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
The recently passed law HB 674 does not go into effect until April 7. HB 674 did not change Sunday sales or eliminate the D-6 liquor permits. Click here to read some of the highlights from HB 674.
If you need to take any action to maintain your license, permit, certificate or registration (“license”) between November 22, 2020 and April 1, 2021, H.B. 404 allows you to work with our agency to best accommodate your circumstances. Timely renewals are appreciated, but if you’re experiencing hardship due to the pandemic please contact us.
Due to great interest in the Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund, you may experience delays while using the online application. This application is best viewed using Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari browsers. Thank you for your patience.
Homeowners impacted by the coronavirus pandemic now have more time to seek forbearance and avoid foreclosure as deadlines have been extended. For more information, click here.
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.