Key Takeaways

  • Most businesses operating in Nevada are required to obtain a State Business License through the Nevada Secretary of State.
  • Local business licenses or permits may also be required at the county or city level, depending on business location and activity.
  • The license application process varies based on business type (LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.) and industry.
  • Exemptions are available for certain nonprofit entities and businesses below specific revenue thresholds.
  • Businesses must also comply with Nevada tax registration, including sales and use tax obligations.
  • Renewal of the State Business License is required annually to maintain good standing.
  • Additional permits may be necessary for regulated industries (e.g., food service, child care, construction).

Getting a Nevada Business License

A Nevada business license can be obtained online through the Nevada Secretary of State. A business license is necessary to identify the business and hold it accountable, protect the public, and keep financial and tax records.

Understanding the Nevada State Business License

In Nevada, most businesses must obtain a State Business License through the Nevada Secretary of State. This license is required for entities conducting business within the state, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and sole proprietors. The license can be obtained online through the SilverFlume Nevada Business Portal or by submitting paper applications. Renewal is required annually, and failure to comply can result in penalties.

Application Methods:

  • Online: Use the SilverFlume portal for fast processing.
  • Mail: Submit paper forms to the Nevada Secretary of State's office.
  • Fees: Typically $200 for corporations and $100 for other business types.

Entities that are 100% nonprofit may qualify for exemption but must file appropriate documentation.

Types of Business Licenses

The Secretary of State administers the State Business License Program and issues four types of business licenses: Industrial Business License, Home Occupation Permit, In-Residence Child Care License, Out of City License.

Additional Licenses and Specialty Permits

Some industries require additional licenses or permits beyond the standard business license. Common examples include:

  • Health permits for food service businesses
  • Child care licenses for daycare providers
  • Contractor licenses for construction businesses
  • Liquor licenses for establishments selling alcohol

Depending on your business activity, you may need to apply with state agencies such as the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services or the Nevada State Contractors Board.

Who Is Required to Get a Business License?

Anyone who offers a service, sells a service/product, or accepts cash for a project (church buildings, nonprofits, and so forth) must have a business license.

How to Determine Your Licensing Requirements

Use the Nevada Business Registration Checklist on the Secretary of State’s website to identify the licensing requirements for your business. This tool helps you determine whether you need a State Business License, a local license, or both. Key considerations include:

  • Business structure (corporation, LLC, sole proprietorship)
  • Business location (county and city jurisdictions)
  • Type of business activity (regulated vs. non-regulated)

Exemption

An exempt license does not require a payment; however, it should meet different State, County, and City requirements. To acquire an exempt license, a gross revenue over a 12-month period must not exceed 66 percent of the typical annual wage in the state of Nevada. To acquire an exempt license, the Nevada State Business License should state EXEMPT.

Nevada Tax Registration

Gross sales and use tax is a typical type of business taxation in the state of Nevada. Nonetheless, depending on the nature of your business, you must register your expenses. The Nevada Department of Taxation’s website allows you to register for gross sales or use tax, apply for required permits, handle your account, and revise your data. The site contains a Frequently Asked Questions page, providing responses to common inquiries.

Business Licenses

An enterprise that is based mostly in Nevada should apply for a business license. These licenses cost $100, along with an annual renewal payment of $100. Failure to acquire or renew a state enterprise license will result in a fine of $100. Companies that buy property for storage should register an additional Use Tax Account.

Certain companies do not need to apply for a Nevada business license. For instance, authorities, nonprofit, non-secular entities, charitable organizations, and fraternal organizations are exempt from the legal license guidelines.

The Nevada Division of Taxation has State Business License documents that will help you determine whether your business needs a license.

Local Permits

The local authorities in your city or county might need specific permits and licenses. Every municipality might have its own laws and regulations.

Listed below are the most common licenses and permits:

  • Alarm permit
  • Building permit
  • Business license and/or tax permit
  • Health permit
  • Occupational permit
  • Signage permit
  • Zoning permit

Local Licensing Requirements by County and City

Local business licenses are required in many Nevada cities and counties, including Clark County, Washoe County, and the City of Las Vegas. Requirements vary depending on the municipality.

Example: Clark County Licensing Process:

  1. Determine business activity classification.
  2. Submit an application through Clark County Business License Division.
  3. Schedule inspections (if applicable).
  4. Obtain approval and pay fees.

Always verify requirements with the local licensing authority where your business operates.

Incorporation Filing

Nevada-based companies, which might be corporations, nonprofits, limited liability companies, and partnerships, should register with the state. Various applications and payment data may be found on the website of the Nevada Secretary of State. A sole proprietorship does not have to register with the state; however, that enterprise type does not differentiate between a business and an individual, implying that business liabilities might become private liabilities, placing personal belongings at risk.

Doing Business As

If the dangers of a sole proprietorship are overwhelming, you can register it as a limited liability company. Doing so will allow you to create an enterprise that is legally separate from an individual entity. This will protect your private belongings in case a business-related lawsuit arises.

Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) Registration

If your business operates under a name different from its legal entity name, you must register a Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) with the appropriate county clerk's office. This registration is required for transparency and consumer protection.

Steps to register a DBA:

  1. Search for existing names to avoid conflicts.
  2. File the DBA registration form with the county clerk.
  3. Pay applicable filing fees.
  4. Renew as required by the county's rules.

Withholding Income Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service advises that employers keep employment tax information for not less than four years after submitting the information for the fourth quarter of each year. The information kept on file needs to include the private information of workers with their contact information and Social Security numbers, the employer identification numbers, a copy of every worker’s tax withholding allowances and wages, annuity, and pension fee data for every worker.

The IRS website provides a checklist of items that you need to keep for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need both a state and local business license in Nevada?
    Yes, many businesses require both a State Business License from the Secretary of State and a local business license from the city or county where they operate.
  2. How much does it cost to get a business license in Nevada?
    The State Business License fee is $200 for corporations and $100 for other entities like LLCs and sole proprietorships. Local fees vary by jurisdiction.
  3. Can I apply for a Nevada business license online?
    Yes, you can apply online through the SilverFlume Nevada Business Portal, which is the state's official business registration platform.
  4. Are there any exemptions from the Nevada business license requirement?
    Nonprofit organizations and businesses with limited annual revenue may qualify for exemptions, but they must provide documentation to the state to confirm eligibility.
  5. How often do I need to renew my Nevada business license?
    The State Business License must be renewed annually to remain in good standing. Local license renewal requirements may also apply depending on your business location.

If you need help with getting your Nevada business license, you can post your legal need 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.