Get Business Licenses and Permits in Ohio

Congratulations on becoming a business owner! Even if you are still in the planning stages, deciding to go into business for yourself is a monumental and exciting decision. As the plan comes together, it’s important to check all the administrative boxes to make sure you’re in compliance with all business laws and regulations. Let us help you with our Worry-Free Compliance service. Most businesses require some form of license or permit to do what they do. Business licenses and permits can be issued at the federal, state, and local levels and also by specific industries.

Let’s take a look at what kinds of permits or licenses your Ohio business might need and how our Business License Report service can help you get it done easily.

What is a business license?

Just like a driver’s license gives you permission to operate a car, a business license gives you permission to operate your business. Some local governments in Ohio require all the businesses in their jurisdictions to have a general business license. Otherwise, your need for a business license or permit depends on the specific attributes of your business. Business license and permit obligations often have to do with the industry you’re in, your location, and your business activities. You might also need multiple business licenses from federal, state, and local government agencies. A lot of different governing bodies might require your business to have a license or permit, but there isn’t a central place to search to make sure you’ve fulfilled all of your licensing and permit obligations. 

How to get your Ohio business licenses and permits

Step 1: Search for any necessary Ohio general business licenses

Some states require a general business license. There is no general Ohio state business license, but there are many other licenses and permits that could apply to you. Diligent research is necessary to determine what your business needs to remain compliant at all levels. Instead of spending your time searching the internet and calling numerous agencies pertaining to your business, consider our Business License Report to help you determine what Ohio business licenses and permits are needed for what you do. 

Ohio business licenses vs. Ohio business registration 

Business licenses are often confused with business registration. These are two different things. Registration is the act of officially forming a business and creating your legal entity. Business licenses or permits allow you to legally perform particular business activities. 

There are specific documents that need to be filed with the Ohio Secretary of State to form a business entity whether it’s an Ohio corporation, Ohio limited liability company, limited partnership, professional corporation, or other. There’s a lot to take into consideration when determining what type of business structure you want to create. Some deciding factors may include management structure, tax preference, and other specifics pertaining to your industry. 

The type of entity you choose will determine what documents to file. So if you’re in the business formation process, consider learning more about how our business formation plans may help guide you along the way. 

Step 2: Obtain applicable federal licenses for your Ohio business

Licensing for Ohio businesses can be required at all levels including local, state, and federal. Federal agencies govern licensing and permitting for several industries. Failing to obtain federal licenses or permits for your company could result in penalties, fines, and other legal actions including dissolution of the business entity. Check the following list to find out more about the industries that are federally regulated. 

• The agriculture industry involves the import or transport of animals, animal products, biologics, biotechnology, or plants across state lines. The agency that issues agricultural licenses is the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• The alcoholic beverage industry involves the manufacture, wholesale, import, or sale of alcoholic beverages at a retail location. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the Local Alcohol Beverage Control Board regulate the alcoholic beverage industry and issue the required licenses.

• The aviation industry involves operating aircraft, transporting goods or people via air, or aircraft maintenance. The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the industry and issues the required licenses.

• The firearms, ammunition, and explosives industry involves manufacturing, dealing, and importing firearms, ammunition, and explosives. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives regulates the industry and issues the requisite licenses and permits.

• The fish and wildlife industry includes businesses engaged in any wildlife-related activities, including the import or export of wildlife and derivative products. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulates the industry and issues the necessary licenses.

• If your business engages in commercial fishing of any kind, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service regulates and issues the licenses for this industry.

• The Federal Maritime Commission regulates businesses that provide ocean transportation or facilitate the shipment of cargo by sea and issues the required permits.

• The mining and drilling industry includes businesses involved in drilling for natural gas, oil, or other mineral resources on federal land. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement regulates the industry and issues the required licenses.

• The nuclear energy industry involves businesses that produce commercial nuclear energy, have a fuel cycle facility, or are involved in the distribution and disposal of nuclear materials. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates the industry and issues the licenses that are necessary.

• The radio and television broadcasting industry involves businesses that broadcast information by radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable. The Federal Communications Commission regulates this industry and issues the required licenses. Licensing is also required at the state level.

Step 3: Check for Ohio permits and licenses

There are a number of licenses and permits that are issued by state-wide entities. Most of these are industry-specific for business activities within the state of Ohio. The state government’s license and permits page has a list of business types with corresponding information regarding the type of licenses needed. Let’s discuss a few Ohio business license examples.

