OH Business License Basics
If you own a business in Ohio you'll need a license to operate. There are various types of Ohio business licenses and permits that are required by various government entities at federal, state and local levels. An operating license is the basic type of business license that most all businesses will be required to have.
Each level of government has specific regulations and requirements that need to be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t understand the licensing rules in Ohio and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business at risk.
Types of Business Licenses in Ohio
Federal Business Licenses – The U.S. government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business participates in any of these federally regulated activities you will have to get a federal business license.
Activities that'll be required to get a federal business license include:
- Alcohol manufacturing, importing and sales
- Agriculture
- Firearm dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Ammunition and Explosives dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Aviation
- Wildlife related activities
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – The majority of Ohio businesses must obtain some sort of state business license to be able to legally operate. At the very least a business will need to get a professional or occupational license. Ohio business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Ohio governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some sort of local business license in order to operate in Ohio.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide selection of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Ohio Business License
The steps you will have to take to obtain a business license in Ohio will vary depending on what sort of business license you have to get. No matter what type of license you are trying to get you will need to fill out application form(s) and supply details about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you'll have numerous forms to fill out. Be prepared to supply your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The SBA (Small Business Administration) has great online tools for helping business owners decide exactly what type of Ohio business licenses they should get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need assistance with licensing, the SBA is the best place to learn more.
Maintaining Your Ohio Business License
Once you get your Ohio business licenses and permits you must still maintain them year after year to keep them current. The guidelines below are recommended in order to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Track when licenses and permits must be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you want to change or expand your business make sure you verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.