Business License by State

Business License by State › Ohio

Ohio business license (2026)

We could not confirm from Ohio’s own pages whether the state requires a general business license, so check with your city or county. The state’s starting-a-business page is linked below.

  • State page read October 21, 2026
  • Not confirmed: check locally

Ohio at a glance

State rule
Not confirmed from the state’s pages: check with your city or county
Next step
Ask your city or county clerk, and check the licensing board for your industry.
Forming an LLC
$99 with the Ohio Secretary of State
Best overall in Ohio

Mainstay Filing

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

$199 / year, same at renewal

  • LLC formation, prepared and filed
  • Registered agent, all year
  • EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
  • Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
  • Compliance reminders and stored documents

Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.

Questions

Does Ohio require a business license?

We could not confirm from Ohio’s own pages whether the state requires a general business license, so check with your city or county. The state’s starting-a-business page is linked below.

Who do I contact in Ohio?

Your city or county clerk, the licensing board for your industry, and the Ohio Secretary of State for forming the company.

Is a Ohio LLC the same as a license?

No. Forming the LLC is a filing with the Ohio Secretary of State, which charges $99. A license, where one applies, is a separate step.

Sources