Licensing Requirements & Resources for each county in Nevada

Nevada is one of the top destinations for forming a new business and when you form a new business, you will also have to apply for a business license. There are two types of licenses and permits in Nevada and they are state business licenses and local licenses and permits. A State business license is issued by the Nevada Secretary of State but the licensing requirements of each city or county are different. One of the important aspects to consider is that you will need to produce a copy of your State business license prior to applying for county licenses. Let us look at requirements for each county/city separately.

Business License report

A Guide to County Licensing Requirement & Resources

This guide has been created to help you identify the right authorities in different Nevada counties who are responsible for issuance of Nevada business licenses in these counties. It will also help you understand the licensing requirements and resources available in each county. This guide will be particularly helpful for businesses working out of multiple locations in Nevada.

Carson City

The Carson City Business License Division is responsible for processing the new business license as well as the Nevada business license renewal. Some of the documents required to apply for a Nevada business license in Carson City include:

The State Industrial Insurance Affirmation Of Compliance D-25 Form for Industrial Insurance Compliance or Workers Comp.
Copy of the State of Nevada Specialty License to be provided if applicable
Business Information Form for the Assessor’s Office
Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) Form

Special permits are also issued to businesses like the Special Event Permit and Temporary Liquor Permit. Apart from your county license fee, there will be an additional vendor fee applicable for the permit. It is important to note that the business license Nevada cost for a new license will vary according to the “Type of Business” and there will also be additional fees for commercial location. Once you have submitted all necessary documents for your Nevada business license along with the fee as prescribed, the approval process will take approximately 7 -10 business days.

Resources

The Carson City Business License Division provides several resources and forms pertaining to Nevada business license renewal and processes for the application for new licenses. You can find more information pertaining to obtaining Carson City businesses licenses in the city’s official guide.

Clark County

The Clark County Department of Business License is responsible for processing the new license and permits in Nevada for businesses planning to operate from this county. The general license applications can be sent by mail and in-person while the regulated and privileged license applications are accepted only through appointments. Some of the documents required for applying for an online business license in Nevada include:

Proof of registration with the Nevada Department of Taxation
Proof of business registration with Nevada Secretary of State
Fictitious name registration
Completed investigation packets for Regulated, Liquor and Gaming licenses

Once you have fulfilled all the above requirements, you can submit your application along with the licensing fees as well as a non-refundable application fee of $45. Once you have submitted your application for Clark County, Nevada business license, the application will be sent for review and approval to different departments like the Comprehensive Planning Department, Fire Prevention Department, and other government agencies based on your business activity. Once approval is received, the Director of Business License will issue the necessary license or permit.

Resources

You can take advantage of various resources pertaining to Nevada LLC business licenses in Clark County including a detailed Clark County Business License Categories and Fee Schedule. You can download a personal history form for regulated licenses and privileged business license application packet with instructions, checklist and forms. There are several other Nevada business license resources available on the Clark County website including Jurisdiction Locator, information on Clark County Code related to licenses and permits, information related to Safety Inspections and Inspecting agencies among others. You can read more about the process for obtaining Clark County business license and permits.

Churchill County

The Churchill County Planning Department is responsible for issuance of licensess and permits in Nevada. According to the Churchill County Code, a business, firm, an association or a person engaging in any business activity or trade in the county will need to obtain licenses and permits. You can conduct a Nevada business license search to help identify the permits or licenses required by your business. There are specific requirements based on type of business and they are:

If your business premise is within the city limits of Fallon then you will need to apply for a City license.
Offices situated within Churchill County should be zoned correctly. The Planning Department can provide useful information pertaining to zoning.
Home-based businesses within Churchill County will have to obtain a Usage Permit.
Depending on the type of business, permitting and inspections by different agencies like the building department or Fire Marshall is necessary for obtaining a Nevada business license.
Liquor license is considered a separate license and can be obtained from the Sheriff’s Department. This license will be issued only after you have obtained a county business license.

