Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Ohio — No Statewide Handyman License

   Ohio does not require a statewide handyman or general contractor license. Contractor licensing is handled at the municipal level. Columbus requires its own city-level Home Improvement Contractor license as described above. Other Ohio cities have their own requirements — always verify with the specific municipality.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

1. Columbus Home Improvement General Contractor License

   The City of Columbus requires a Home Improvement General Contractor License (or Limited Home Improvement General Contractor) for anyone performing structural additions, alterations, or repairs to existing 1-, 2-, or 3-family dwellings. The application fee is $185, and the license fee is $250. You must also have 3 years of hands-on experience and pass an exam. A Limited Home Improvement General Contractor license ($185 application + $250 license) allows for specializations in specific fields.

   Official government source

   $435 (application + license fees)·4–8 weeks (includes exam scheduling)

   $435 (application + license fees)

   4–8 weeks (includes exam scheduling)

Official Sources

• City of Columbus — Contractor Licenses
• Ohio Department of Commerce

Related Guides