Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

Complete permit and license guide for starting a handyman business in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.

$300 -- $700 4–8 weeks 3 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Columbus / Franklin County Requirements

1 requirement
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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.

$435 (application + license fees)4–8 weeks (includes exam scheduling)
Official government source

Ohio State Requirements

1 requirement
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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.

N/AN/A
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
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EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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