Resources

The Planning Department of Churchill County provides several resources and useful guides pertaining to Nevada business license for the business location serving Churchill County, county code pertaining to licenses and permits, and information on Nevada business license exemption. You will also find information on business license fee schedule and other related information.

Douglas County

The Douglas County Clerk is responsible for processing the Nevada business license required in this county. The fee for all types of local business license and permit will vary according to the type of business activity. Some of the requirements to apply for a county business license include:

Obtain a Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) certificate
Ensure business is registered or incorporated in the state of Nevada
Complete D-25 Form for Industrial Insurance Compliance or Workers Comp.
Obtain a retail sales permit if required
Obtain Environmental Permits if required

It is important to note that the requirements and business license Nevada cost for liquor/entertainment/gaming license would be different from that of any other local license or permit. The application for such licenses is to be submitted with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Businesses are responsible towards complying with Douglas County Code and regulations. There can be random compliance checks as well as inspections carried out by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Resources

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada SBDC, and County Clerk office provide information pertaining to license and permits in Nevada for new businesses. You can find more information resources online and can download application packets, forms, and fee schedules related to Douglas County business license and permits from the county clerk website.

Elko County

The Elko County Business License Department is responsible for issuance of license and permits in Nevada to new businesses. The licenses issued include special event licensing, peddlers, temporary merchants, parades, and concessionaires within the City limits. The Elko County business permit or license is valid for a period of one year from the date of issue and renewal notices are mailed directly to the business. It is important to note that failure towards Nevada business license renewal may result in a penalty of 25% after 30 days and 50% after 60 days.

All new businesses situated in Elko County or within the City limits need to contact the Planning Department for all types of Zoning Requirements prior to applying for a Nevada business license. Some of the requirements to apply for a local business permit or license include:

Obtain a copy of sales or use tax permit
Obtain a Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) certificate
Ensure business is registered or incorporated in the state of Nevada
Sales and food service businesses should meet all requirements of the Nevada State Health Department
All businesses applying for license and permits in Nevada will require inspections from the City Building, Fire, Planning, and Development Departments.

An Elko County Nevada business license has to be renewed annually. The application for a new license along with the applicable fee should be submitted at the office of the City Clerk.

Resources

The Business License Department provides detailed information and resources related to setting up a new business in the county. They also provide information pertaining to different types of permits like building permits, special event permits, and gaming/liquor licensing. You can check the City of Elko Business License Application Packet to get an insight into the requirements and process for obtaining a license.

Esmeralda County

The Esmeralda County Clerk is responsible for processing the Nevada business license required in this county. The fee for all types of local business licenses and permits will vary according to the type of business activity. You can file for an online business license in Nevada if your business is situated in Esmeralda County. Some of the requirements to apply for a county business license include:

Necessary to have a Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) certificate
Ensure business is registered or incorporated in the state of Nevada
Obtain a retail sales permit or exemption if required
Obtain Environmental Permits if required
Obtain any additional permits from Police, Health, Fire or Building Departments as required

Resources

The Esmeralda County Clerk’s Office and Nevada SBDC provide information pertaining to license and permits in Nevada for new businesses. You can find information resources online and you will be able to download application packets, forms, and fee schedules from the county clerk website.

Eureka County

The Eureka County Clerk Recorder’s office is responsible for facilitating the applications for a Nevada business license in this county. There are certain requirements mentioned in the Eureka County Code to ensure businesses comply with these codes when applying for online business licenses in Nevada. Some of the requirements include:

Filing for a Fictitious Business Name Certificate (DBA)
Filing of Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization with Nevada Secretary of State
Proof of a retail sales permit or Nevada business license exemption if required
Obtaining additional permits from Health, Fire, Police, or Building Departments

It is important to note that licenses and permits in Nevada for serving Alcoholic beverages are issued by the Liquor Board of the County. You will be required to apply for a Liquor License separately and the application has to be made to the Sheriff’s office.

Resources

If you are looking for information pertaining to business licenses and permits then the Eureka County website provides resources related to Nevada business license search and business information for Eureka, Beowawe and Crescent Valley.

Humboldt County

The Humboldt County Clerk’s office is responsible for processing Nevada business license applications. There are specific requirements for businesses applying for a permit or license in the county and they are:

Business should have Nevada Sales Tax number
Business should have Nevada Business ID
They should have a Fictitious Business Name Certificate (DBA)
Businesses should contact the planning department for zoning requirements and home based businesses need to have a “special use permit”
Should have filed for Workers Comp

In order to obtain a Nevada llc business license in Humboldt County, it is important to identify the categories of licenses issued. Apart from the Standard Nevada Business License, Humboldt County issues Privilege Business License for Liquor or Gaming, Out-of-Town Business License, Blanket Business License, and Special Events License.

Resources

Humboldt County website provides detailed information and several resources related to registration of new businesses and requirements pertaining to registration and issuance of license and permits in Nevada. You can also download all license forms directly from the website.

Lander County

The Lander County Building and Planning Department is responsible for processing Nevada business license applications. There are two types of business licenses issued – standard business license and temporary license. The licensing process requires you to furnish specific details like:

State of Nevada Business License Number
Nevada Department of Taxation Sales Tax Number or Clearance Letter
Federal Tax Identification Number or Social Security Number
Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) or Articles of Incorporation
Photo ID of owner and/or applicant

Resources

Lander County website provides detailed information and several resources related to filing DBA, how to register a startup, and application form for license and permits in Nevada. You will also have access to all license related information and documents including Nevada business license renewal information.

Lincoln County

The Lincoln County Planning and Building Department is responsible for processing new licenses and Nevada business license renewal. The Lincoln County Business License Code makes it mandatory for businesses to obtain a standard business license or a temporary license prior to operating in the county. It is important to note that if your business is based in Caliente then you will have to apply for an additional Caliente Nevada business license. If you want to obtain a liquor license then you will be required to apply to the County Sheriff’s Department for the same.

Resources

The Nevada SBDC and Lincoln County website provide detailed information as well as licensing resources that you can check prior to applying for license and permits in Nevada.

Lyon County

Chapter1, Title 5 of the Lyon County Code deals with requirements and provisions of issuing a general business license. The standard Nevada business license is processed by the Board of County Commissioners while Liquor and Gaming licenses are issued by the office of the Clerk and Treasurer. The business license Nevada cost for standard licenses vary according to the number of persons running the business. If there are 2 people running the business then the annual fee is $150 and if there are 16 people then the fee would be $338.

Resources

The Nevada SBDC, Lyon County website, and Lyon County Code provide detailed information as well as licensing resources to new businesses. You will have access to information pertaining to Nevada business license exemption, renewal dates, license fee, grounds for suspension of license, and temporary license and permits in Nevada among others.

Mineral County

The Mineral County Clerk office is responsible for the issuance of license and permits in Nevada to new businesses. All new businesses situated in Mineral County need to fulfill the following licensing requirements:

Obtain a copy of retail sales permit or exemption
Business Tax Certificate of compliance
Obtain a Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) certificate
Ensure business is registered with the Nevada Secretary of State
Obtain Environmental Permits if required
Mineral County Sheriff’s Office Supplemental Form and Questionnaire

Resources

The Nevada SBDC and Mineral County Economic Development Authority provide detailed licensing information and related resources to help new businesses. You will be able to access information pertaining to different types of license and permits in Nevada, incorporation, Nevada Labor Law Compliance, business license Nevada cost, and Local Zoning Compliance among others.

