The Auditor’s Office issues only the retail vendor license. You should also check with your local County, Township or City Zoning Department to see if you may transact a business from the desired address. This will give you helpful information on what steps you should do to start a business in Ohio. For new businesses you should visit the Secretary of State, Starting a Business at.

If you are using a business name, you should check the availability with the Secretary of State, and check to see if you should register it with them. Many business owners jump right in and realize they should have decided legal structure first.

What to do first.ĭetermining ownership structure is the first step in starting a business. These licenses are used for the collection of state sales tax. A Transient Vendor’s License is for the sale of goods at various shows and markets throughout the State of Ohio. A Retail (County) Vendor’s License is required for selling taxable goods at a fixed location of business. There are two different types of vendor’s licenses: Retail Vendor and Transient. Who is required to obtain a Vendor’s License?

Ohio business license