Pressure Washing 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)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Ohio Vendor's License

   Required for businesses selling taxable goods or services in Ohio. Obtain from the Ohio Department of Taxation or county auditor.

   Official government source

   $50 per fixed place of business (ORC 5739.17)·Same day at county auditor; 1–2 weeks online

   $50 per fixed place of business (ORC 5739.17)

   Same day at county auditor; 1–2 weeks online

2. General Liability Insurance

   Pressure washing businesses in Ohio should carry general liability insurance ($1M minimum per occurrence) to cover property damage. Most commercial clients and property managers require proof of insurance before hiring. Vehicle insurance is also required if using a company vehicle.

   $500–$1,500/year·Same day (online quotes)

   $500–$1,500/year

   Same day (online quotes)

1. Columbus Business License

   Columbus has no general business license. The city's License Section (Dept. of Public Safety) issues licenses only for specific categories — mobile food vending, itinerant/roadway vending, vehicle-for-hire, massage establishments, short-term rentals, and similar — none of which cover this business. Pressure washing businesses register their entity with the Ohio Secretary of State (if LLC/corp) and register for Columbus income tax withholding if hiring employees, but no city business license applies.

   Official government source

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

   N/A — no general business license exists

   N/A

2. Stormwater / Wastewater Discharge Compliance

   Pressure washing businesses in Columbus must comply with the City's stormwater ordinance and Ohio EPA NPDES rules — wastewater containing detergents, oils, or other pollutants may not enter storm drains. Contain and properly dispose of wastewater; contact the City of Columbus Division of Sewerage and Drainage or Ohio EPA's stormwater program for specific requirements (not Franklin County Environmental Health, which does not regulate this).

   Official government source

   No permit fee (compliance requirement)·Ongoing compliance

   No permit fee (compliance requirement)

   Ongoing compliance

3. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration

   If operating under a trade name, register a trade name (DBA) with the Ohio Secretary of State under ORC 1329.01 (a state, not county, filing) before accepting jobs under that name.

   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

• City of Columbus — Business Licensing
• Ohio Department of Environmental Quality
• Ohio Secretary of State

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