How to Get a Business License in Bloomington MN: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Bloomington MN, MN requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Hennepin County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Business License, issued by the City Clerk. Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
Contact the City Clerk at 952-563-4900 for current requirements. More information is available at bloomingtonmn.gov.
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What Makes Bloomington MN Different
Bloomington MN has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Mall of America — massive retail/entertainment
- Hennepin County — same as Minneapolis
- Airport area businesses
- MN state layer
- Minnesota requires registration with the Department of Revenue for sales and use tax
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Bloomington MN need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (MN): LLC or Corporation filing through the Minnesota Secretary of State. Filing fee: $155 LLC, processing time: 2-5 business days.
County (Hennepin County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Bloomington MN): Business License from the City Clerk. Phone: 952-563-4900.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Bloomington MN can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Bloomington MN has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Bloomington MN's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.