The Ohio Department of Commerce is the State’s chief regulatory agency.
Our mission is to assist businesses to operate lawfully so they can succeed as jobs-creators and we can safeguard 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 8 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. 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 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 2018
Annual Report 2017
Annual Report 2016
Annual Report 2015
Annual Report 2014
Annual Report 2013
Annual Report 2012
Annual Report 2011
The Department of Commerce will begin regulating the manufactured homes industry on January 21, 2018. For more information, click here.
The Medical Marijuana Control Program website is your one-stop shop for information, and includes frequently asked questions, updates on timelines and the rules process, a way to submit feedback and questions, and more. Read more.
A new law now requires more occupations to report cases of suspected elder abuse and financial exploitation. The law goes into effect Sept. 29. Read more about who is affected, and what the responsibilities include.
The division wants to remind businesses of their obligations to report unclaimed funds. Information for business owners, including how to report funds, can be found here.
Customers who received an unclaimed funds claim payment in 2018 with accrued interest of $10 or more may have received an inaccurate 1099 form. Corrected 1099s will be mailed by mid-February. We apologize for any inconvenience. Read more.