Ohio Department of CommerceThe Ohio Department of Commerce is the state’s chief regulatory agency with a focus on consumer protection. 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 of seven divisions and three programs. While we are regulators, we view our purpose as much greater – we have a vital role in protecting people, property, and assets. We ensure businesses follow the law as they build properties, create jobs, and sell certain products and services. Our work, in turn, stimulates economic growth and protects consumers’ most important assets, from their homes to their bank accounts. We also have enforcement authority in several industries and monitor complaints.