Animal Licenses

Chicken/Duck Licenses

Chicken/Duck licenses are for a two-year period. The biannual license fee is $40. 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, 2025.

- MFU Application and Checklist-

-Mobile Food Unit Policy Guide and Information on Downtown Zone Permitting

- Apply for a Downtown Operation Zone Permit 

 - MFU Accela Instructions -

Example of a MFU Certificate of Insurance

Sidewalk, Street Café and Parklet Permits

All current sidewalk café permits expire April 30, 2025.

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.

• Paper Pawnbrokers Application Packet
• Pawnbrokers Addendum 1 for managers, owners and officers
• Pawnbrokers Verification and Acceptance of Responsibility 

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.

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:

• Off-Sale Intoxicating Renewal Checklist
• 3.2 Off-Sale Renewal Checklist

When renewing on paper, use this Off-Sale Paper Application for all off-sale alcohol licenses.

Renewal Timeline

• January 2025: Online renewal portal opens in Citizen Access and renewal e-mails sent out
• March 7, 2025: Application Deadline to ensure no lapse in licensure
• By April 1, 2025: 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.

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 $125, 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 $60, 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 $90, 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 $90, 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 $90, 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 $90, 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 $110. 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.

• Paper Transportation Network Company Application Packet