Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH
Complete permit and license guide for starting a real estate agent in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (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 for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)FreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Ohio
2 stopsOhio 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 for Ohio Division of Real Estate — Salesperson License (opens in a new tab)$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
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 for Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance (opens in a new tab)$300–$800/year1–5 business days
$300–$800/year
1–5 business days
City of Columbus / Franklin County
1 stopColumbus — 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 for Columbus — No Additional Local License Required for Agents (opens in a new tab)No additional fee for individual agentsN/A
No additional fee for individual agents
N/A
Terminus
Open for business — est. $550–$1,300 · 4–14 weeks to obtain license and begin practice
Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?
Official Sources
Related Guides
Other business types in Columbus, OH
- Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH
- Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH
- Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH
- Catering Business Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH
- Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH
- Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH
Real Estate Agent in other cities
- Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Aberdeen, SD
- Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Albuquerque, NM
- Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Anchorage, AK
- Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD
- Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA
- Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Austin, TX