Ohio Telemarketer Registration
Licensing, bonding, and registration requirements for telemarketers operating in Ohio
You must register before making your first call in Ohio.
Business Registration
Individual Registration
Bond Requirements
A surety bond protects consumers against fraud or failure to deliver. The bond must typically be maintained for the duration of your registration and one to two years after cessation of business in the state.
Required Documents
Business
- ✓Must obtain a certificate of registration before conducting telephone solicitations in Ohio (ORC § 4719.03),Certificate valid for one year,Renewal must be applied for at least 30 days before current certificate expiration,Fee is non-refundable — some sources list $500, verify with AG office,Civil penalties: $1,000 to $25,000 per violation brought by the AG,Violations of key provisions constitute a felony of the fifth degree,Ohio DNC numbers from the federal registry are automatically added to Ohio's registry,AG has enhanced enforcement authority under ORC Ann. 109.87,Applications mailed to: Ohio AG, Consumer Protection Section, 30 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215-3428
- ✓Completed Telephone Solicitation Sales Act Application from the Ohio AG website,$50,000 surety bond from a licensed surety company,Payment of $250 registration fee (certified check or money order payable to Ohio Attorney General),Business name, address, and contact information,Names and addresses of all principals
Individual
- ✓Individual salesperson registration is not separately required in Ohio — the business certificate of registration covers employees
Additional Notes
Must obtain a certificate of registration from the Ohio Attorney General before conducting telephone solicitations. $250 fee plus $50,000 bond. Renewal must be filed at least 30 days before expiration. Ohio has aggressive enforcement: $1,000-$25,000 civil penalties per violation, and certain violations constitute a fifth-degree felony. Federal DNC numbers are automatically incorporated into Ohio's registry. The Telemarketing Registration and Enforcement Unit administers the program.
Ohio does not require separate individual salesperson registration. The business entity obtains a certificate of registration from the Attorney General, and individual employees are covered. However, both individual salespeople and businesses can be penalized for violations.
Apply Before Your First Call
Operating as an unregistered telemarketer in Ohio is a separate violation from consent or calling-hours violations. You can be penalized $25,000 per call even if every other aspect of your operation is compliant.
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Catalyst Partners handles state registration filings, bond procurement, and renewal tracking so your team can focus on dialing — not paperwork.
Book a Compliance Call →This is a compliance reference tool, not legal advice. Data compiled from public statutes, LegiScan, CourtListener, state AG offices, and AI-assisted analysis. Verify all information with qualified counsel before relying on it. Full terms & data sources →