Columbus, OH · Franklin County
General Contractor Application
This application packet is for individuals seeking City of Columbus general contractor registration so they can be associated with permits for specified residential and commercial construction work.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Use this packet to apply for City of Columbus general contractor registration, which allows a registered contractor to be associated with permits for new construction and certain alterations or additions. The city requires a completed, notarized application, a $25,000 bond using its form, and a certificate of liability insurance meeting the listed limits. Submit the paperwork together by email, mail, or in person, and arrange payment of the registration fee.
Who needs it
A person applying to be the responsible party for a Columbus general contractor registration must complete this application and provide the required bond and insurance certificate.
Why it needs a notary
The applicant signs the certification in Part III before the notary, using the jurat stating they were sworn to before and signed in the notary’s presence.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Application Packet
Get the City of Columbus General Contractor Application packet and review its application, bond, and insurance requirements.
- 2
Fill Out the Application
Complete the applicant, business, and certification sections. Leave the Part III signature blank until your notary session.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a remote session with a commissioned online notary and have identification ready.
- 4
Sign on Video
Sign the Part III certification during the video session so the notary can complete the jurat.
- 5
Submit the Packet to the City
Include the required bond and insurance certificate, then submit the paperwork by email, mail, or in person and arrange fee payment.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Columbus. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get the General Contractor Application notarized online?
- Complete the application but wait to sign Part III. Book a session with a commissioned online notary, show identification, and sign during the video session. Then submit the notarized application with the required bond and insurance certificate.
- Do I need to notarize the bond form too?
- The application instructions say the General Contractor Application must be notarized. The packet’s bond form has signature lines for the licensee or registrant and attorney-in-fact, but no notary block.
- Can I use an online notary for this application?
- Ohio law authorizes its notaries to perform online notarizations under R.C. §§147.60–147.66. The form says the application must be notarized; confirm with the city or village if unsure.
- What else must I submit with the application?
- The packet lists a $25,000 bond using the enclosed bond form and a certificate of liability insurance with the stated limits and City of Columbus certificate-holder details. The registration fee is also required.