Event Planning Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if operating as a business entity (LLC or corporation) or if you have employees. Free from the IRS. You will need an EIN to open a business bank account and sign vendor contracts professionally.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Ohio Business Registration

   Event planning businesses operating in Ohio must register with the Ohio Secretary of State if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership. A sole proprietor doing business under any name other than their own legal name files a trade name (DBA) registration with the Secretary of State as well — Ohio county clerks do not register trade names. An LLC provides personal liability protection, which is especially important when coordinating large events.

   Official government source

   $99 flat for entity formation (Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation, Form 610/532A); $39 for a trade name/fictitious name registration (Form 534A)·1–7 business days (online)

   $99 flat for entity formation (Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation, Form 610/532A); $39 for a trade name/fictitious name registration (Form 534A)

   1–7 business days (online)

2. Ohio Sales Tax Permit (if applicable)

   Event planning coordination services are generally not subject to sales tax in Ohio, but if your business sells taxable items — such as event supplies, decorations, floral arrangements, or other tangible goods — you must collect and remit state sales tax. Some states specifically tax event planning or entertainment services. Confirm your obligations with the Ohio Department of Revenue.

   Official government source

   $50 (vendor's license fee, if a license is needed)·Immediate (online)

   $50 (vendor's license fee, if a license is needed)

   Immediate (online)

1. Columbus General Business License

   Columbus has no general business license. Event planners register their entity with the Ohio Secretary of State (if LLC/corp) and register for Columbus income tax withholding if hiring employees; no city business license applies. If you work primarily from home coordinating events elsewhere, a Home Occupation zoning approval (Columbus Zoning Code §3332.37 et seq.) may still be required — confirm with Building and Zoning Services.

   Official government source

   N/A — no general business license exists·N/A

   N/A — no general business license exists

   N/A

2. Columbus Special Event Permit (for events in public spaces)

   When coordinating events that use Columbus public parks, streets, plazas, or other public venues, a Special Event Permit is required from the city. As the event planner, you may be responsible for obtaining this permit on behalf of your client. Permit requirements typically include event details, expected attendance, proof of general liability insurance ($1M minimum), and sometimes a site plan or traffic management plan.

   Official government source

   $50–$500 depending on event size, venue, and city fee schedule·2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

   $50–$500 depending on event size, venue, and city fee schedule

   2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

3. Franklin County Temporary Use / Special Event Permit (if applicable)

   Events held outside Columbus city limits, in unincorporated Franklin County, may be subject to county zoning and health requirements rather than city permits. Requirements (insurance, site plan, sanitation) depend on the specific venue and use — confirm applicable requirements with Franklin County's zoning and public health departments before the event.

   Official government source

   Varies by venue and jurisdiction — confirm with the applicable local authority·Varies — confirm with the applicable local authority

   Varies by venue and jurisdiction — confirm with the applicable local authority

   Varies — confirm with the applicable local authority

Official Sources

• Columbus Business Licensing
• Ohio Secretary of State — Business Registration
• IRS EIN Application

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