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Pesticide Applicator License Requirements - Reciprocal

Obtaining a Pesticide Applicator Credential through Reciprocity

Reciprocity allows persons residing and credentialed in a state to obtain a pesticide applicator credential in another state without being required to pass additional certification examinations.

In Minnesota, the pesticide applicator credential is referred to as a license. A person must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) before applying pesticides for hire or applying a restricted use pesticide in MN. Applicators are licensed in MN when they receive the identification card from the MDA. All licenses expire on December 31 and must be renewed annually. See Pesticide Applicator Initial License and Renewal Requirements.

MDA has written reciprocal agreements for certification with states adjacent to Minnesota which are: North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. In addition, MDA has reciprocal agreements with Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Michigan and Texas. These agreements result from an evaluation and acknowledgement of equivalent applicator certification between MN and another agreeing state where comparable use categories exist. MDA occasionally issues licenses to applicators from states without an agreement on a case by case basis where equivalent applicator certification exists, typically involving a special circumstance.

Reciprocity allows credentialed persons who reside outside of Minnesota to obtain a Minnesota Pesticide Applicator license. Minnesota applicators can use reciprocity to obtain
credentials (license or certification) in other states. The applicator must complete all requirements before a license is issued.

Requirements to Obtain a Reciprocal Pesticide Applicator Credential from a State WITH a Reciprocal Agreement with Minnesota

  1. Provide a legible copy of the front and back of resident state certification or license showing categories and expiration date.
  2. Provide a legible copy of a drivers license or other photo ID listing your permanent address.
  3. Complete a NEW MN Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator License Application form (PDF: 96 KB / 1 page).

Reciprocity is Based on State of Residence and Changing State of Residency may Affect a Reciprocal Credential

A change of residence from one state to another may affect a person’s ability to renew a license obtained through reciprocity. License renewal requires that applicators meet recertification requirements. Out-of-state applicators accomplish this through reciprocity; however, if an applicator with a reciprocal license moves into MN, he/she must complete a recertification workshop in MN prior to renewing the license in subsequent years or take the MN certification exams. An applicator who fails to recertify (attend a workshop) as required must take certification exams and pay a retest fee.

Renewal

An applicator licensed via reciprocity must annually complete a renewal application, pay the application fee and surcharge, provide a copy of the resident state certification and licensure with use categories and submit a legible copy of a photo ID complete with home address. Renewal notices will be mailed to applicators in December. Applicators may return these applications by mail or renew online. Renewals must be received by the designated date or a late fee will be assessed.

Financial Responsibility Requirements for Commercial, Structural

See Financial Responsibility Requirements

Acknowledgement of Minnesota Laws and Regulations

A person who obtains a Minnesota pesticide applicator license through reciprocity must sign a form acknowledging they have read and are aware of provisions of the Pesticide Control Law, will comply fully, and are aware of consequences for non-compliance.

Reciprocal State Pesticide Licensing Contacts