Ohio Vendor License Information

If you are a business owner in Ohio, you may be required to obtain licenses on the local and state levels. Some types of businesses need only an Ohio vendor license, while others need specific licenses or permits from the city and county where they operate. For information on local business licenses in your area, head to the websites of your city and county governments.

There are two kinds of vendors: a regular vendor and a transient vendor. A regular vendor has a fixed place of business in one county and can only make sales at that location. A transient vendor transports a stock of goods to temporary exhibits (county fairs, trade shows, flea markets) in other counties. A transient vendor can sell in all counties with a temporary exhibit.

To register as a vendor, you must provide the North American Industry Classification System code for your business and the name and address of your company. You must also provide your business’s Federal Employer Identification Number. If you are a corporation, LLC, or LP, you must list the Ohio corporate charter or foreign license number issued by the state’s Secretary of State.

How to Use Ohio Business Gateway for Vendor License?

Some local businesses need a city/village or county license, while others may require a state or federal license. It is important to review the OH Department of Taxation Licensing Requirements to find out which permits your business must have. You can also visit the Ohio Business Gateway or contact your local county auditor’s office.

The Ohio Business Gateway is a one-stop website for all of the registration, licensing, and permitting your business needs to operate in Ohio. This site includes helpful information about local, state and federal business requirements. It also offers workshops that help businesses navigate the process of obtaining a license. The presentations are available in both English and Spanish, and can be viewed online. The site also features helpful tools and resources, including the Ohio Business Gateway App and an interactive map of Ohio’s counties.