Ohio has no state general contractor license
Ohio does not issue a state license for general contractors.1 Cities and counties set their own rules; this page lists what Cleveland and Toledo require.
On this page
Is there a Ohio general contractor license?
No. Ohio does not license general contractors at the state level.1
The official wording“While residential contractor regulation remains the responsibility of local jurisdictions, local building and health departments may also require state licensure for residential contractors at their discretion.”1
Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance
City and county licenses
Ohio leaves residential contractor regulation to local jurisdictions. Large cities run their own contractor registration or licensing: Cleveland requires home builders and rehabbers to be bonded, insured and registered; Toledo requires contractors to register and hold a city license, with an exam and yearly continuing education for home improvement and remodeling contractors.1
| City or county | What it requires | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | Contractors who build or rehabilitate Cleveland homes must be bonded, insured and registered with the Department of Building & Housing (electricians and plumbers must also be licensed). Owner-occupants of one- or two-family homes may do their own work without registering. Verify registration at 216.664.2910.2 | Official page2 |
| Toledo | Contractors must register and keep a city license. Home improvement and remodeling contractors take a city exam and, from 2026, must complete ten hours of continuing education each year before renewal; a license not renewed in time requires a new application, payment and exam.3 | Official page3 |
Other rules for general contractors in Ohio
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
General contractor licenses in other states
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- Ohio Construction Industry Licensing BoardOhio Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial ComplianceChecked November 7, 2026
- Contractor PermitsCity of Cleveland Department of Building & HousingChecked November 7, 2026
- Registered ContractorsCity of Toledo Division of Building InspectionChecked November 6, 2026