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 2019
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Scam Alert: Spectrum customers beware of callers looking to help you save money on your cable bill. It is a SCAM! Instead they change your service. If you have questions regarding your account call Spectrum at 1-800-892-4357
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.
The Department of Commerce works hard every day to ensure the safety of Ohioans and promote businesses in Ohio. Review a summary of our work in Fiscal Year 2019 by accessing our annual report here.
It’s important for Ohioans to build a strong financial foundation. Learn more about how to be an informed investor, how to manage your credit and the best practices for keeping track of your money.
Ohio law prohibits Commerce from licensing individuals who’ve been convicted of certain criminal offenses. The law requires Commerce to provide a list of those convictions to the public. Read that list here, and request a pre-determination to see if your conviction disqualifies you.