Portal now!
- Please have a Signed Verification Form ready to upload when completing your application online.
- Paper Bus Vehicle License Application Packet*
*Only submit a paper application if unable to use the online application system
Public Transportation License
All public transportation licenses expire on December 31. Please check back soon for more information.
Taxicab Driver's License
All taxicab driver's licenses expire on December 31. The annual license fee is $100. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Follow these step-by-step instructions to complete your Taxi Driver's License Renewal on the Citizen Access Portal now!
- Please have a Signed and Notarized Verification Form ready to upload when completing your application online.
- Paper Taxi Driver License Application Packet*
*Only submit a paper application if unable to use the online application system
Taxicab Vehicle License
All taxicab vehicle licenses expire on December 31. The annual license fee is $40 per vehicle. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
- Follow these step-by-step instructions to complete your Taxi Vehicle License Renewal on the Citizen Access Portal now!
- Please have a Vehicle Inspection Form ready for each vehicle to upload when completing your application online.
- Paper Taxi Vehicle License Application Packet*
*Only submit a paper application if unable to use the online application system
Transportation Network Company
All transportation network company licenses expire on December 31. The annual license fee is $6,000. If the renewal application arrives after December 31, then it is subject to an expired license fee of 50% in addition to the renewal fee.
Minnesota State Tax ID Requirement
Under state law, all business license applications require either a Minnesota State Tax ID number or the social security number of the licensee; the City of Rochester is required to provide this information for all its licensees to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Submitting Materials
All required documents can be mailed or dropped off at the City Clerk's Office at 201 4th St SE, Room 135, Rochester, MN 55904. They can also be emailed to licenses@rochestermn.gov.