Real Estate Agent Permits & Licenses in Columbus, OH

Typical real‑estate offices must maintain a safe workplace (e.g., ergonomics, fire safety).

Real‑estate brokerages must ensure office entrances, restrooms, and client meeting areas are accessible, and that websites meet WCAG 2.0 AA standards.

Real‑estate agents must avoid deceptive or misleading statements, disclose material facts, and honor advertised terms.

Real‑estate agents must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability in advertising, sales, rentals, and financing.

Typical real‑estate offices rarely handle hazardous waste; most brokerages are exempt unless they engage in such activities.

Even a single‑member LLC that hires an assistant or other staff must complete Form I‑9.

Real‑estate brokerages must pay at least the federal minimum wage and overtime for hours over 40 per week unless an exemption applies.

Most small real‑estate brokerages will fall below the employee threshold and are exempt.

The report updates the LLC’s principal office address, registered agent, and members/managers.

LLC must ensure any affiliated brokers or salespersons keep their licenses current.

30 hours CE required per renewal period, including 6 hours of core courses.

Most real‑estate brokerages exceed this threshold and must file CAT.

LLC taxed as partnership reports on members’ individual returns; if elected corporate tax, file Form IT 1120.

Required if expected Ohio tax liability > $400 for the year.

Required for all LLCs. Expedited filing available for additional fee.

Must maintain valid statutory agent at all times.

Requires 120 hours pre-licensing education, passing exam, and affiliation with licensed broker. LLC itself does not hold license - individual agents do.

Requires 2 years active salesperson experience + 40 hours broker pre-licensing education + exam. Most real estate agent LLCs affiliate salespersons under broker.

Required if LLC operates physical brokerage office. Must have licensed broker as principal.

Required even if no changes to LLC information.

Required if using assumed/trade name different from LLC's legal name on Articles of Organization.

Mandatory for license renewal. 10 hours core + 20 elective topics.

Must notify Division and maintain separate trust accounts per OAC 1301:5-5-12.

Required for most businesses including real estate offices; real estate agents may qualify under professional services

Real estate offices typically permitted in B-1/B-2 zones; home occupations require special approval

Limited to 25% of home floor area; no external signage; 1 non-resident employee max

Maximum 32 sq ft for freestanding signs in commercial zones

Required for interior build-out exceeding minor repairs

Fire and building code inspection required

Annual inspections may be required for larger spaces

LLC taxed as partnership files Form 1065; members receive Schedule K‑1.

Required if expected federal tax liability > $1,000.

Self‑employed owners not receiving wages are exempt.

Employers must file UI wage reports each quarter.

Postings must be in a conspicuous place where employees can read them.

Check the specific city or county where the office is located.

Includes contracts, escrow documents, disclosures, and accounting records.

False alarm fees escalate: 1st-$100, 2nd-$250, 3rd+-$500

Many suburbs (Beachwood, etc.) have separate requirements

Professional offices generally permitted; conditional uses may apply

All LLCs that have employees, operate as a partnership, or are required to file any federal tax return must obtain an EIN.

Single‑member LLCs are treated as sole proprietorships (Schedule C). Multi‑member LLCs are treated as partnerships (Form 1065) unless electing corporate tax treatment (Form 8832).

Even a single employee (e.g., the owner if treated as employee) triggers the filing requirement.

Most small real‑estate brokerages with a few employees will meet the $1,500 threshold.

Real‑estate brokerages often pay referral fees; those must be reported on Form 1099‑NEC.