Exhibitor Premium Payment Process

Exhibitors may be required to register with Ohio Pays to receive premium payments. Please follow the steps below to register your account.

WHO NEEDS TO REGISTER?

Only the following exhibitors will be required to register:

• Exhibitors who are age 18 or older as of the last day of the Ohio State Fair, Aug. 9, 2026, AND will receive $2,000 or more in premiums.

All other exhibitors, including those under age 18 (regardless of premium amount), and adults receiving $1,999 or less, will not be required to register.

USE A COMPUTER FOR THE REGISTRATION PROCESS

Although portions of the process can be managed on a phone or tablet, the process is best managed on a desktop or laptop computer. There is a step to check a box that is not compatible with a phone or table. We recommend using a computer to register.

GATHER NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION FIRST

Before you begin registering, you will need the following:

• Name of the person or business registering.
  • Note: Please do not register in the farm name if your bank doesn't let you cash checks in the farm name.
• Social security number, TIN or EIN of the person or business registering
• Address
  • Note: the primary address must match the IRS W-9 address, or payment may be blocked.
• Banking information (bank routing number and account number), along with verification of the account information as outlined below:
• Verified bank letter, which must be signed from the bank and include the following to verify a savings account or a checking account:
  • Your name
  • Account number
  • Routing number
  • Bank logo
  • Bank phone number (if the letter does not list a phone number for the bank, it may be denied, as Ohio Pays will call to verify the bank account information.)

NEW REGISTRATION

1. You will first need to create an OH|ID account at https://ohiopays.ohio.gov/home (click on login at the top right corner and click on create account).
   • DID YOU KNOW? If you already have an OH|ID account that you use to log in with other state agencies, such as one set up with the Ohio BMV to manage your license registration and renewal, you do not need to create a new OH|ID account. However, you will need to attach payment information in Ohio Pays to that account by proceeding to Step 2.
   • TIP: Once you create an OH|ID account, make sure yousaveyour username and password for future reference. This is important to maintain or update your account, for example, if your banking information changes, if you move, or if your name changes, as well as using the account for other State of Ohio agencies.
2. Once you have created an OH|ID account, visit https://ohiopays.ohio.gov/ and click “login.”
3. Make sure you have all information outlined in the section above, and complete all necessary forms and fields.
4. Complete your registration.
5. Payment will be remitted to your banking account electronically; no checks will be sent from the Ohio State Fair. If you set up your Ohio Pays account prior to 2024, please update your banking information for electronic payment.

PLAN AHEAD: YOUR ACCOUNT TAKES TIME TO BE VERIFIED

It takes time for new suppliers to be processed. In the past, it has taken up to two weeks for a newly registered provider’s account to be finalized. After the creation of the account, payment is remitted in approximately 30-45 days. Also, if your registration is denied, you will receive an email of the denial and what steps to take next.

ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT?

You do not need to create a new supplier account each year. However, you must answer these questions first before proceeding.

• Has your name or business name changed? If your company name has changed, or you have been absorbed by another company, your account will need to be updated.
• Has your address changed? If you, or your business, has moved or has changed the accounts receivable address, your account will need to be updated.
• Has your banking information changed? If you have changed to a new bank or account, your account will need to be updated.
• No changes? Wonderful – no changes are necessary.

NEED HELP?

If you need assistance with the online registration process, please view this tutorial or call the Ohio Pays "help desk" at 1-877-644-6771. No payments can be made until the registration process has been completed. Payments will not be made until services are rendered; no checks are distributed at the Ohio State Fair.

No payments can be made until the registration process has been completed or services have been rendered. No checks are distributed at the Ohio State Fair.