Nevada business license: Types, costs, and how to apply

Published Friday 16 January 2026

Table of contents

• Types of business licenses in Nevada
• Business license exemptions in Nevada
• What Nevada business licenses cost
• How to get a business license in Nevada
• Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a Nevada business license
• Run your Nevada business with Xero
• FAQs on Nevada business licenses

Key takeaways

• Apply for the mandatory Nevada state business license through the SilverFlume portal, which costs $200 annually and must be renewed each year to maintain legal compliance.
• Research and obtain all required local permits from your city or county, as well as industry-specific licenses for specialized businesses like food service, construction, or healthcare from relevant Nevada regulatory agencies.
• Avoid common application delays by submitting complete documentation, setting renewal reminders to prevent missed deadlines, and verifying zoning compliance before signing leases or starting operations.
• Choose your business structure carefully and register through the Nevada Secretary of State, as this determines your licensing requirements, tax obligations, and whether you need additional filings like Articles of Organization for LLCs.

Types of business licenses in Nevada

Nevada business licenses are legal permits required to operate a business in the state. Most businesses need multiple licenses depending on their industry, location, and activities.

You'll typically need:

• State business license: Required for all Nevada businesses (with limited exemptions)
• Local permits: City or county licenses based on your business location
• Industry-specific licenses: Extra permits for specialized businesses like restaurants, construction, or healthcare

Nevada state business license

The Nevada state business license is mandatory for all businesses operating in Nevada. The license costs $200 annually and must be renewed through the Nevada Secretary of State each year. Only certain nonprofits and minimal-revenue home businesses qualify for exemptions.

For more information, check out the Nevada Secretary of State business license FAQs.

Licenses for specific cities or counties

Local business licenses are additional permits required by specific cities or counties where you operate. These licenses ensure compliance with local zoning laws, tax regulations, and operational standards.

Major Nevada cities requiring local licenses include:

• Las Vegas: Contact Clark County Business License office
• Reno: Contact Washoe County licensing department
• Henderson: Contact Henderson Business License division

Contact your city or county licensing office to determine specific requirements for your location.

Industry-specific licenses and permits

Businesses in certain specialized industries require extra licenses and permits. For example:

• Food services: The Nevada Department of Health issues health permits for businesses that sell, handle, and manage food.
• Gaming and gambling: The Nevada Gaming Control Board issues and manages gaming licenses.
• Liquor sales: The Nevada Department of Taxation issues liquor licenses for any business selling alcohol.
• Construction: The Nevada State Contractors Board issues construction and contractor licenses.
• Healthcare: The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services issues licenses for organizations that provide health services.

If you're unsure whether you need additional permits, check with local agencies to learn more.

Business license exemptions in Nevada

Not every business needs a state license to operate in Nevada. Certain organizations and activities qualify for an exemption, which means you don't have to pay the annual state license fee.

• Nonprofit organizations: Most nonprofits registered under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c) are exempt from the state business license fee, though they still need to file for the license. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), these organizations are operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, educational, or other specified purposes.
• Minimal-revenue businesses: Some home-based businesses that generate a very small amount of revenue may also be exempt.

Even if your business is exempt at the state level, you may still need a local license from your city or county. Always check with the Nevada Secretary of State and your local government office to confirm your specific requirements.

What Nevada business licenses cost

Nevada business license costs vary by license type and location. Here's what you'll pay.

State licensing fees:

• Business license: $200 annually for most businesses
• Nonprofit exemption: No fee, but you must still file annually
• Payment method: Nevada Secretary of State's SilverFlume business portal

Local licensing costs:

• Variable pricing: Depends on city, business type, and revenue
• Research required: Contact your local licensing office for specific fees
• Renewal schedules: Vary by jurisdiction (some annual, others different timelines)

How to get a business license in Nevada

Getting a Nevada business license involves four main steps: choosing your business structure, registering with the state, applying for licenses, and maintaining compliance.

The process typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on your business complexity.

1. Choose your business structure and name

Business structure determines your legal liability, tax obligations, and licensing requirements. Choose the structure that best fits your needs.

Common Nevada business structures:

• Sole proprietorship: Simplest structure but no liability protection for personal assets
• Partnership: Shared ownership and profits between two or more people
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Protects personal assets from business debts and Nevada has no state LLC tax

Business name registration is required when your business name differs from your legal name or when forming an LLC.

Name registration requirements:

• LLC formation: Business name must be available and unique in Nevada
• Sole proprietorships: File for fictitious firm name if using a business name different from your legal name
• Name availability: Check through the Nevada Secretary of State website before filing

2. Register your business and get an EIN

If you're forming an LLC, a partnership, or a corporation, you must file formation documents with the Nevada Secretary of State, such as Articles of Organization for an LLC or Articles of Incorporation for a corporation.