Hauling Permits (Oversized Loads) 

The Ohio Department of Transportation (DOT) is in charge of all regulating traffic along state roadways including issuing special hauling permits for vehicles carrying loads that exceed the statutory maximum legal weights and dimensions. If your business is involved in the transportation of oversized or overweight items, you’ll be required to obtain a permit from the Ohio DOT. 

Alternative and Standard Energy

The electricity industry is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). You need to be certified by the PUCO before you can enter the Ohio market as an electricity supplier of standard or alternative energy such as wind farms. 

Combat Sport Professionals

The Ohio Athletic Commission regulates boxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling, and other combat sports and events. Professional athletes in these sports and their managers need to be licensed with the commission. This also includes licensing for promoters, events, and other professionals. 

Environmental Permits

If your business’s project or activity will discharge any pollutants to the air, land, water, or sewers, you probably need a permit from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This may depend on the type and quantity of the substance. If your company is involved in the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous wastes, you may need a permit as well. 

Ohio Liquor Sales

Any restaurant or other establishment that sells liquor will need to acquire a specific state license from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control. There are multiple types of Ohio liquor licenses that your business may need depending on the type of establishment, type of alcohol sold, and whether or not it will be sold on Sunday. 

Agriculture Labor Camp

Farming operations that employ workers require a permit from the Ohio Department of Health. This permit is also needed to maintain one or more buildings, trailers, tents, or vehicles used for agricultural businesses. A permit is also needed if you’re going to use any of your land as temporary living quarters for two or more families or five or more persons. These must be agriculture or food-processing employees.  Occupancy is permitted by rent, lease, or mutual agreement.

Step 4: Check your city or county for local licensing in Ohio

There are 88 counties in Ohio. Check with the specific county or municipality where you do business to ensure that you meet all their requirements and obtain proper licenses and permits to do business. Start your search for local requirements by visiting your county’s website. 

Step 5: Search for applicable Ohio professional licenses

There are many different types of licensed professions. A professional license is a document certifying that you have obtained all proper educational credentials and met all requirements to work in a certain profession. These are authorized and issued by agencies specific to the occupation or trade. Some professional Ohio business licenses include:

• Accounting
• Veterinary medicine
• Ambulance licensing
• Cosmetic therapy
• Embalming
• Optometry 
• Chiropractic medicine
• Massage therapy
• Real estate

Find out more about professional licenses in Ohio by visiting the state government’s license and permits page. Use the search function to determine what professional licenses your industry requires.

Step 6: Obtain any other necessary Ohio business licenses and permits 

There are many licenses and permits that extend across multiple industries. Depending on the degree of regulation required for your industry, you may need a number of other Ohio state business licenses and permits. Someone who runs a dairy farm will have very different permitting requirements than someone who sells candles. Here are a few general Ohio business licenses and permits:

• Zoning
• Vendor license
• Health permits
• Environmental permits
• Building permits
• Signage permits
• Seller/reseller permits
• Alarm permits
• City business licenses/tax permits

If you think any of these may apply to you, be sure to check your licensing requirements. 

Step 7: Apply for Ohio home-based business licenses

Ohio home-based businesses have to register with the state like any other business. If you’re starting a home-based business, check with your local governing agency for any restrictions such as type of business, zoning, signage, equipment, staffing, hours of operation, and other concerns. Most municipalities assert that the business needs to be a secondary use of the home. 

Step 8: Maintain your Ohio licensing  

Most Ohio business licenses and permits need to be renewed periodically. This could be yearly, every few years, or for every event held. Failure to maintain your licenses and permits could result in penalties, fines, or even an inability to conduct business in the state. 

While you’re spending precious time searching online and calling agencies to verify what you need, you could be focusing on running your business. Our license report service may help you determine what Ohio business licenses and permits are needed to keep your company compliant. Our partner uses information about the location of your business, your industry, and your activities to identify all licensing requirements.

Let us help keep your Ohio business state-compliant

It’s going to take time for you to hunt down all the various licenses and permits you need from federal, state, or local governments. It can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. If you miss even one of the licenses or permits required, it can immediately affect your business.

Luckily, we have a tool that can make this search much easier. Our Business License Report can help you determine what licenses and permits you need from every level of government. Our partners base their reports on the industry, location, and specific activities that affect your business. They provide you with a report that helps you identify the federal, state, and local license requirements that your business needs.