General Contractor License Requirements in Ohio

/ BLOG

General Contractor License Requirements in Ohio

Apr 19, 2022 · 4 minutes to read

A painter white paints on a wall

There are over 11.7 million people living in Ohio, according to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Resourceful tradespeople could find themselves in high demand. Buckeye State residents may be looking for skilled contractors to help them repair, maintain, or transform their living spaces.

An Ohio contractor license is likely necessary to make your small business dreams a reality. Tradespeople may need both state and local licenses to operate legally in Ohio’s many cities and towns. Let’s break down how to get a contractor license in Ohio, from eligibility to insuring your business.

Do you need a contractor license in Ohio?

A general contractor license is not required in Ohio if you perform minor repair work or on home improvement projects under $1,000. However, you may need a license from the state if you plan to work on larger projects.

State-level Ohio contractor licenses are issued by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). A statewide license is required for electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, and hydronics and refrigeration contractors.

General contractor licenses are issued at the local level for trades not covered by the state license. This type of license is necessary to run a residential or home improvement contractor company. Conditions for getting a local contractor license vary by city, but you may need this type of license to satisfy:

Who can apply for an Ohio contractor license?

To apply for an Ohio contractor license at the state level, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien
  • Have at least five years of experience in your trade, have three years of experience as a registered engineer in your trade, or have an equivalent experience that the OCILB finds acceptable
  • Not have been convicted of a crime or other disqualifying offence

Cities and other jurisdictions may have qualifications you must meet in addition to those set by the state. It’s often tricky for contractors in Ohio to determine which licenses they need and the qualifications they must meet because there are multiple licensing levels. Checking the state government website, as well as local government sites, could help you understand your licensing options and responsibilities.

How to Get a Contractor License in Ohio

To get an Ohio contractor license from the state, you need to:

  1. Submit your application and pay the processing fee
  2. Complete a background check – This must be completed before sitting the exam.
  3. Pass your trade exam
  4. Show proof of insurance – Tradespeople need at least $500,000 in general liability insurance coverage.

The process for getting a local license differs from city to city. You will typically need to meet the eligibility standards for the state, plus extra ones for the local area. Here are the basic requirements in three Ohio cities to give you an idea of what you might expect in your area.

1. Columbus Contractor License

To get a Columbus license, you must:

  • Pass an exam
  • Have a minimum of $300,000 in general liability coverage
  • Buy a $25,000 surety bond

2. Cincinnati Contractor License

To get a Cincinnati license, you must:

  • Have at least $100,000 in general liability coverage
  • Have Ohio workers’ compensation coverage
  • Provide a list of registered subcontractors you work with
  • Provide business entity forms, or your Social Security or Tax Identification number

3. Cleveland Contractor License

To get a Cleveland license, you must:

  • Have at least $200,000 in general liability coverage
  • Buy a $25,000 surety bond and attach a power-of-attorney form
  • Include articles of incorporation, if applicable

Do Ohio contractors need business insurance?

General Liability insurance is required for Ohio contractors applying for a state license. You must show proof of at least $500,000 in cover.

Local areas may also require you to have General Liability coverage for their licenses. The amount of insurance you need varies, so it’s wise to check with your local licensing board to learn what insurance commitments you may need to meet.

Putting Ohio Contractors to Work

Figuring out how to get a contractor license in Ohio can be tricky. You may need to be licensed at the state and local levels and meet different eligibility requirements for licensing authorities in both areas. But if you can navigate this process, you might be able to build something great in the Buckeye State!

BizInsure is proud to help Ohio contractors protect their small businesses.

*This information is a general guide only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Always check with your local licensing board when getting or renewing your contractor license to ensure you are meeting their current licensing requirements.

Get Free Online Quotes and get coverage instantly

The coverage you need for your business.

Business insurance is divided into different policies. We offer 4 types so it's easy to design the coverage that fits your business.

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

bizinsurance makes purchasing Business Insurance...SIMPLE!
Andrea W.
1701380391
Great quality of Service ,faster and convenience way to pay at most. Thank you for your Service to my Healthcare Facility .
Quick and easy!!!!
Terry
1701319042
Great service! Easy process and very informative representative. Andrea was great and very patience with our process. I would recommend using them!!
Terrance R.
1700848536
Always and easy process. Thanks!
Gerald S.
1700244544
Renewal was quick and easy online
Angelita K.
1699752900
I had a great experience working with Andrea from BizInsure. She was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and responsive throughout the entire process. She guided me through the different options available and helped me find the perfect home care professional liability insurance policy that suited my needs. Her professionalism and expertise made the entire experience smooth and hassle-free. I highly recommend working with Andrea and BizInsure for all your insurance needs.
Juliette S.
1699032636
Easy to submit an application and to get quotes
Simone S.
1698775217
I had the most pleasant prompt and professional experience of my life with Bizinsure. Everything was completed in record time, at an unbelievable cost…and my certificate of Insurance was promptly emailed to me. Most of all it was effective immediately. No hassle no back & forth, just great service highly recommend to all small businesses.
Marcia S.
1698407456
Excellent
advanced U.
1697824466
Great service. Very professional and cordial. Thanks
Jeremiah U.
1697064641
BizInure has been a great company for our insurance needs. I wish customers services was 24/7, that would make it a five stars
Novilette L. J.
1696828014
Easy to navigate what you need. Always notify ahead of renewal!
Athena T.
1696646371
This is the best company I have ever worked with. They are professional and get you exactly what you need. I highly recommend them!
Jim P.
1696451803
this is really easy
Riaz R.
1696428004
Andrea was very useful and professional. I will be recommending Biznsure to my friends that need business insurance. Keep up the good work. I wish the agency also offers auto insurance and whenever you do I will be one of the first to sign up as sign of my appreciation.Mike Okonkwo.
Mike O
1696282284
Kalab was excellent. Great, great Agent. Every step was organized and well planned. I WILL recommend your firm to anyone. Thank you...
Easy to renew Policy
Plain S.
1695644756
Great total experience. The agent was professional, knowledgeable,and a pleasure to work with. The fastest business insurance purchase I've ever experience. I highly recommend Bizinsure.
Tony W.
1695492357
Communication was excellent and the process was easy.
Jessie R.
1695153508
I have been using Bizinsure for several years and find the ease of renewing as well as generating additional insured certificates to be easy and useful, especially as a sole prop. thank you
Michelle C.
1695060008
Kaleb tailored the right coverage to our business. Customer service was good and gave great understanding of coverage. Thank you from Goleda's Gentle Homecare LLC
Aneesah M.
1695056651
A GOOD COMPANY FOR HEALTH CARE INC
Supreme A.
1694871640
Easiest & fastest online quote and purchasing experience out there. Inside of 10 minutes I had a quote, payment draft, and policy in force... and at the most competitive GL rates I found.
Rusty H.
1694699044
very quick and prompt service.
Sally Jo W.
1694180429
caleb was great in helping me navigate thecorrect liabilty insurance for my company
Lindsay Erin P.
1694135867
Friendly fast service I recommend you to all vendors
Terry R.
1694133043
Great
Kemi S.
1694119021
Great Customer service and easy renewal process!!!! I would refer this company to anyone.
Chris H.
1694038325
Great company easy to work with, Andrew was very helpful,you can call him any time he is ready to listen and help
Olu A.
1693959486
Good customer service indeed
BASSI T.
1693944217
js_loader
Google Rating
4.6
Based on 214 reviews
×
js_loader