Nye County

The Nye County Planning Department is responsible for reviewing the application for Nevada business licenses in the county. In order to obtain a business permit or license in Nye County, you will need to fulfill specific licensing requirements like:

Obtain a copy of retail sales permit or exemption
Business Tax Certificate of compliance
Obtain a Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) certificate
Ensure business is registered with the Nevada Secretary of State
Obtain Environmental Permits if required
Obtain additional permits from Health, Fire, Police, or Building Departments

Resources

The Nevada SBDC and Nye County Planning Department provide several resources focusing on how you can conduct your business in Nevada and in the county. They provide information pertaining to licensing guidelines, Nevada business license renewal, types of permits applicable businesses, mobile food vending and home occupation among others.

Pershing County

If you are planning to start a new business in Nevada or looking for Nevada business license renewal then the application has to be submitted with the Pershing County Business License Department or the Planning and Building Department. If your application is for a Liquor and Gaming license and permits in Nevada then you will have to submit it with the Sheriff’s Office. There are specific requirements that you would be required to fulfill as a part of the application and that includes:

Notarized copy of State of Nevada Division of Industrial Insurance Regulation Form
Proof of Liability Insurance and Workers Comp
Obtain a Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) certificate
Registration or incorporation certificate
Copy of Nevada State Business License
Nevada Tax ID number
Pershing County Planning and Building Form

Resources

The Nevada SBDC and Pershing County Planning and Building Department provides several resources that will answer queries if any regarding formation of a new business, applying for an online business license Nevada, building or any other permits if required, and fee schedule.

Storey County

If you are planning to start a new business in Storey County then it is mandatory to apply for a Nevada business license. The issuance of licenses is governed by Storey County ordinance chapter 5.04 and it is issued by the Building Department. There are specific license applications that are handled by the Storey County Sheriff’s Department and this includes liquor or gaming licenses, Escort, Child care services, and utilities among others.

It is important to note that according to Storey County Ord. 161 § 2(part), 1999 if your business has several branches in the same county then a separate Nevada business license will be required for each branch or establishment.

Resources

The Nevada SBDC and Storey County Building Department provide resources for new businesses as well as those who want to apply for Nevada business license renewal. The Storey County ordinances will provide you with important information related to license and permits in Nevada including fee schedule, licensing regulations, licensing procedures, and temporary licenses. You can know more about the licensing procedures and application by familiarizing yourself with the Storey County, Nevada Municipal Code.

Washoe County

If you are planning to start a new business in Washoe County then you will have to apply for a Nevada business license. You will be required to submit your license or permit application with Washoe County Business License Department. You can also file an online business license in Nevada using the ONE Regional Licensing and Permits Portal. However, if you are conducting your business within the City of Reno or City of Sparks then you will have to apply for a separate City of Reno/Sparks license.

It is important to note that Nevada business license exemption is applicable to specific businesses like providing childcare in private homes. The license fee in Washoe county varies according to the Annual Gross Receipts although all new businesses have to pay $77.75 as a flat fee in the first year of operation. The fee is different for license and permits in Nevada especially if your business falls in the “Special Business Type” category.

Resources

Licensing and new business resources are available on the Washoe County website. You will find information pertaining to License Fee Schedule, General and Home Based Nevada business license, Permits for Temporary Events, Liquor and Gaming Licenses, and Multi-Jurisdictional License Process among others. You can read here about how to apply for Washoe County general and home-based business licenses.

White Pine County

If you are planning to start a new business in White Pine County then you will have to apply for a Nevada business license with the White Pine County Clerk Office. There are specific requirements that you will have to fulfill for the license application and they are:

Obtain a Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) certificate
Register or incorporate business with the Nevada Secretary of State
Obtain a Business Tax Certificate of compliance
Obtain a retail sales permit or exemption
Obtain any Environmental Permits if required
Obtain additional license and permits in Nevada as required from the Health, Fire, Police, or Building Departments

Resources

The Nevada SBDC and White Pine County website provides several resources focusing on how you can conduct your business in the county. You can access information pertaining to licensing guidelines, types of permits applicable for businesses, Nevada business license renewal, and White Pine County Ordinances among others.

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