The city of Columbus, Ohio requires contractors to obtain a contractor license bond as part of the licensing process. This requirements applies to the following classes of contractors:
All contractors are required to get a contractor license bond in the amount of $25,000.
A Columbus contractor bond provides a guarantee to the Columbus general public that a contractor will fulfill their obligations and will comply with applicable laws and regulations. If a contractor fails to complete a project or violates any laws stipulated in the Columbus Code of Ordinances, the customer can file a claim against the bond to seek compensation for any financial losses. To put it simply, the bond acts as a financial protection for customers and the public in the city of Columbus.
Additionally, the Ohio Revised Code mandates that contractors obtain a contractor license bond as a condition for obtaining and maintaining a contractor’s license.
To learn more about contract bonds, you can refer to our [“What is a bonded contractor”] (https://www.suretynow.com/learn/contractor-bond/what-is-a-bonded-contractor) article for more information.
SuretyNow offers the Columbus contractor license bond for $120 for a 1 year term. Discounts are available if you are looking to purchase for a longer term. See our pricing table below for multi-year pricing.
The Columbus contractor license bond can be issued instantly without credit/background checks. After purchase, we will mail a copy of the bond to you and you will need to submit the copy of the bond along with your license application to the city of Columbus.
Bond TermBond Cost1 Year$1202 Year$2003 Year$290
There are different licenses issued in the City of Columbus depending on type of contractor including general contractors, home improvement contractors, demolition contractors, Ohio Construction Industry licensed contractors, sign erectors, sewer and water contractors, and fire contractors. All applications can be submitted to:
Email: BZSLicensing@Columbus.gov (you will receive an email containing a link to pay the fee online)
In person or direct mail: City of Columbus - Department of Building & Zoning Services located at 111 N Front Street Columbus, Ohio 43215
Additional information about contractor license can be found on the Columbus, Ohio website.
To become a licensed general contractor in Columbus, the following must be presented in order to secure a contractor registration:
Home improvement refers to the repair, replacement, remodeling, alteration, conversion, modernization, improvement or addition to current land or building. To become a licensed home improvement contractor in Columbus, the following requirements must be met:
To become licensed home improvement in Columbus after the requirements are met, the following must be presented in order to secure a contractor registration:
For this particular license, applications must submit their application and fee to the Board of Home Improvement and General Contractors no later than one week prior to the board meeting that takes place at the beginning of each month.
Registered demolition contractors are permitted to do work relating to the demolition of buildings. To become a licensed demolition contractor in Columbus, the applicant must have a minimum of 3 full years of experience in the demolition field immediately preceding the date of application. If the applicant meets this requirement, then the following must be presented in order to secure a contractor registration:
For this particular license, applications must submit their application and fee to the Board of Home Improvement and General Contractors no later than one week prior to the board meeting that takes place at the beginning of each month.
If working as an electrical, HVAC, refrigeration, hydronics, or plumbing contractor, applicants must be licensed by the State of Ohio. Once the applicant obtains the required state license, then the following must be presented in order to secure a contractor registration:
The work of a general or limited sign erector includes the erection, maintenance and removal of any graphic. To become a licensed limited sign erector in Columbus, the applicant must have a minimum of 3 full years of experience in the erection and fabrication of signs. To become a licensed general sign erector in Columbus, the applicant must have a minimum of 5 full years of experience in the erection and fabrication of signs. If the applicant meets the requirement applicable to them, then the following must be presented in order to secure a contractor registration:
Applications must submit their application and fee to the Board of General and Limited Sign Erectors no later than one week prior to the board meeting at the beginning of each month. Also, applicants are required to attend the Sign Erectors board meeting which takes place in the Department of Building and Zoning Services.
In order to be licensed as a sewer, water, or combination sewer and water contractor, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
In addition to the above requirements, applicants must successfully pass an in person interview conducted by an appointed DPU review panel at the DPU administrative offices located at 910 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
Once the applicant meets this requirement, then the following must be presented in order to secure a contractor registration:
If working with fire alarm, detection equipment, or protection work, fire protection individuals and companies must be licensed by the Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Licensing and Certification and be registered with the City of Columbus. Once the applicant obtains the required state license, then the following must be presented in order to secure a contractor registration:
