Building permits in Minnesota
2 jurisdictions, each with the department that issues, its portal and its phone number. Cities issue their own permits; counties cover unincorporated areas, which is the distinction that sends most contractors to the wrong office.
2 checked against the department's own page
Licensing
A state residential building contractor/remodeler license is required for anyone who contracts directly with a homeowner and offers more than one special skill (e.g., framing plus other trades).
Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry (DLI) — Construction Codes & Licensing