If you intend to start a business within the City of Las Vegas you are going to need a business license. Here’s a look at what you will need to do to get yours.

If you need help with the business license application process, or for any other issue related to your new business, consulting with an experienced business attorney is always highly recommended.

Decide Where Your Business Will Be Located

The specific location of your primary place of business determines the jurisdiction where you will obtain your business license. There are six jurisdictions within Clark County -- the City of Las Vegas, the City of North Las Vegas, the City of Henderson, Boulder City, the City of Mesquite, and Unincorporated Clark County. Keep in mind that there are many areas of Las Vegas valley with Las Vegas mailing addresses that are not located in the City of Las Vegas jurisdiction. Clark County provides this jurisdiction locater to help you determine the jurisdiction that corresponds to your primary business location. For information on business licenses for locations in jurisdictions other than the City of Las Vegas, go to:

You can apply for a business license for the City of Las Vegas jurisdiction using the city’s official online licensing portal. You can learn all about the licensing process here.

Create an Online Profile

Before you can apply online for your Las Vegas business license, you will have to create an  online profile for your business. To use the online system, you will need to input a username, password, the legal name of your business, address, your business Nevada State Tax ID Number, phone number and fax number. You must also indicate if you are setting up a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or limited liability company (LLC). If your business will be run as a sole proprietorship or other business entity using a different name, you must file for a Certificate of Business Fictitious Firm name with the Clark County clerk's office.

If your business will include employees, you will need to obtain a Federal Employment Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.

Once you have completed creating your online profile, you will be taken to the licensing portal’s login page to start the business license application process.

Applying for Your Las Vegas Business License

The online application process will take you through the following steps:

Selecting your business license type and category: After signing in and clicking on the “Apply” button, your first task will be to select the business license type and category for your particular business. For all new businesses, you will select “General License” as your business type. (Note: A general license is currently the only choice available online. You cannot apply for a privilege license, for liquor or gaming online, at this time.) Next, choose the appropriate category for your business from the drop down category menu. If you cannot find a specific category that fits your business, select either “General Retail Sales” or “General Services.” You will then provide a detailed description of your business in the designated box below. The licensing staff will review your description to determine the specific category for you.

Business ID and State Tax ID Numbers: You will next input your business’s Nevada Secretary of State Business ID number or exemption number, and Nevada State Tax ID number or exemption number. For information on obtaining a state business ID number, visit the Nevada Secretary of State’s website. For more information on obtaining a state tax ID number, visit the Nevada Department of Taxation website.

Physical Location of Your Business

You will next be asked about the physical location of your business. Fill out the form as requested. (Note: If you are applying for a liquor or gaming license, your choice for the physical location of your business will be limited to those considered suitable for those categories.)

Business Ownership

Next, you will provide information regarding the ownership you your business. Again, input the information about the owners of your business, as requested.

Documentation

You may be required to submit certain documents (such as floor plans, letters, etc.) with your application. You can download copies of any required documents at this time.

Pay Your Licensing Fees

Finally, you will need to pay your licensing fees. Fees vary depending on the type of business you wish to operate. Most businesses will require a fee of $150.00 ($100 license fee, plus $50 for processing). For assistance in determining the specific amount of fees for your business, contact the City of Las Vegas Business Licensing Division at (702) 229-6281.  

Once you have paid your fees, your application will be submitted for review and a technician will get back to you within one to two business days.

Remember, you cannot operate your application has been approved and all related fees paid.

Next Steps

If you need help getting a business license in Las Vegas, you can post your question or concern on UpCounsel’s marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures and Airbnb.