Vendor's Licenses
Any person or business making retail sales of tangible personal property or taxable services in Ohio must register for sales tax by obtaining a vendor's license.
The State of Ohio requires any person or business making retail sales of tangible personal property or taxable services to register for sales tax by obtaining a vendor's license. A good first step is to review the Ohio Secretary of State's website for information about registration and licensing.
What are the two types of vendor licenses available?
Vendor’s License: the general license required for any business selling tangible goods or services in Ohio. It is issued by the county auditor in the county where the business is located. If you sell at a physical location, you generally need a vendor’s license in the county where your business is based.
Transient Vendor’s License: for businesses that sell goods or services temporarily in a county — usually at events like fairs, markets, or festivals. A transient vendor operates at a location for a short period and does not have a permanent place of business in that county.
Where can I apply for the vendor license or the transient vendor license?
Both applications can be completed by creating an account through the Ohio Business Gateway. The Transient Vendor’s License must be completed through the system, but a Fairfield County Vendor’s License can be completed both through the Gateway and in the Auditor’s Office.
What is the fee for applying for these types of vendor's licenses?
There is a one-time $50 fee for either type of vendor’s license. If completed through the Ohio Business Gateway, the system collects the fee. For a Fairfield County Vendor’s License, payment can be mailed by check or cash to the Auditor’s Office. If done in the office, all methods are accepted — cash, check, or credit card (with a processing fee).
How long does it take for the application to be processed?
If done through the Ohio Business Gateway, the license is available immediately after payment. If submitted by mail, it is completed and mailed back the day it is received. If done in the office, the process takes a few minutes.
Do I need to respond to annual correspondence from the State of Ohio even if my business had no sales for the year?
Yes. To keep your vendor’s license valid, you must reply to the correspondence sent by the State of Ohio. If you had no sales in that calendar year, simply mark $0 on the form.
Where can I find information about registration and licensing if I want to start a new business?
The Ohio Secretary of State provides a helpful summary for those interested in starting a new business: ohiosos.gov/businesses.
Can I contact someone for more information?
For information or technical assistance with the Ohio Business Gateway, call the Gateway Help Desk at (866) 644-6468, Monday–Friday 8am–5pm.
For the Fairfield County Vendor’s License, contact the Auditor’s Office at (740) 652-7020, Monday–Friday 8am–4pm. Applications can be mailed with payment to:
Fairfield County Auditor
210 E Main St, Room 206
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
What should I do if I close my business?
If you close your business, be sure to notify the Ohio Business Gateway so your account is properly closed.