Below is a complete list of licenses that the License Section issues. Each section contains the following:
- any application(s) and/or form(s) required to obtain the license; and
- link(s) to the applicable Columbus City Code;
- rules and regulations that may apply to the specific section of the code.
Information submitted through the City of Columbus' website may be subject to disclosure pursuant to a public records request. Information submitted through the City's website may be shared with another governmental agency if the visitor's inquiry relates to that agency. Certain types of information (such as electronic payment information) are exempt from disclosure as public records. If you have questions about the Ohio Public Records laws, refer to State of Ohio's Revised Code, Section 149.43, Availability of Public Records.
Please ensure you have all required paperwork prior to submitting your application. Incomplete applications (including all required documents) will not be accepted. For your convenience, the License Section has installed a secure drop box at 4252 Groves Road which can be utilized during non-business hours.
- A BCI background check, which is required for all license applications (with the exception of Charitable Solicitations, Community Market, and Community Noise), can be conducted at the License Section at the time of application submission. If electing to conduct the BCI background check through a third-party Webcheck agency, the results must be received by the License Section directly from Ohio BCI.
- If applying from out of state, please follow the instructions under the Short Term Rentals dropdown for Non-Ohio Residence Only Background Check procedures.
- A Letter of Good Standing, issued by the City of Columbus Division of Income Tax, can be obtained via crisp.columbus.gov. For questions, please call the CRISP help line at (614) 645-8899 (Mon-Fri, 9:00 am-4:00 pm).
- For Mobile Food Vending, and Vehicle for Hire Owners, an inspection of the operating vehicle/unit is required. The License Officer will schedule an inspection appointment after all requirements are met.