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Licenses & Permits

Auctioneer License Application Process

Auctioneer Licenses are effective for one year from the date of issuance.

Auctioneer Application:

  • Obtain a Corporate Surety Bond in an amount of not less than $1000.00 and not more than $3000.00.
    • Once the completed Bond is received, the Bond will be filed with the Treasurer and the form will be signed stating that the Bond has been filed.
    • Pay Aitkin County’s fee of $20, by check, money order, or cash.

If an Auctioneer has an assigned number from the previous year, it will be reassigned. If the applicant is not on the current listing, the next highest number will be assigned. All license numbers in Aitkin County begin with 01.

Once all forms are completed and the Bond and the fee received, Auditor’s Office staff will be able to issue a license.

Consumption & Display Permit Process

Current Consumption & Display Permit Holders:

  • A renewal Application from the State Alcohol & Gambling Enforcement Division will be sent to you.
    • If you do not receive a renewal Application by February 1st, contact them directly at (651) 201-7507.
  • Your current Permit expires on March 31st at Midnight.

New Applicants:

  • Complete a new Consumption & Display Permit request form online (https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/age/forms-documents) or request one from the Auditor’s Office.
    • Complete and submit with the appropriate fee. All delinquent real estate taxes must be paid in full before a permit will be issued.

       

APPLICATION FOR CONSUMPTION AND DISPLAY (SET UP) PERMIT
  • Complete Application and return it to the County Auditor’s office.
  • Your Town Board does not have to approve your application.
  • Make sure you sign your application.
  • After the Board of Commissioners has approved the application and it is returned to you:
    • Send the application and the State fee of $250 to the State Alcohol & Gambling Enforcement

Charitable Gambling License

Information related to charitable gambling in Minnesota can be found at the Minnesota State Gambling Control Board web site: mn.gov/gcb

All charitable gambling licenses require County Board approval. Please plan accordingly to allow time for the application process to be completed.

  • The Aitkin County Board of Commissioners meets twice a month, and a calendar of meeting dates is available on the home page under Board Meetings.
  • Completed forms and applications are due to the Auditor’s Office by 4 PM, one week prior to the scheduled meeting date.

Once the Board approves the application, the Auditor’s office will contact the applicant and the signed application can either be picked up or mailed back to the organization.

It is the responsibility of the organization to submit the completed application and forms to the State of Minnesota Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division, along with any applicable fees.

Large Assembly License

Solid Waste Hauler

License Application Procedures:

Solid Waste Haulers operating within the County of Aitkin shall comply with Article 5 of the Aitkin County Solid Waste Ordinance. Questions can be directed to Aitkin County Environmental Services (218) 927-7342.

The Solid Waste License fee is $100.00. Please make your check or money order payable to: Aitkin County Auditor

The fee must be received prior to the auditor’s office processing the application.

Applications must be thoroughly completed and signed. Proof of insurance must accompany each application. Please contact your insurance agent and request a Certificate of Insurance outlining coverage for:

  • Workers’ Compensation
  • General Liability
  • Automobile Insurance

*Please list the County of Aitkin as the Certificate Holder*

Renewal Applications will be mailed out in late October. Once the renewal is received, complete the paperwork and submit it as soon as possible. Please pay close attention to the “due by” date, as all applications must be presented to the Aitkin County Board for approval. Failure to meet this deadline may result in a lapse in your license and possible disruption to your business.

Applications can also be completed online and emailed to auditor@co.aitkin.mn.us. The $100 fee can either be dropped off or mailed to:

Aitkin County Auditor
307 2nd St NW
Room 121
Aitkin, MN 56431

Application questions can be directed to the auditor’s office at (218) 927-7354.

Tobacco Sales License

Current License Holder: A renewal application will be mailed to you the first week of February or you can access the forms below. Current licenses expire March 31st at midnight.

New License Applicant: Applications and Forms are available below.

PLEASE READ AND COMPLETE THE APPLICATION THOROUGHLY. Upon receipt of all documents, the Auditor’s Office will submit the application to the County Board of Commissioners for approval. Please allow ample time (at least 1 month or more).

All forms must be processed, and a license issued prior to selling tobacco products.

All delinquent real estate taxes must be paid in full before a license is issued.

Application:

  • Applicant name: Sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation; it should be that person or company name or doing business as (dba).
  • Business Address: Address location of business, if mail is received at another location or PO Box, indicate this also.
  • Signature of applicant: This should be the owner’s signature or the president’s signature if a partnership or corporation.
  • Auditor’s Office will assist with the signatures of the County Sheriff and County Attorney.
  • Payment of license $50.00 Fee.

Forms

Transient Merchant License

Aitkin County issues Transient Merchant Licenses county-wide unless a city has a specific license.

Transient Merchant License Application

  • A Transient Merchant License Application must be completed.
  • The fee is $150 and payable to Aitkin County; checks, money orders or cash.
  • The License term is one year from date of issuance.

