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Personal Trainer Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a personal trainer in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.

Verified 2026-09-03 5 stops $150–$500 est. 2–4 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Minnesota

2 stops

  1. Minnesota Secretary of State Business Registration

    All formal business entities (LLC, corporation) operating in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Minnesota does not require a state license specifically for personal trainers, but business entity registration is required for LLCs. Filing costs approximately $155.

    Official government source for Minnesota Secretary of State Business Registration (opens in a new tab)

    $155 (LLC filing fee)Immediate (online or in-person); 4-7 business days if filed by mail

  2. Minnesota Department of Revenue Sales Tax License

    Standalone personal training services are generally not subject to Minnesota sales tax -- personal training itself is not on the state's enumerated list of taxable services. However, if personal training is sold bundled with a health club or athletic facility membership, that membership fee is taxable. Confirm structuring with the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

    Official government source for Minnesota Department of Revenue Sales Tax License (opens in a new tab)

    Free1 week

City of Minneapolis / Hennepin County

2 stops

  1. No Minneapolis Business License Required for Personal Trainers

    Minneapolis does not issue a general business license. The city licenses only the specific categories in its business-license directory and License Fee Schedule (alcohol and tobacco, food, body art/massage/tanning, lodging, animal, contractors and trades, vehicles-for-hire, entertainment, cannabis). Personal training and fitness instruction are not licensed categories, so no city business license is required.

    Official government source for No Minneapolis Business License Required for Personal Trainers (opens in a new tab)

    $0 — no Minneapolis license category applies to personal trainersNot applicable — no city application is filed

  2. Certificate of Occupancy (if opening a studio)

    If you are opening a dedicated personal training studio in Minneapolis, a Certificate of Occupancy from Community Planning & Economic Development (Construction Code Services) is required if the space's use or occupancy classification is changing. This ensures the space meets zoning requirements, building codes, and occupancy standards for a fitness facility.

    Official government source for Certificate of Occupancy (if opening a studio) (opens in a new tab)

    No separate Certificate of Occupancy fee is published; the CoO inspection is part of the building permit process, and Minneapolis building permit fees are based on the valuation of the job (labor and materials)Issued after all on-site construction inspections and a final CoO inspection pass; you request the final CoO inspection when the space is ready to be occupied

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$500 · 2–4 weeks

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