Pest Control Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. EPA Federal Pesticide Requirements

   Federal law (FIFRA) requires all pesticide applicators to use only EPA-registered products and follow label instructions. Commercial applicators must maintain application records for at least 2 years.

   Official government source

   No federal fee·Ongoing compliance

   No federal fee

   Ongoing compliance

1. Ohio — Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

   Ohio requires commercial pesticide applicators to be licensed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Pest control businesses must be registered. Categories include general pest control, termites, and public health pests.

   Official government source

   $35 per commercial applicator license category (annual, Oct 1-Sep 30) plus $35 per pesticide business/registered-location license·4–8 weeks

   $35 per commercial applicator license category (annual, Oct 1-Sep 30) plus $35 per pesticide business/registered-location license

   4–8 weeks

2. Ohio — Sales Tax / Business Registration

   Ohio imposes sales tax on pest control (exterminating) services -- ORC 5739.01 explicitly lists 'exterminating service' as taxable. Register with the Ohio Department of Taxation and obtain a vendor's license to collect and remit sales tax.

   Official government source

   $50 (vendor's license)·1–2 weeks

   $50 (vendor's license)

   1–2 weeks

1. Columbus — General Business License

   Columbus does not require a general business license for businesses operating within city limits — the city issues category-specific licenses (e.g., mobile vending, hotels, massage establishments) rather than a citywide BTR. Pest control companies are licensed at the state level by the Ohio Department of Agriculture; no separate Columbus general business license applies.

   Official government source

   N/A — no such citywide license exists·N/A

   N/A — no such citywide license exists

   N/A

2. Ohio Department of Agriculture — Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

   Ohio requires commercial pesticide applicators to be licensed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and pest control businesses to hold a pesticide business license for each registered location. Categories include general pest control, termites, and public health pests. Licenses run October 1 through September 30 and must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $35 per commercial applicator license per licensing period (OAC 901:5-11-04) plus $35 per pesticide business license and registered location (OAC 901:5-11-03); late renewal adds 50%·4–8 weeks (exam scheduling and processing)

   $35 per commercial applicator license per licensing period (OAC 901:5-11-04) plus $35 per pesticide business license and registered location (OAC 901:5-11-03); late renewal adds 50%

   4–8 weeks (exam scheduling and processing)

Official Sources

• Ohio Department of Agriculture — Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• Columbus City Business Licensing

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