Nevada Business License: Who Needs One & How to Apply (2025)

What Is a Business License in Nevada?

A business license is a permit issued by a local, state, or federal body in order to allow businesses to perform a specific business activity and/or operate legitimately. 

Even though Nevada imposes a general business license requirement — unlike the vast majority of states — there are still different requirements based on where you’re located and what your business actually does. 

For example:

• A restaurant in Las Vegas will need a health permit from the Southern Nevada Health District and a business license from the city of Las Vegas. If serving alcohol, they’ll also need a liquor license through the city’s privileged licensing process and must register with the Nevada Department of Taxation.
• A real estate agent in Henderson will need their individual real estate license from the Nevada Real Estate Division and their brokerage will need a business license from the city of Henderson. They’ll also need to register with the Nevada Secretary of State through the SilverFlume portal for their state business license.
• A retail store in Reno will need a business license from the city of Reno, a state business license through the Nevada Secretary of State, and must register for sales tax collection with the Nevada Department of Taxation. They’ll also need to comply with workers’ compensation requirements.
• A gaming establishment in unincorporated Clark County will need extensive licensing from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, a business license from Clark County, a liquor license if serving alcohol, and gaming employee registrations for all staff handling gaming operations. This represents Nevada’s most heavily regulated industry.

Do I Need a Nevada Business License? 

Well, the answer to this will ultimately depend on your business’s situation. You can have a look at our table below in order to get a general idea:

Nevada Business Licensing at a Glance

Jurisdiction	Business Licenses	Who Needs It & Where to Apply
Local	Business Licenses, Zoning Permits, Building Permits, Retail Liquor Sales, Sign Permits, and Health Permits	Most businesses operating within city or county limits Contact your local municipality to determine requirements.
State	State Business License	All businesses operating in Nevada must obtain a state business license through the Nevada Secretary of State.
	Professional Licenses	Required for regulated professions (e.g., contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, etc.)  Apply via the relevant Nevada board or agency.
	Industry-Specific State Licenses	Businesses in regulated industries (e.g., childcare, gaming, vehicle dealers, etc.)  Apply through the relevant Nevada agency (e.g., the Nevada Gaming Control Board, etc.).
Federal	Industry-Specific Licenses	Businesses involved in federally regulated activities such as agriculture, aviation, firearms, alcohol, broadcasting, or wildlife. Apply through the relevant federal agency (e.g., USDA, FAA, ATF, FCC, FWS)

*While this table is meant to give you a general idea, it’s by no means exhaustive. For all your licensing needs, we suggest either going with a professional licensing service or consulting with a business attorney.

How to Get a Business License in Nevada

The process of obtaining a business license in Nevada will depend on the licenses in question, but generally involves completing the following steps:

1. Form a Business Structure & Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

We recommend formalizing your business before acquiring a business license in order to avoid potentially having to repeat this process again later down the line. 

This also gives other benefits depending on the business model, such as:

• Personal liability protection
• Improved legitimacy 
• Larger access to loans and corporate financing

Note: You should obtain an EIN after forming your LLC. You can have a look at our How to Get an EIN overview for more information. 

2. Apply for the Right Business License in Nevada

This step will depend on the business license in question.

Nevada Local Business Licenses

Many Nevada cities and counties require local business licenses or permits to be obtained. This can be in addition to the common state-wide licenses talked about above.

Here are some common local licenses and permits you may need:

• General Business License: Most Nevada municipalities require businesses operating within their jurisdiction to obtain a general business license. This includes home-based businesses in many areas. The license ensures your business is registered with the local government and helps fund municipal services (e.g., if your business is based in Las Vegas, you would apply through the city of Las Vegas Business Licensing Department).
• Health Permits: Food establishments, including restaurants, bars, food trucks, and catering operations, need health permits from their local health authority. In Southern Nevada, this is handled at the county level (e.g., if your restaurant is in Clark County, you would apply through the Southern Nevada Health District).
• Zoning Permits: Before opening your business, you’ll need to verify that your location is properly zoned for your intended use. Zoning permits ensure your business type is allowed in that specific area (e.g., if your business is in Reno, you would check with the city of Reno’s  Development Services Department).
• Building Permits/Certificate of Occupancy: If you’re constructing a new building, renovating an existing space, or changing the use of a building, you’ll need a building permit and, ultimately, a certificate of occupancy before opening (e.g., if your business is in Washoe County, you would work with the Washoe County Building Program).
• Privileged Business Licenses: Businesses involving alcohol sales, gaming, or adult entertainment require special “privileged” licenses that often involve background checks and city council approval (e.g., if your bar is in the city of Reno, you would apply for a privileged business license through its Business Licensing Department).

To find your local county or city’s official contact information and licensing requirements, visit the Nevada state and local licensing office directory.

Nevada State Business Licenses

Below we’ve included the most common business licenses that are required on a state level. 

Nevada Business License

You can register for a Nevada business license online, by mail, in person, or by fax. For corporations, LLCs, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), the state business license is part of the Initial List of Officers form that is included in the business registration packet.

OPTION 1: Apply Online With Nevada SilverFlume

Apply Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: Apply by Mail, by Fax, or in Person

Business Trust
Corporation
LLP
LP
Sole Proprietor or General Partnership

Download for LLC

Fee: $200 (does not include formation fees)

Filing Addresses:
Secretary of State
Commercial Recordings Division
401 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701

Secretary of State
Commercial Recordings Division
2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North, 1st Floor (drop box)
2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Suite 400 (mailing address)
North Las Vegas, NV 89030

Fax: (702) 486-2465

Nevada Sales Tax Permit

OPTION 1: Apply Online With Nevada SilverFlume

Apply Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: Apply by Mail

Download Form

Fee: $15

Mailing Addresses:
700 E. Warm Springs Rd.
Suite 200
Las Vegas, NV 89119

4600 Kietzke Lane
Suite L235
Reno, NV 89502.

3850 Arrowhead Dr.
2nd Floor
Carson City, NV 89706

Tip: Your business doesn’t need to pay sales taxes when purchasing goods for resale. You’ll need to have obtained a state Sales Tax Permit and present a Resale Certificate (Form TAX-F005) when buying such items for this to apply. 

Nevada Professional Licenses

If you’re interested in a professional license, you’ll need to head over to the relevant state commission because this is not handled on a local level. We’ve provided the licensing boards of a few of the most common professions below to get you started:

• Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners: Licenses physicians, physician assistants, respiratory care practitioners, perfusionists, and anesthesiologist assistants.
• Nevada Real Estate Division: Oversees licensing for real estate brokers, salespersons, property managers, business brokers, appraisers, inspectors of structures, and timeshare agents.
• Nevada State Contractors Board: Regulates and licenses general contractors, subcontractors, and specialty contractors in Nevada.
• State Bar of Nevada: Regulates the practice of law and licenses attorneys. All lawyers practicing in Nevada must be members of the State Bar.
• Nevada State Board of Nursing: Licenses registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
• Nevada State Board of Accountancy: Licenses certified public accountants (CPAs) and regulates accounting firms.

For more information on how to go about getting licensed, you can have a look at StateRequirement’s in-depth licensing guides. 

Industry-Specific State Licenses

Some Nevada businesses require additional licenses based on the specific industry in which they operate.

Here are some common examples of industry-specific state licenses in Nevada:

• Liquor Importer/Wholesaler License: Required for businesses importing or wholesaling alcoholic beverages in Nevada. Regulated by the Nevada Department of Taxation. Keep in mind that retail liquor licenses are issued at the local level.
• Gaming License: Required for businesses operating slot machines, table games, or other gaming activities. Regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Licenses range from restricted (up to 15 slot machines) to non-restricted (full casino operations).
• Motor Vehicle Dealer License: Required for businesses selling three or more vehicles per year. Regulated by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Includes new vehicle dealers, used vehicle dealers, and motorcycle dealers.
• Childcare License: Required for facilities caring for five or more children who aren’t related to the provider in question. Regulated by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health. Different licenses exist for childcare centers, family cares (up to six children in a residential home), and group cares (up to 12 children in a residential home).
• Cannabis Establishment License: Required for businesses cultivating, manufacturing, testing, distributing, or selling marijuana. Regulated by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. Includes licenses for dispensaries, cultivation facilities, and product manufacturing facilities.
• Private School License: Required for non-public schools that provide elementary or secondary education. Regulated by the Nevada Department of Education.

