Business licenses are an important legal requirement for any businesses that trade within or from Ohio, whether they intend to operate a main location or a branch. All businesses in Ohio need a business license to trade and pay their tax.
How much is a business license in Ohio? Business license registration in Ohio costs approximately $25 and administration fees to apply for a business license. Additional permits can still be necessary, and other companies like an LLC could incur more costs to register in Ohio.
Ohio requires a general business license to remain tax compliant in the state, and all businesses will need one even if other permits are necessary too. Ohio has made it easy to apply for or renew most types of licenses and permits online – but it can also be done at the relevant local Ohio office.
Ohio Business License & Permit Registration
Business licenses, employee identification numbers (EIN) and special liquor or food sales permits are just some of the important documents required by law in Ohio. Any and all businesses must apply for the basic business license before they are allowed to trade or open.
A business license costs approximately $25 to apply for online or through your local city or town office. Applications are immediate, but online applications can take 2 to 4 weeks to be approved. In-person applications can take longer according to state resources.
Ohio sales and business licenses are valid for a period of 2 years from their date of approval. Unlike most other states, an Ohio business license will renew automatically – though renewal fees could still be payable.
Basic licenses are required for all types of businesses in Ohio, including consumer retail, online sales, entertainment, food and agriculture. Applicants will be required to state their type of license clearly on the form.
There’s one catch in Ohio: anything that is not a basic sales license and for a specific industry can cost up to $250 to register. These licenses apply to any companies or businesses that are more than “basic sales”.
Online applications forms must be accompanied by the necessary fees to be valid. Fees are non-refundable, even if a license application has been filled in wrong.
If the application is successful, the applicant will receive a downloadable copy of their valid license within 2 to 4 weeks while the print copy is sent via the mail.
Registrations are fast, but Ohio resources recommend to make applications online to ensure faster processing. An in-person application for an Ohio business license should take 2 to 4 weeks, but can take longer at busy times of the year.
Without a business license in place, businesses operate below the law and could be subject to heavy fines or closure as a result. Ohio is strict about the basic business license requirement, and the laws get enforced often.
Types of Business Licenses
| An LLC or Company | An LLC is a specific business license that might cost more to register in Ohio. |
| A General Operating License | A general operating license is another name for a business license, and is necessary for all business types in Ohio. |
| A Food License | Food licenses are required for any businesses that sell or trade in food or beverage items. |
Ohio Business Facts
• All businesses require a basic business license to operate in Ohio, even ones that only want to operate a branch, only offer services or only sell online.
• Without a basic business license, a business could face closure by the state authorities – and massive fines on top of this.
• Basic business license fees cost $25 and up in Ohio, with special licenses like LLCs costing more.
How long does a business license in Ohio take?
Business licenses in Ohio should take no more than 14 days when applied for online, though physical applications or busy times of year could take longer.
When does a business license in Ohio expire?
Most permits and licenses in Ohio last for a period of 1 year from their application date. Expired business licenses are considered just as illegal as operating without a license at all.
Where can I apply for a business license in Ohio?
Business license and permit applications for Ohio can be done through the relevant online portal, or at the closest office to where the business intends to register.
What if my business license is delayed?
Business licenses can be delayed at certain busier times of the y6ear, but should take no more than 31 days to be processed.
Ohio State Business Licenses
Business licenses are required for any type of business who wants to buy, sell, trade or operate within Ohio State. The business license or tax certificate allows them to pay tax to the state as the law requires.
Basic license applications for Ohio cost $25 to apply for, and will remain valid for at least 1 year after the approval date. There are differences when it comes to individual permits and licenses, and applicants are encouraged to check.
Specific businesses, like forestry or agriculture businesses, can expect to pay as much as $250 to register through Ohio State.
Once an Ohio business license has been approved, a temporary copy will become online to display registration details while a physical certificate gets sent through the mail.
Online applications through the ohio.gov portal are recommended as applications are faster, and most application forms and permits can be downloaded from the official resource.
Without a business license, a company technically operates away from the legal framework of Ohio – and could be shut until the right licenses have been obtained from the city or town office.
Here are the business license costs in other states: