How to get a Nevada business license

Published Thursday 15 May 2025

Table of contents:

• Types of business licenses in Nevada
• Costs and renewal requirements for a Nevada business license
• How to get a business license in Nevada
• Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a Nevada business license
• FAQs on getting a Nevada business license

Key takeaways

• Most businesses operating in Nevada need a state license, which you renew annually.
• You may also need a local business license or specialized license where your business operates, such as Nevada tax permits for selling taxable goods or services.
• Industry-specific permits like food service, liquor sales, gaming, or construction from the appropriate Nevada regulatory agencies.
• The Nevada business license cost is $200 per year. Local business license fees can vary based on where you’re operating and the type of business.
• Make the application process easier by avoiding mistakes like incomplete applications, missing renewal deadlines, and failing to comply with zoning or tax laws.

Types of business licenses in Nevada

To get a business license in Nevada, you’ll need to know which ones fit your industry, activities, and location. You may even need one or more of the licenses below to operate in your state.

Nevada State Business License

Nevada requires all businesses operating in the state to hold a state business license (unless they’re exempt). You’ll need to renew this annually with the Nevada Secretary of State.

Here’s more info on Nevada state business licenses

Licenses for specific cities or counties

You might also need a local license if you’re opening a business in specific cities or counties – like Las Vegas, Reno, or Henderson. City and county agencies issue these licenses, which reflect associated zoning laws, tax regulations, and operational standards. Contact the city or county licensing office where you’re planning to open your business.

Industry-specific licenses and permits

Businesses in certain specialized industries require extra licenses and permits.

• Food services – the Nevada Department of Health issues health permits for businesses selling, handling, and managing food.
• Gaming and gambling – the Nevada Gaming Control Board issues and manages gaming licenses.
• Liquor sales – liquor licenses (issued through the Nevada Department of Taxation) apply to any business selling alcohol
• Construction – the Nevada State Contractors Board issues construction and contractor permits
• Healthcare – healthcare-specific licenses apply to any organization providing health services, and are issued by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services

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

What Nevada business licenses cost

Here’s a breakdown of the fees and renewal obligations at both the state and local levels:

• State business licenses cost $200 a year for businesses that operate in Nevada (nonprofits aren’t charged a fee but still must file). You can pay state licensing fees through the Nevada Secretary of State’s SilverFlume business portal.
• Local business license costs vary by city or county based on your business type, revenue, and industry regulations. So check directly with your local licensing office.
• State business license renewal occurs annually, and you can renew through the State of Nevada business portal, SilverFlume. Local licensing renewal can vary between cities and counties, with some requiring annual renewal and others operating on different schedules.

How to get a business license in Nevada

Here are the basics of Nevada business registration to obtain your state license:

1. Choose your business structure and name

Your chosen structure affects your legal liabilities, taxation, and compliance obligations. Here are the common structures to look at as you start your business:

• Sole proprietorship: The owner and business are legally the same entity. There’s no legal separation between personal and business assets, so you’re personally liable for any debts or legal claims against your business.
• Partnership: A business with two or more owners who share profits and liabilities. In general, partnerships split responsibility equally, while limited partnerships (LPs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) offer different levels of liability protection.
• Limited liability company (LLC): LLCs protect your personal assets from your business liabilities. Nevada has no state-level LLC tax, so it’s an attractive option for many small businesses.

Once you’ve chosen your structure, you may need to register your business name. To form an LLC, your business name must be available to use. If you’re using a unique name for your business other than your legal name as a sole proprietor, you’ll need to file for a fictitious firm name. Find out if your chosen business name is available in Nevada by checking with the Nevada Secretary of State.

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.

• 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 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) 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. 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 find out if your business needs any additional permits, county business licenses, or regulatory approvals to comply with local health, safety, and industry -regulations.

Renew your licenses to stay compliant

Once you’ve got your Nevada business licenses and any local permits, don’t forget to renew them! 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 laws, and industry regulations.
• If your business is registered as a corporation or LLC or corporation, send an annual list to the Nevada Secretary of State and pay the fees to continue operating legally.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a Nevada business license

Don’t make the following common mistakes when applying for your business license.

Submitting incomplete applications

Missing documents, incorrect information, or incomplete application fields can delay approval or lead to the rejection of your application. Double-check all your paperwork and required documents against the business registration checklist on SilverFlume.

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. You might save yourself big 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.

FAQs on Nevada business licenses

Is Nevada a good state to start a business in?

Yes! Nevada is one of the most business-friendly states: It doesn’t have corporate or personal income taxes, and its growing population means a large customer base and workforce.

There are some downsides, such as fewer state-provided business grants compared with higher-tax states.

What do I need to start a business in Nevada?

You need a state business license from the Nevada Secretary of State, and any additional permits if you’re in a specialized industry. If you’re opening an LLC or a corporation, you must file Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation and submit an annual list, which costs $150 and keeps your business records current with the state.

Who’s exempt from a business license in Nevada?

Some nonprofits and certain home-based businesses – such as those that make a minimal revenue – are exempt from business licensing. But even if you’re exempt at state level, check with the Nevada Secretary of State to make sure you don’t still need a local or city license.

Do nonprofit organizations need to obtain a business license in Nevada?

In most cases, yes – nonprofits need a Nevada State Business License (they’re usually exempt from the $200 annual renewal fee, though). And if your nonprofit carries out taxable activities (like selling taxable goods or services), you’ll need to register with the Nevada Department of Taxation, too.

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

Yes, you can. If you’re a sole trader or structured as an LLCs or a corporation, just file for a DBA 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.

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