Columbus Contractor License Bond

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: 

• General Contractors
• Home Improvement Contractors
• Demolition Contractors
• Ohio Construction Industry Licensed Contractors
• Sign Erectors
• Sewer and Water Contractors
• Fire Contractors

 All contractors are required to get a contractor license bond in the amount of $25,000. 

What is a Columbus Contractor License Bond? 

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”  article for more information.

How to get a Columbus Contractor License Bond

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. 

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How To Get a Contractor License in Columbus, Ohio

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.

Licensed General Contractor

To become a licensed general contractor in Columbus, the following must be presented in order to secure a contractor registration:

1. A completed and notarized General Contractor Application
2. A surety bond in the amount of $25,000
3. A Certificate of Liability Insurance listing the City of Columbus, Department of Building & Zoning Services as a certificate holder, written by an insurance company licensed to do business in the State of Ohio, with the limits of liability no less $300,000 for damages to a single person, and $500,000 for one occurrence. 
4. A non-refundable registration fee of $350

Licensed Home Improvement Contractor

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:

1. Have a minimum of 3 full years of hands-on installation experience in the 1, 2 and 3 family dwelling improvement field.

2. Pass with at least a grade of 70% on the Ohio Home Improvement Contractor - 767 examination (Note that this score becomes invalid a year after the test was taken unless application for licensure has been made)

To become licensed home improvement in Columbus after the requirements are met, the following must be presented in order to secure a contractor registration:

1. A copy of the passing score on 767 examination

2. A surety bond in the amount of $25,000
3. A completed and notarized Home Improvement Contractor Application

4. A non-refundable registration fee of $185

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.

Licensed Demolition Contractor

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:

1. A completed and notarized Demolition Contractor Application Form

2. A non-refundable registration fee of $185

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.

Licensed Ohio Construction Industry Licensed Contractor

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:

1. A completed and notarized OCILB Contractor Application Form

2. A surety bond in the amount of $25,000
3. A non-refundable registration fee of $350

Licensed Sign Erector 

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:

1. A completed and notarized Sign Erector Application Form

2. A surety bond in the amount of $25,000
3. A non-refundable registration fee of $185

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.  

Licensed Sewer and Water Contractor

In order to be licensed as a sewer, water, or combination sewer and water contractor, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Have a minimum of three (3) years of cumulative work experience, under the supervision of a Columbus or other recognized jurisdiction's licensed contractor, on sewer lines, water systems (including water service lines and taps), or combined sewer and water lines or systems
2. Hold a current, valid license as a contractor in another recognized city, county, or state to work on sewer, water, or combined sewer and water lines or systems
3. Have a minimum of two full years of experience working on sewer lines, water systems, or combined sewer and water lines or systems

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:

1. A Completed and notarized Sewer and Water Application Form

2. A surety bond in the amount of $25,000
3. A Certificate of Liability Insurance listing city of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning services as a certificate holder
4. Approved application and board approval letter from the Department of Public Utilities 
5. A non-refundable registration fee of $350

Licensed Fire Contractor

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:

1. A completed and notarized Fire Contractor Application

2. A surety bond in the amount of $25,000
3. Pay a registration fee (note this depends on the type of applicant, refer to the application for more information)