In Columbus, Ohio, the city oversees contractor licensing processes for general contractors and specialty contractors. With this guide, you can map out the specific requirements and licensing steps required to get the Columbus contractor license you need.

How to Get a Columbus Contractor License

All contractors in Columbus, Ohio need to be licensed through the Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS).  There are various contractor types with similar, but unique, application processes:

• General contractor
• Home improvement contractor
• Sewer and water contractor
• OCILB contractors (HVAC), 
• Fire protection contractor
• Sign erection contractor
• Demolition contractor
• Journeymen person/plumber 
• Special inspector

If you’re ready to get licensed, keep reading. We’ll outline the step-by-step process for the most common Columbus contractor license applications below.    

How to Get a Columbus General Contractor License

A City of Columbus general contractor constructs:

• New structures or buildings
• Structural additions, alterations or repairs to existing commercial or multi-family dwellings

To apply for a general contractor license follow the steps below.

Step 1: Purchase your surety bond

The Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services requires a $25,000 surety bond from all licensed general contractors.

You can purchase your bond online today for a flat rate of $250.

Step 2: Get liability insurance

Get a Certificate of Liability Insurance listing “City of Columbus, Department of Building & Zoning Services,” as the certificate holder.

Your policy must have liability limits of at least $300,000 for damages to one person, and $500,000 minimum coverage per occurrence.

Step 3: Fill out the application

Next, fill out the general contractor application form. Once complete, sign it in the presence of an officer from the Building and Zoning Commission or a notary public. 

Step 4: Submit and pay fees

Lastly, submit the complete application packet to the BZS: 

• Application form
• Surety bond form
• Certificate of insurance 
• $350 registration fee (check or credit card payment)

As outlined above, you can apply via mail or email. 

How to Get a Columbus Sewer & Water Contractor License

Sewer, water, and combined sewer and water contractors are responsible for the maintenance and repair of sewer, water, and combined systems in Columbus, Ohio. 

To get your City of Columbus sewer and/or water contractor license, follow the steps listed below. 

Step 1: Meet experience requirements

First, confirm if you have the appropriate work experience. You must meet one of the requirements below:

• Have 3 years of cumulative work experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor, on sewer lines, water systems, or combined systems
• Hold a current sewer/water contractor license in another recognized municipality or state
• Have 2 full years of experience working on sewer lines and/or water systems

Step 2: Purchase a surety bond

Next, buy a $25,000 Columbus contractor surety bond to submit with your license application. These cost $250 per year or less with SuretyBonds.com. 

Step 3: Get liability insurance

Purchase a liability insurance policy and must attach proof of coverage with limits of liability at least $300,000 for damages to one person, and $500,000 for one occurrence.

Step  4: Get board approval

Before applying, you’ll need an approval letter from the Department of Public Utilities Board. Submit an application for pre-approval for the Board to review at their next meeting.

Step 5: Complete the application 

Once you receive Board approval, fill out the license application form. Then, find a certified notary or BZS official to witness your signature and notarize the document. 

Submit all materials to the Building and Zoning Services Commission for review:

• Application form
• Board of Public Utilities approval letter
• Surety bond 
• Certificate of liability insurance

Tip: Make sure all personal and company names are listed identically across all documents. 

How to Get a Columbus Fire Protection Contractor License

Fire protection contractors are specialized construction individuals or companies who provide fire safety and prevention design, installation, and maintenance in Columbus. 

You’ll need to get a fire protection certification before applying, but once you are certified, it is one of the simplest contractor licensing processes in Columbus. 

Step 1: Apply for fire protection certification

Apply for a Fire Protection Company Certification from the Ohio Fire Marshall. You’ll need a liability insurance policy or $50,000 surety bond to meet the security requirements. There is also a $200 registration fee for companies or $50 for sole proprietors. 

After receiving your certification, you can proceed with the license application steps below. 

Step 2: Purchase a surety bond

Next, purchase a $25,000 Columbus contractor surety bond from a licensed agency or broker. This demonstrates both financial responsibility and protects your clients from potential harm. 

Step 3: Complete the application

Fill out the fire protection contractor license application and get it notarized. Then, submit it with your surety bond form and fire marshal certification attached.