Surety Bond: A minimum $1,000 surety bond or cash is required. If a bond accompanies the application, it will be kept on file at the County Treasurer's office.

Supply Inventory List: A supply inventory list must accompany the application. It is possible that a license will be issued the same day if all paperwork and fees are complete and acceptable.

Wine License Application/Renewal Process

Please find below instructions and a checklist for completing the Wine License Renewal packet.

Read and complete all forms and applications thoroughly. Please note the requirement of Township approval. Contact your township clerk immediately to be added to their next meeting agenda. The application must include the signed form with the returned paperwork in order for the Auditor’s Office to process your application. In addition, a renewal copy of your MDH Food & Beverage License will now be required of all applicants (except those applying for Off-Sale only). Please include the legal parcel code and description on the application. Property taxes must be current for the property that holds the license.

If you have any questions, please call. This will avoid your application being returned to you for missing or incorrect information. Use this guide to assist you in submitting the required application(s) and forms completely and correctly.

  • FEES Include your check, made payable to Aitkin County Auditor WITH your application. For your convenience, fees may be divide into two equal payments, with the second installment due mid-June. An invoice for the second half will be mailed to those who choose the split payment option.
    • On Sale Liquor Sales fee is $1,500.00 per year.
    • On Sale Liquor Sales and Sunday Sales is $1620.00 per year.
    • Off Sale Liquor Sales fee is $360.00 per year.
    • On/Off Sale Sunday Liquor Sales fee is $1,980.00 per year.
    • Wine Sales fee is $500.00 per year.
    • 3.2% Malt Liquor County On-Sale fee is $40.00 per year.
    • 3.2% Malt Liquor County Off-Sale fee is $10.00 per year.
    • 3.2% Malt Liquor On/Off Sale fee is $50.00 per year.
  • APPLICATION FOR RETAILER’S (BUYER) CARD FOR LIQUOR OR WINE - If ownership has changed from the last renewal, a new application will need to be submitted for the new owner/entity. This includes a new Buyer’s Card Application as well. * Buyer’s Card not needed for applicants selling ONLY 3.2% Beer *
  • SIGNATURE(S) OF APPLICANT ON APPLICATION(S)
    • Sole Proprietor is the person’s signature.
    • Partnership or Corporation, it should be that person or company name or doing business as (dba)
  • WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
    • Complete all lines required.
    • List Applicant’s Name and Business Name EXACTLY as it appears on Application.
DRAM SHOP (LIQUOR LIABILITY) INSURANCE REQUIRED – Contact your insurance agent to obtain this document.* Licensees obtaining ONLY a 3.2% Malt Liquor License are exempt from this requirement if sales are less than $25,000 at ON sale and $50,000 at OFF sale.
  • The name on the insurance certificate MUST match exactly with the Applicant Name on the application.
    • The name on the insurance certificate matches EXACTLY with the LICENSEE NAME listed on the renewal application. EXAMPLE: Renewal form lists ABC Company, INC. The insurance must also read ABC Company, INC. and not just ABC Company leaving off INC.
    • If your renewal states the LICENSEE NAME as his or her own name, followed by the trade name, the insurance must list BOTH licensee names and trade name.
    • EXAMPLE: Mark & Jane Anderson, DBA Anderson's Eatery. The insurance must include both of these names and not just Anderson's Eatery, or Mark Anderson without Jane's name.
  • The address of the business location MUST be in the Description area of the form. No home address or PO Boxes.
  • Coverage term: coverage dates must appear on the certificate with one of the following:
    • Dates that coincide EXACTLY to the license period – “January 1, 202* – December 31, 202*”
    • Current policy term dates with additional wording in the Description Area: Wording MUST state: "Liquor Liability coverage is continuous until canceled."
  • Certificate Holder: Aitkin County 307 2nd St NW, Room 121 Aitkin, MN 56431
  • APPLICANT INFORMATION APPLICATION
    • Complete all information
    • Personal information if sole ownership; or contact person information if partnership or corporation is license holder.
    • Must have applicant/president’s date of birth.
    • Business Information premise information for the establishment to be licensed.
  • CONSENT OF TOWN BOARD
    • Contact the Town Clerk immediately to be placed on their agenda; Town Board approval is required prior to returning to the Auditor’s Office.
  • AFFIDAVIT AS TO SALES
    • Complete if sales are less than $25,000.
    • Must be notarized.
  • COPY OF MDH FOOD & BEVERAGE LICENSE
    • A copy of your MDH Food & Beverage License renewal will be required from all applicants (unless you are only applying for Off-Sale).

Should you require additional assistance, please visit dps.mn.gov. Per MN State Statutes: 340A.907 – A State Inspector may inspect the premises for compliance.

Time is of the essence. Application, forms and fees are due to our office no later than the first Tuesday in December. Your application will need to be added to the Aitkin County Board agenda for approval.

If you have any questions, you can contact our office at (218) 927-7354 or auditor@co.aitkin.mn.us

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