Combative Sports licensing system changes

The Office of Combative Sports (OCS) is retiring its current licensing system at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023. As of Monday, May 8, 2023, all online application and renewal activity for OCS license types will move to the new system:  iMS. OCS will provide directions to promoters about how to apply for or renew a license using the new system.

What is iMS?

iMS is a web-based suite of integrated applications that support plan reviews, permitting, inspections, enforcement case management and licensing. The department deployed iMS in several phases, starting in 2019, focusing on construction trades activities and enforcement case management. This third and final phase will bring licensing, construction contractor registration and combative sports activities and data into the same system. If you have engaged in event request activities then you may already be familiar with iMS.

What does this mean for me?

• Improved application and renewal workflow for licenses. This reduces the incidence of duplicate or unintended applications and minimizes common application problems.

• The time to review submitted applications is reduced due to automated workflow improvements. 

• System-generated emails keep license holders informed about important events including medicals expiration, bond expiration, responsible individual status and license renewal eligibility.

• Certain personal licenses renew automatically when license fees are paid.

• Applications and renewals that are in progress as of May 5, 2023, will be completed in iMS.

• OCS process for license submission and collection of license fees will be changing. The date at which this change will begin is still pending.

Important dates

• You will not be able to apply for or renew licenses online from 5 p.m., Thursday, May 4, 2023, through 7 a.m., Monday, May 8, 2023. Staff may not be able to answer questions about specific applications during this time.

• iMS will be unavailable for activity related to event requests from 5 p.m., Friday, May 5, 2023, until 7 a.m., Monday, May 8, 2023.

• iMS will be available at 7 a.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023, for all activity related to licensing, plan review, permitting and inspections.

Questions? 

For help with licensing questions call 651-284-5034 or email dli.license@state.mn.us.