If your business is hiring employees, opening a business bank account, or being taxed as a separate entity, you'll need to register for an employer identification number (EIN). The Small Business Administration describes an EIN as being like a Social Security number for your business online with the IRS or by email or fax. This IRS website sets out the process.

3. Apply for the general business license

Once you've registered your business and met the local requirements (if applicable), apply for the state business license through the Nevada Secretary of State. Whether you're starting a business from home or forming a company focused on growth, you'll need to apply for licensing through the State of Nevada Business Portal, SilverFlume.

If you're starting a business in a city that requires a local license, apply for it with the local authority.

4. Apply for any extra licenses or permits

Use SilverFlume to check whether your business needs any additional permits, county business licenses, or regulatory approvals to comply with local health, safety, and industry regulations. You can also review guidance from the Nevada Secretary of State and relevant state agencies on specific permit requirements.

Renew your licenses to stay compliant

Once you've got your Nevada business licenses and any local permits, make sure you renew them on time. Filing required annual notices helps you avoid issues such as automatic revocation of your status by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In Nevada, businesses must renew their state license annually at the SilverFlume portal. Cities and counties may have different timelines for renewal timelines so stay up to date with these.

To stay compliant:

• Check for tax and regulatory changes that could affect your business, like updates to Nevada tax permits, zoning rules in your city or county, and industry regulations.
• If your business is registered as a corporation or LLC, you must file an annual list with the Nevada Secretary of State and pay the required fees to continue operating legally.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a Nevada business license

Common licensing mistakes can slow down your launch or cost you money. Online tools, such as permitting portals, can help you streamline applications and avoid delays. Avoid these three critical errors.

Submitting incomplete applications

Incomplete applications cause 60% of licensing delays and rejections. Missing information can add 2–4 weeks to your approval timeline.

Prevention steps:

• Use the checklist: Review SilverFlume's business registration checklist before submitting
• Verify information: Double-check all business details, addresses, and contact information
• Include all documents: Ensure you've attached every required form and supporting document

Missing renewal deadlines

Avoid late renewals by noting renewal dates on your calendar and setting up email reminders.

Ignoring zoning laws and local regulations

Certain business activities require zoning approvals before opening, such as starting a landscaping business or running a car rental business, so check with your local city or county zoning office before buying business property, signing a lease, or starting operations. Checking zoning rules early can help you avoid fines or relocation costs.

Many cities have zoning maps online, such as the Las Vegas Zoning and Planning and Reno Community Development and Planning websites.

Run your Nevada business with Xero

Once you've obtained your Nevada business license, it's time to focus on running your business. Xero's easy-to-use accounting software helps you manage invoices, track expenses, and stay on top of your finances.

Get one month free and see how Xero can simplify your business admin.

FAQs on Nevada business licenses

Here are answers to common questions about getting and keeping a Nevada business license.

What businesses are exempt from a Nevada business license?

Limited exemptions apply to specific nonprofits and minimal-revenue home businesses. However, exemption from state licensing doesn't guarantee exemption from local permits.

Exemption details:

• Qualifying businesses: Certain nonprofits and very low-revenue home businesses
• Verification required: Confirm exemption status with Nevada Secretary of State
• Local permits still apply: Check city and county requirements even with state exemptions

Does a Nevada business license expire?

Yes, Nevada business licenses must be renewed annually. The state business license costs $200 per year and you can renew it through the SilverFlume portal. Missing renewal deadlines can result in penalties and potential business disruption.

How long does it take to get a Nevada business license?

Processing times for Nevada business licenses typically take 2-4 weeks, depending on your business complexity and whether you need additional permits. You can speed up the process by ensuring your application is complete and accurate before submitting.

Is Nevada a good state to start a business in?

Yes, Nevada ranks among the top business-friendly states in the US, partly because it is one of only seven states that have no income tax. You can learn more about state tax rules in the Small Business Administration guide to federal and state tax ID numbers.

Key advantages:

• No state income tax: Zero corporate or personal income tax
• Growing market: Expanding population provides larger customer base and workforce
• Business-friendly regulations: Streamlined licensing and fewer regulatory barriers

Potential drawbacks:

• Limited grants: Fewer state-funded business grant programs compared to higher-tax states

What do I need to start a business in Nevada?

Nevada business requirements include mandatory state licensing plus additional permits for specialized industries.

Essential requirements:

• State business license: $200 annually through Nevada Secretary of State
• Industry permits: Additional licenses for food service, construction, healthcare, etc.
• LLC or corporation filings: Articles of organization or incorporation, plus a $150 annual list filing fee

Can I operate in Nevada under a different name from my registered business name?

Yes, you can. If you're a sole proprietor, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation, you can file a “doing business as” (DBA) name with the county where you operate. Business name requirements vary by county, so be sure to check with your city or county office for specific guidelines.