Contractors must have an Individual Installer Registration, and a Fire Protection Company Registration. If you are applying for both registrations, you only need to submit one application.

How to Get a Columbus Home Improvement Contractor License

A Columbus, Ohio home improvement contractor (HIC) provides repair, replacement, remodeling, alteration, conversion, modernization, improvement, or addition of existing homes. 

You can either get a general or limited home improvement contractor license. 

• A general HIC is licensed to perform all home improvement work
• A limited HIC is only licensed to perform a specific type(s) of contract work. You can find a list of fields of specialization in the Limited HIC application. 

You’ll need documentation of three years of hands-on experience in the home improvement field to qualify for a general HIC license. If you meet this requirement, continue with the steps below to apply. 

Step 1: Take the Ohio HIC Test

First, take the Ohio Home Improvement Contractor Test. You will need to attach a copy of your passing score (70% or higher.)

Schedule your exam time through the ICC website. Select “ICC Contractors Non Authorized” and enter “767” to locate the correct test.

Note: Only general Columbus HIC contractors are required to take the state exam, not limited contractors. 

Step 2: Complete the application

Download and fill out the Home Improvement Contractor Application, handwritten or typed. Ensure you enter accurate information in all fields then get it notarized or witnessed by a Building and Zoning Services official. 

Step 3: Submit application packet

Finally, gather all supporting documents and fees to complete your application packet:

• $300 application fee
• $350 annual fee
• A copy of passing test results (HIC General only)
• License application form

Submit your packet via mail or email to the Division of Building and Zoning Services (details above). 

How Do I Get an OCILB Contractor License in Columbus, Ohio?

To work in the City of Columbus as an electrical, refrigeration, plumbing, HVAC, or hydronics contractor, you must get a state-level license as well. It is called an Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) license. 

Step 1: Obtain a state license

You cannot apply with the city unless you are licensed with the state. The state license requires three years of relevant work experience and $500,000 contract liability insurance. 

Apply through the Ohio Department of Commerce site. 

Step 2: Buy a surety bond

Once you have your state license, purchase a $25,000 contractor bond for your Columbus OCILB license. 

Ensure that all information on the bond form matches the information on your license application exactly.

Step 3: Fill out the OCILB application

Lastly, fill out your license application and get it notarized. Attach payment for the $350 registration fee or pay online, depending on your submission method. 

How to Get a Columbus Demolition Contractor License

In Columbus, Ohio, a demolition contractor license is required for any person or business that moves a building, structure, or appurtenance from a property. 

The licensing process is quite quick and straightforward, with no bond or liability insurance requirement. In most cases, the primary barrier is meeting the work experience requirement. 

Before applying, verify that you meet the minimum work requirements for a demolition contractor:

• Be 18+ years old
• Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Have 3+ years of experience in the demolition field 

Then, follow these steps to apply for your Columbus demolition contractor license. 

Step 1: Prove work experience

To prove your work experience, fill out the work history section of the application form. This must include the following information for all applicable years of experience:

• Dates employed
• Title and description of work
• Employer name, phone and mailing address
• Name and title of supervisor

Step 2: Pay registration fee

There is a $300 registration fee for Columbus demolition contractor applicants. Make payment based on your license application mode: 

• For mail applications: Attach a check made payable to the Columbus City Treasurer.
• For email applications: You’ll receive a link to pay the registration fee online after submitting. 

Once licensed, you’ll also pay a recurring $350 annual fee. 

Step 3: Complete the application

Finally, fill out the demolition contractor application. Ensure you fill out all fields accurately and get it notarized before submitting. 

Find more information on other contractor licenses not listed here on the City of Columbus website.

If you are applying for one of these licenses, submit your application at least one week before the next board meeting to be considered. 

If you’re a sign erector contractor, you must be physically present at the Board meeting. 

More Resources 

• Contractor License Bonds - All States
• Construction & Contract Bond Guide
• Ohio Contractor License Bonds
• Columbus City Code, Chapter 4114 - License and Registration - General Provisions
• Contractor Licenses - City of Columbus, Ohio
• Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board | Ohio Department of Commerce