Columbus, OH · Franklin County
Short-Term Rental Application
Columbus property owners and permanent occupants use this application packet to apply for or renew a city short-term rental license and provide required property, host, and contact details.
- 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
The packet includes the Short-Term Rental Application, an applicant affidavit, an information sheet, lodging excise tax guidance, and a list for other affiliated properties. Columbus requires applicants to provide the listed supporting items, such as proof of identity and a City income tax Letter of Good Standing; primary-residence applicants have additional requirements. Complete the affidavit and submit the application packet and applicable supporting documents to the city’s License Section.
Who needs it
Property owners and permanent occupants applying for or renewing a Columbus short-term rental license need this packet, including applicants required to list affiliated properties.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download The Application Packet
Get the full Short-Term Rental Application packet and review the information sheet for the requirements that apply to your application.
- 2
Fill In The Application
Complete the applicable application fields and gather the required supporting items. Leave the affidavit unsigned until your notary session.
- 3
Book An Online Notary
Schedule a session with a commissioned online notary and have your identification ready.
- 4
Sign The Affidavit On Video
Appear by video and sign the applicant affidavit when directed by the notary.
- 5
Submit The Packet To The City
Submit the signed application packet and applicable supporting documents to the Columbus License Section.
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 affidavit in this packet notarized online?
- Complete the application, but wait to sign the affidavit. Book a session with a commissioned online notary, show identification, and sign during the video session. Then submit the completed packet and required supporting items to the city.
- Do I need to have the application affidavit notarized?
- Yes. The applicant affidavit includes a jurat stating it must be sworn to and subscribed in the presence of a notary or an agent of the Director of Building and Zoning Services.
- Can I use online notarization for this Columbus application?
- Ohio authorizes its own notaries to perform online notarizations under R.C. §§147.60–147.66. Check that the city will accept your completed application packet using this method; confirm with the city or village if unsure.
- What supporting items does the application information sheet list?
- The sheet lists proof of identity, a City of Columbus Income Tax Division Letter of Good Standing, and a BCI background check. Some applicants also need proof of primary residence, a lease or rental contract, or a list of affiliated properties.
Short-Term Rental Application in other Ohio cities
Each city publishes its own version of this form. Pick the city where you’re filing.