Are you a small business owner in Nevada? In that case, it’s more than likely that you’ll need a business license.
We get it: Obtaining a license for your company sounds like a daunting task, and as a small business owner, you don’t need something else on your plate.
In Nevada, in particular, there are several steps small business owners need to take. These steps can make it challenging to determine what exactly you need to do and when. Plus, some requirements vary from county to county. Talk about confusion.
Fortunately, we’ve done all the heavy lifting for you!
This guide entails most things you need to know about how to get a business license in Nevada, including where and how you’d typically apply .
If you’ve been putting this off, don’t stress — this guide will help you through the process.
According to the Nevada Secretary of State, state law mandates that every person or entity doing business in the state of Nevada get a business license annually. In other words, it’s required if you’re doing business in the state of Nevada.
Whether you sell handmade candles or run a marketing consulting company, you likely need to have a business license in Nevada. Registering your company with the state is vital because it helps the government identify your company, specify your annual taxes, hold you accountable for any legal actions brought against you, and more.
Without a license, your business might be out of compliance. If you’re not in compliance with state law, your business could be subject to several challenges at the hands of the government, like fines and penalties, or the inability to open additional locations. What’s more, the government reserves the right to padlock your business, which would deny you access.
Those are some major repercussions, especially for a small business.
When it comes to running your business in Nevada, having a current business license benefits you in several ways, including:
So, we’ve covered the why behind getting a business license in Nevada. Now, let’s take a look at the steps you need to take to do just that.
It’s best to have the following information on hand when applying for your business license in Nevada to make the process as seamless as possible:
Collecting this information before applying will make it easier and faster when completing the paperwork. Also, it’s best to apply for your business license in the state of Nevada on a desktop or laptop computer, as some city and county websites may not work well on a mobile device.
In Nevada, licenses for companies are usually issued at the county level. The county you live in will determine how to get your business license.
We recommend confirming your county requirements by referring to the state’s Guide to Starting a Business in Nevada. Please note that you may need to obtain a license with the city and/or county where your company is located in addition to every city and/or county where you will operate.
Nevada’s SilverFlume business portal is where you’ll apply for your specific business license(s).
No matter the type of company, unless you meet a specific exemption outlined on the state website, if you’re operating in Nevada, you must have a State Business License issued by the Nevada Secretary of State.
To apply online or download the forms, visit the Nevada Secretary of State website.
All new businesses must verify with the State Department of Taxation whether they need a resale permit or an exemption certificate, or if they are subject to use tax. If you’re selling a product or a particular service, it’s more than likely that you’ll need this type of permit.
To apply for this permit or to learn more, visit the State of Nevada Department of Taxation website.
From here, complete your city or county’s specific application. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to submit a Fictitious Firm Name form if you are doing business under a different name from your legal name.
Because there are several nuances and specifics around each city and county, it’s essential to pay attention to these details. To apply for a local license, visit the website of your city or county for additional information.
For example, if you’re a contractor, run a childcare business or a company that requires additional licensure, you’ll likely need to apply for an additional permit as well.
Visit the State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry website for more information.
The cost of a Nevada state business license is $500 for corporations and $200 for other business types. All businesses are required to renew their state business license each year. Keep in mind, this is the information that's current in present time (when the article was published), so we suggest you always double check the fees charged by the state before moving forward.
The cost of a Fictitious Firm Name permit varies, depending on the city or county where you’re operating. Renewing this permit also may vary by city or county, so be sure to contact your local office to confirm.
Obtaining a business license is par for the course when running a business in Nevada. Without one, it may be challenging to prove your company as “official,” not only in the eyes of the state of Nevada, but to your customers as well. Besides, having a proper business license can potentially help you avoid fines or penalties for being out of compliance.
As part of doing business in the state of Nevada, you may be required to carry business insurance as well, like general liability insurance or workers compensation insurance (if you have employees). For example, if you’re a contractor, you’ll likely be required to show proof of insurance to receive a Nevada contractors license.
I know what you may be thinking — another thing to add to your never-ending to-do list! But having business insurance, especially if you have employees, is a critical part of growing your business.
Here are some of the biggest benefits of having business insurance:
If you’re interested in learning more about obtaining a general liability insurance policy or a workers compensation policy, or if you have any questions on how to get a business license in Nevada, our team is happy and ready to help.
The application process may be tedious, but it’s worth securing your Nevada state business license so you can keep doing what you do best — running your business!
You may need to show proof of business insurance to get your license.
That’s where we come in. Compare free insurance quotes for policies as low as $19.58/month.*
Start Here >*Monthly payment calculations (i) do not include initial premium down payment and (ii) may vary by state, insurance provider, and nature of your business. Averages based on January - March 2023 data of 10% of our total policies sold.
Written by
Kat Ambrose
I’m a writer who specializes in creating value-packed blog content for eCommerce and SaaS companies and small businesses. When I'm not writing, I’m probably out running, checking out a thriller novel—or two—from the library, or trying to pet the nearest dog.
Kat writes on a number of topics such as small business administration and business license requirements.
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