Apply For A Business License Columbus, Ohio
Are there any specific business licenses or permits that the City of Columbus, Ohio requires?
Yes, there are several different licenses and permits in Columbus. At this time, the only business permits associated with operating a business that the City of Columbus requires are as follows:
- Arcade or Pool Hall License
- Alarm Business License
- Bondsmen License
- Carnivals, Circuses and Shows License
- Carriage Horse License
- Charitable Solicitation Permit
- Closing Out Sale Permit
- Community Noise Permit
- Community Noise Variance (fine)
- Dance Hall License
- Food Handler License
- Horse Carriage
- Horse Carriage Company License
- Horse Carriage Driver License
- Itinerant Vendor License
- Vehicle for Hire License
- Liquor License (through the State of Ohio not the City of Columbus)
- Livery Chauffeur New and Renewal Fee
- Livery Chauffeur Professional License
- Temporary Livery Owner License
- Livery Chauffeur Business Owner’s License
- Massage Establishment License
- Masseur or Masseuse Registration
- Parade Permit
- Peddler or Promoter License
- Pool and Billiard Room License
- Professional Fundraiser License
- Professional Taxi Driver License
- Push Cart License
- Scrap Facility License
- Taxi Driver License
- Taxi Owner License
What information will you need to complete the Columbus business license or permit process?
The information that will be needed applies to everyone that will need to apply for any business permits. You will require:
- Name of Applicant
- Address of Applicant
- Phone Number of Applicant
- Name of Property Owner’s
- Property Owner’s Phone Number
- Property Owner’s Address
- Business Service and Type
- Proof Certificate of Occupancy
- Date Business Will Commence
- Applicant’s Signature and Date
- Property Owner’s Signature and Date
What is the cost or fee associated with obtaining a business license or permit in Columbus, Ohio?
| Arcade Hall License | $600 annually |
| Alarm Dealer License | $200 annually |
| Alarm Agent License | $50 annually |
| Bondsmen License | $200 annually |
| Carnivals, Circuses and Shows License | $50 per day |
| Carriage Horse License | $35 annually |
| Charitable Sotdcitation Permit | $25 annually |
| Closing Out Sale Permit | $50 per event |
| Community Noise Permit | $150 per event |
| Community Noise Variance (fine) | $100 per occurrence |
| Dance Hall License | $350 annually |
| Food Handler License | |
| Horse Carriage | $100 |
| Horse Carriage Company License | $175 annually |
| Horse Carriage Driver License | $30 annually |
| Itinerant Vendor License | $120 per day |
| Vehicle for Hire License | $100 annually, per vehicle |
| Liquor License (through the State of Ohio not the City of Columbus) | begins at $25-6,000 |
| Livery Chauffeur New and Renewal Fee | $25 annually |
| Livery Chauffeur Professional License | $50 annually |
| Temporary Livery Owner License | $20 up to 36 hours, up to 10 days not over $140 |
| Livery Chauffeur Business Owner’s License | $150 annually |
| Massage Estabtdshment License | $150 annually |
| Masseur or Masseuse Registration | $75 one time |
| Parade Permit | $100 per event |
| Peddler or Promoter License | $100 annually |
| Pool and Biltdard Room License | $125 annually |
| Professional Fundraiser License | $100 per event |
| Professional Taxi Driver License | $50 annually |
| Push Cart License | $100 annually |
| Scrap Facitdty License | $500 annually |
| Taxi Driver License | $25 annually |
| Taxi Owner License | $150 annually |
If you have any questions regarding fees, it is recommended that you call the City of Columbus directly. They can be reached at (614) 645-8366. It is crucial to note that every permit and license application requires an additional $10 for submittal along with these designated fees. Fee is due at the time of application remittance to the City of Columbus.
Who can you contact for a Columbus Itinerant Merchant License (i.e., a peddler or door-to-door sales license)?
You will need to contact the City of Columbus Department of Public Safety License Section at (614) 645-8366. If you wish to complete the application in person, the address is:
City of Columbus
Department of Public Safety, License Section
750 Piedmont Road
Columbus, Ohio 43224
Fax: (614) 645-8912
How long will it take to be issued a business license or permit in Columbus?
The average turnaround time is approximately 5 to 14 business days depending on which application is submitted and if the property location has been approved by the Planning Department.
Is there any assistance for beginning a business in Columbus, Ohio?
Yes. Please contact the City of Columbus Economic Development Division (614) 645-8616. The address is:
City of Columbus
Economic Development Division
150 South Front Street, Suite 220
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Columbus Financial Assistance
What about a Food Handler’s Permit in the City of Columbus, Ohio?
The City of Columbus Public Health Department requires all who wish to engage in the business of handling food to apply for the Food Handler’s License. For more information, visit the Columbus Public Health Department website. Additionally, the City of Columbus offers a pamphlet called Starting a Food Business that contains all of the essential keys to successfully beginning your food handling business in Columbus, it is found at starting a food handling business. If you need the address, it is:
City of Columbus
Public Health Department
240 Parsons Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7417
Where can you apply for a Columbus business license or permit?
You can apply for the majority of business permits for the City of Columbus at:
City of Columbus
Department of Public Safety, License Section
750 Piedmont Road
Columbus, Ohio 43224
Fax: (614) 645-8912
What should be done for a home-based business in Columbus?
You will only be required to obtain a small business license if your business is in the above list. However, all home businesses are mandated to have their property inspected for the proposed business activity to ensure it is within City Code and Ordinances. Contact the Planning Division at (614) 645-8036 or visit http://development.columbus.gov/planning.aspx
Are there any further questions or concerns?
You are welcome to contact the City of Columbus. If you prefer fax, the number is: (614) 645-8912.
City of Columbus
Department of Public Safety, License Section
750 Piedmont Road
Columbus, Ohio 43224
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
http://publicsafety.columbus.gov/content.aspx?id=36051
Click the link to your city below to apply for a business license
| Akron | Canton | Cincinnati |
| Cleveland | Columbus | Dayton |
| Elyria | Springfield | Toledo |
There has never been a better time to get a degree. Even top Universities across the U.S. have joined the movement that’s allowing millions to get an education online. Business degrees are the perfect stepping stone for building a career, increasing earning potential, and ultimately growing your business.
Find out how to improve your knowledge and increase your earning potential by getting an online business degree. Click here to find the program that’s right for you.
Search by State
To find more information about a business license in your state choose the state below.
This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.
