SMALL LOAN COMPANIES

The Division of Financial Institutions regulates small loan companies in Ohio pursuant to Sections 1321.01 to 1321.20, and 1321.99 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Forms

2008 Annual Report

A person wishing to engage in the business of lending in amounts of five thousand dollars or less and charging a rate greater than eight percent must first be licensed.

Instructions and the forms required to apply for a small loan license can be obtained at http://www.com.ohio.gov/fiin/Forms.aspx. The Division will investigate the applicant to determine whether they meet all the statutory requirements for licensure under the act.

Licenses must be renewed annually. Each small loan company location must be individually licensed. If an office is to be relocated, the licensee must obtain a new license from the Division prior to conducting business at the new location.

Licensees are responsible for understanding and complying with the applicable statutes. The Division will periodically examine licensees for compliance with Ohio law and has the power to issue subpoenas in the process of conducting examinations and investigations.

In addition, the Division may deny applications for licensure, revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew licenses, or impose fines against licensees pursuant to the Ohio Administrative Procedures Act, Chapter 119 of the Ohio Revised Code.