The mission of the License Section is to administer and enforce
all laws, rules and regulations relating to licensing and permit requirements
for various types of businesses, charitable solicitations and users of alarm
systems.
Below is a complete list of licenses that the License Section issues. Each
section contains the following:
- a link to the applicable Columbus City Code;
- any application(s) that is required to
obtain the license; and
- any 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.
COVID-19
NOTICE UPDATE
- *The Department of Public Safety License Section continues to be
closed to the public based upon Mayor Ginther’s COVID State of Emergency. The Division
is working towards completion of a reopening plan that will be the most
protective of the public and our employees. The office is accepting and
processing payments and supporting documentation for the below processes.
For your convenience, the License Section has installed a secure drop box at
4252 Groves Road which can be utilized to drop off applications, payments and
any other documentation. It is located to the right side of the employee
entrance, which is under the gray awning on the south side of
the building. That box is checked every morning during the work
week.
Thank
you for your consideration during this time.
In
the interim, the following remote licensing processes will be in place:
MOST CURRENT
licenses that expire on or after March 18, 2020 have been extended until 14
days past the date the Mayor lifts the COVID State of Emergency. EXCEPTIONS,
based upon continued public safety are: Hotels/Motels and
Taxi/Livery vehicles.
- The office is issuing licenses for NEW BUSINESSES ONLY (mobile
food vending, short term rentals, vehicle for hire, commercial, arcade,
massage, etc.) by utilizing the following REMOTE process:
- Please go to the below link for the license type and print off
all paperwork, including the checklist and FAQs. Complete all paperwork
and obtain any necessary notary certification.
- Obtain a BCI background check (all but charitable, parade,
community market, and alarm USERS permits) by going to a remote WebCheck
location. Those can be found at: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Services-for-Business/WebCheck/Webcheck-Community-Listing. It
is advised you call before to ascertain that they are open. You must have
the WebCheck outlet that you choose use the reason code: ”Other- required for
city license” and submit your fingerprints with instructions to MAIL the
results to: Columbus Public Safety, License Section, 4252 Groves Road,
Columbus, Ohio 43232. BACKGROUND RESULTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN ANY
OTHER MANNER.
- If you are out of state, you can follow the instructions under
Short Term Rental licenses below to obtain an out of state background request.
- Obtain a Letter of Good Standing from the Columbus Auditor’s
office/ Income Tax Division. They can be contacted by phone at 614-645-7370.
- Please contact the License Section by utilizing the link to the
appropriate email box under the type of license for which you are requesting
licensure. A License Officer will contact you to complete the
process. You will be requested to either mail or scan and email your
documents to them at a secure email address. Any notarized documents must
be accompanied by a photocopy of the ID you presented when the documents were
notarized. The License Officer will assist you in payment, which can either
be a mailed check (address) or paid online via a link the License Officer will
supply.
- Once all paperwork, including BCI results have been obtained,
verified, approved and your payment received, your license will be emailed to
you.
- For Mobile Food Vending, and Vehicle for Hire (owners), you will
be required to have an inspection(s). The License Officer will schedule
an inspection via appointment at a convenient time. Mobile Food Vending
will also need a health, fire and pressure valve test, which will be explained
by the License Officer.
- You can reach out at any time with questions or follow-up by
utilizing the link associated with the needed license below.
Please keep in mind
all alarm related payments can be made on-line at: https://product.cityalarmpermit.com/FAMSCITIZEN/columbus/
FOOD DELIVERY FEE CAP UPDATE
Please refer to the below linked letter for instructions on
how the fee cap applies to restaurants.
Restaurant Information Letter
Please refer to below link for the City of Columbus Legislation Report.
Legislation Report 2788-2020
For more information contact the below email at:
[email protected]
UPCOMING WEBEX MEETINGS AND HEARINGS:
Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 9:30 am – Vehicle for Hire Board monthly
meeting. This meeting will take place virtually via WebEx. If interested,
please contact [email protected],
and you will be provided a link to the meeting