Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you operate as an LLC, corporation, or have employees. Free from the IRS. Even sole proprietors may benefit from obtaining an EIN to keep business and personal finances separate.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Ohio Division of Real Estate — Salesperson License

   Ohio requires real estate salesperson applicants to complete 100 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider (40 hours Real Estate Principles & Practices, 40 hours Ohio Real Estate Law, 10 hours Real Estate Appraisal, 10 hours Real Estate Finance — reduced from 120 hours by House Bill 238, effective April 9, 2025), pass the Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam (administered by PSI), and apply to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. You must work under a licensed broker.

   Official government source

   $81 (Division exam application fee) + ~$63 (PSI exam-day fee) + $70 (license fee) + $400–$700 (pre-licensing education, may be lower given the reduced 100-hour requirement)·4–12 weeks

   $81 (Division exam application fee) + ~$63 (PSI exam-day fee) + $70 (license fee) + $400–$700 (pre-licensing education, may be lower given the reduced 100-hour requirement)

   4–12 weeks

2. Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance

   Most real estate brokerages require agents to carry Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects against claims of negligent acts or omissions in real estate transactions. Some states mandate it; most brokerages require it. Coverage typically starts at $100,000 per occurrence.

   Official government source

   $300–$800/year·1–5 business days

   $300–$800/year

   1–5 business days

1. Columbus — No Additional Local License Required for Agents

   Real estate salespersons in Columbus are licensed at the state level by the Ohio Division of Real Estate. No additional Columbus city-specific license is required for individual salespersons.

   Official government source

   No additional fee for individual agents·N/A

   No additional fee for individual agents

   N/A

Official Sources

• Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing
• Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing

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