Massage Therapy 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 Massage Therapy License (OSEL)

   Ohio requires all massage therapists to be licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio. Requirements include completing a State Examination for a License (OSEL), 600 hours of approved education, passing the MBLEx exam, and a background check. Licenses are valid for two years.

   Official government source

   $153.50 (initial application: $150.00 + $3.50 transaction fee); $103.50 renewal ($100.00 + $3.50 transaction fee)·4–8 weeks

   $153.50 (initial application: $150.00 + $3.50 transaction fee); $103.50 renewal ($100.00 + $3.50 transaction fee)

   4–8 weeks

2. Ohio Vendor's License

   Required for massage therapy businesses in Ohio. ORC 5739.01 defines massage as a taxable 'personal care service,' so massage therapy sessions themselves are generally subject to Ohio sales tax (unless provided by an exempt licensed provider such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or chiropractor); retail product sales are also taxable. Apply through the Ohio Department of Taxation.

   Official government source

   $50·Immediate (online)

   $50

   Immediate (online)

1. Columbus Business License / Vendor's License

   Massage establishments in Columbus must obtain a vendor's license from the Ohio Department of Taxation if selling taxable goods/services, plus a City of Columbus Massage Establishment license from the License Section (Dept. of Public Safety, City Code Ch. 501/540) and comply with zoning. A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial location.

   Official government source

   $50 (vendor's license) + Massage Establishment license fee (License Section) + $100–$300 (CO)·2–4 weeks

   $50 (vendor's license) + Massage Establishment license fee (License Section) + $100–$300 (CO)

   2–4 weeks

2. Ohio Trade Name Registration (DBA)

   If operating under a business name other than your legal name, register a trade name (DBA) with the Ohio Secretary of State under ORC 1329.01 — not the Franklin County Recorder's Office.

   Official government source

   $39 one-time filing fee ($25 to renew every 5 years)·Filed online; typically processed within a few business days

   $39 one-time filing fee ($25 to renew every 5 years)

   Filed online; typically processed within a few business days

Official Sources

• Ohio State Medical Board — Massage Therapy
• City of Columbus — Building Services
• Franklin County Recorder

Related Guides