The Ohio Department of Commerce is the State’s chief regulatory agency.
Our mission is to promote prosperity for businesses and the state by protecting what matters most to Ohioans.
The Department of Commerce is self-supporting, through fees. We issue nearly 600,000 licenses, permits, registrations and certifications each year in various professions, industries and commercial enterprises.
The Department is made of up eight divisions. Through the divisions, we regulate banks and savings institutions, credit unions, mortgage lenders and consumer finance businesses; Securities professionals and products; real estate professionals and cable television; and medical marijuana cultivators and processors. The Division of Liquor Control is a part of the Department of Commerce, as is the Division of the State Fire Marshal. We regulate the building industry through the Division of Industrial Compliance and collect and hold Unclaimed Funds until we can return the money to its rightful owner.
The Department of Commerce is proud to provide excellent customer service. If you do not find what you are looking for on this site, please contact us, we would be happy to assist you.
The Department of Commerce is one of the state’s leading regulatory agencies. The department is focused on promoting the growth, success and safety of businesses in real estate, industrial compliance, securities, financial institutions, liquor control, fire safety and unclaimed funds.
Prior to her appointment as director, Maxfield served as chief counsel for Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. Her responsibilities included oversight of 11 sections of the office which practice in legal areas ranging from Antitrust to Workers’ Compensation. She joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 1984, and served in various capacities during her time, including assistant chief of the Court of Claims section, the chief of the Executive Agencies section and chief of the Health & Human Services section. She previously served as first Assistant Attorney General.
During her career, Maxfield has been recognized by her colleagues for her professionalism and legal expertise. She received an AGO Professionalism award in 1997 and in 1999 was the inaugural recipient of the Simon B. Karas Award for Outstanding Legal Contribution to the Attorney General’s Office.
Maxfield earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University and a law degree from the University of Toledo, College of Law. She is married to lawyer Michael Maxfield.
Annual Report 2020
Annual Report 2019
Annual Report 2018
Annual Report 2017
Annual Report 2016
Annual Report 2015
Annual Report 2014
Annual Report 2013
Read more here about what the Ohio Department of Commerce accomplished in FY2020. From transitioning to remote bank examinations to helping permit holders in a time of financial uncertainty, the Department helped businesses and protected Ohioans.
Visit coronavirus.gov or call 1-833-4ASKODH for answers.
License exam vendor PSI is making changes as the COVID- 19 situation evolves. CALL PSI to confirm your testing site is open before going. Click Here to review license candidate guidance.
If you need to renew or take any action to maintain your license, permit, certificate, or registration (“license”) between 3/9/20, through the end of the emergency period declared by Governor DeWine, H.B. 197 gives you a 90-day window after the emergency period has ended to submit your renewal application or take other actions necessary to maintain your license.
Click here to learn more about the changes to several provisions to the state's liquor laws. Also, review the FAQ for liquor permit holders.
If you think you are eligible for the Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund, please apply here. Applications go live Nov. 2, 2020.