Note: This isn’t a complete list. Many other state-level licenses exist for industries like private investigation, security services, insurance, and more. For more information, visit the Nevada Department of Business and Industry or consult with a business attorney.

Nevada Environmental Permits

If your business’s industry will mean that it could negatively impact the environment, there’s a good chance you’ll need some sort of license or permit from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP).

Examples of industries and activities requiring environmental permits include:

• Underground Storage Tank Registration: Required for businesses storing petroleum products or other regulated substances in underground tanks. While NDEP oversees the program statewide, permits in Clark County and Washoe County must be obtained through their local health departments. Tanks must be registered and meet leak-detection requirements.
• Air Quality Permits: Required for any process or activity that emits air contaminants. Class I permits are for major sources emitting more than 100 tons/year of any regulated pollutant. Class II permits are for smaller sources. Even small operations like paint shops, dry cleaners, and gas stations may need permits.
• Stormwater Permits: Required for construction sites disturbing one acre or more, industrial facilities, and certain municipal storm sewer systems. Permits prevent polluted runoff from entering Nevada’s rivers and lakes. A Construction Stormwater Permit must be obtained at least two days before starting construction.
• Water Discharge Permits: Required for facilities discharging to surface waters — National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits — or groundwater (state permits). Includes industrial wastewater, treated sewage, and other discharges that could impact water quality.
• Wetlands Permits: Required for projects that may impact wetlands or the waters of the state. Federal Clean Water Act Section 404 permits also may be required for dredging or filling activities.
• Mining Permits: Required for mining operations, including exploration, extraction, and reclamation activities. Multiple permits may be needed for air emissions, water discharge, and waste management.
• Septic System Permits: Required for onsite sewage disposal systems serving commercial properties. Permits ensure proper design, installation, and maintenance to protect groundwater.

Tip: The Nevada Business Environmental Program offers free and confidential assistance for businesses wanting to understand and comply with environmental regulations. Call (800) 882-3233 or visit the website for help with permits, compliance, and pollution prevention strategies.

Federal Business Licenses for Nevada LLCs

If your business is in a federally regulated industry (which is uncommon), it’ll need to acquire the appropriate business license from the right body before starting to operate. 

A full list of industries regulated at a federal level can be found below:

• Agriculture: Overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Alcoholic Beverages: Overseen by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the Local Alcohol Beverage Control Board
• Aviation: Overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration.
• Firearms, Ammunitions, and Explosives: Overseen by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
• Fish and Wildlife: Overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Commercial Fishing: Overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service.
• Maritime Transportation: Overseen by the Federal Maritime Commission.
• Mining and Drilling: Overseen by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
• Radio and Television Broadcasting: Overseen by the Federal Communications Commission.
• Transportation and Logistics: Overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation

Nevada Business License Renewal

Depending on your business license, you may need to renew it periodically — usually within one or two years.

This is required for the Nevada State Business License, which must be renewed annually along with your Annual List filing. For Title 7 entities (LLCs and corporations), the state business license renewal is due on the last day of your anniversary month of formation. The renewal fee is $200 for LLCs and $500 for corporations.

Renewal is also required for practically all professional licenses and many local permits, including:

• Health department permits for food establishments (annually)
• Professional licenses like real estate, nursing, and contractors (typically every one to two years with continuing education requirements)
• Liquor licenses at the local level (quarterly in many jurisdictions)
• Gaming licenses (quarterly)
• Motor vehicle dealer licenses (annually)
• Local business licenses (varies by jurisdiction – monthly, quarterly, or annually)

Having said that, renewal requirements will ultimately depend on both your location and the specific license in question. As a result, we recommend always checking with your issuing agency for the specific renewal timelines and requirements that will apply to you.

Nevada Business License FAQs

Quick Links

• Nevada Secretary of State – SilverFlume business portal
• Nevada Department of Taxation
• Nevada Department of Business & Industry
• Nevada Gaming Control Board
• Nevada Directory of Cities and Municipalities