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Key Takeaways

  • The Minnesota Department of Commerce regulates real estate licensees through its licensing division
  • The Real Estate Education, Research and Recovery Fund Account provides consumer protection
  • Minnesota licenses Salespersons, Brokers, and Closing Agents
  • The Commerce Commissioner has authority to suspend, revoke, or fine licensees
  • Minnesota Statutes Chapter 82 is the primary real estate licensing law
Last updated: January 2026

Minnesota Department of Commerce

The Minnesota Department of Commerce regulates real estate licensees through its licensing division.

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Department Structure

Division of Licensing

FunctionDescription
LicensingProcess applications, issue licenses
EducationApprove schools and courses
EnforcementInvestigate complaints
DisciplineSuspend, revoke, or fine licenses

Key Personnel

PositionAuthority
Commerce CommissionerHead of Department
Deputy CommissionerLicensing oversight
Enforcement DivisionInvestigates violations

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 82

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 82 governs real estate licensing:

CoverageDescription
License requirementsWho must be licensed
ExemptionsWho is exempt
Prohibited conductViolations
PenaltiesFines, suspension, revocation

License Types in Minnesota

License TypeDescription
SalespersonWorks under a broker
BrokerCan supervise salespersons
Closing AgentTitle/escrow services

Department Enforcement Powers

PowerDetails
InvestigationInvestigate complaints
HearingAdministrative hearings
FineMonetary penalties up to $10,000
SuspensionTemporary license removal
RevocationPermanent removal
ProbationConditional license

Real Estate Education, Research and Recovery Fund

The Recovery Fund protects consumers who suffer financial harm from licensee misconduct:

FeatureDetails
FundingLicensee fees
PurposeConsumer restitution
Maximum$150,000 per licensee
Per claim$50,000 maximum
RepaymentLicensee must repay fund

Recovery Fund Claims

RequirementDetails
JudgmentCourt judgment required
Exhausted remediesMust attempt collection
Licensee conductRelated to licensed activity
Time limit1 year from judgment

Unique Minnesota Features

FeatureDescription
Torrens title systemStill used in Minnesota
Strong consumer protectionRecovery Fund, disclosures
Seller DisclosureRequired by law
License portabilityReciprocity with some states
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Minnesota Department of Commerce Structure
Test Your Knowledge

Which Minnesota agency regulates real estate licensees?

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Test Your Knowledge

What is the maximum amount a consumer can receive from the Recovery Fund per claim?

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Up Next

1.2 Minnesota License Requirements

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