What do you mean by “business”?
Why do I need a business license?
What is ‘Unincorporated’ Clark County’?
Why do I need to check the Jurisdiction Locater, to apply for a business license?
I conduct business in different cities surrounding Las Vegas. Is one license enough to conduct my business in different parts of the Valley?
How do I know which category of license to obtain?
How can I check to see if a particular business is licensed?
What forms do I complete to obtain a business license?
How long will it take to get my business license?
What forms of payment do you accept?
Do I have to make an appointment?
How do I obtain a fictitious firm name?
How do I report changes to my existing business license?
What do you mean by “business”?
"Business" means any business, commercial enterprise, trade, occupation, calling, profession, vocation or activity engaged in, conducted or carried on by any person, agent or employee for the purpose of gain, benefit or advantage, either direct or indirect.
Why do I need a business license?
The Clark County Department of Business License makes sure that each business within the unincorporated area of Clark County is zoned correctly, that the business location meets all health and safety code standards, that it ensures the safety of others and that the business is regulated properly per Clark County Code 6.04.010.
What is ‘Unincorporated’ Clark County’?
An unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality. To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. As such, the ‘unincorporated’ area of Clark County is administered by and is part of a larger administrative division, the State of Nevada.
Why do I need to check the Jurisdiction Locater, to apply for a business license?
A jurisdiction is an area with a set of laws under the control of a system of courts, which are different to neighboring areas. The location from which you conduct your business determines the jurisdiction in which you must file for your business license. Clark County comprises of 6 jurisdictions, each with its own licensing agency – the City of Las Vegas, the City of North Las Vegas, the City of Henderson, Boulder City, the City of Mesquite and Unincorporated Clark County. The Jurisdiction Locater will help you identify the jurisdiction of the location for which you are opening your business.
I conduct business in different cities surrounding Las Vegas. Is one license enough to conduct my business in different parts of the Valley?
Each licensing agency has its own rules and regulations. If your business location is based in a particular city; but you travel into the County to conduct business, a Clark County business license may be required, in addition to your City business license. For further Clark County licensing information, please call (702) 455-0174.
How can I check to see if a particular business is licensed?
We have a Business License Database Search you can use, to search for a licensed business issued by Clark County. You will find information like the license number, the business name, business address and license status of the business.
How do I know which category of license to obtain?
Search alphabetically at Business License List of Requirements.
What forms do I complete to obtain a business license?
The General Licensing Application Packet is required for all general licenses: The Nevada Business Registration Form (NBR), Business License Supplement Form, Fire Department's Permit Survey Form, Lease Form.
Regulated Licensing Application Packet forms are required for all regulated licenses: The Nevada Business Registration Form (NBR), Business License Supplement Form, Fire Department's Permit Survey Form, Affirmation of Compliance (Industrial Insurance) Form, Compliance/Exemption Form (SB356). Additional forms may be needed, call (702) 455-4125 for more information.
How long will it take to get my business license?
Most General Licenses are issued within 45 days after the Department receives a complete application and public safety inspections are approved for the business location. Regulated and Liquor and Gaming Licenses take longer to complete criminal history and financial suitability background investigations. Under certain circumstances, temporary licenses can be issued by the Director to allow you to conduct business pending the final approval of the your business license.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Over the counter payments will be accepted by check, money order, cashiers check, cash or debit card. Please note that debit card transactions will not be accepted after 4:00 pm. Payments received by mail must be in the form of check, money order or cashiers check.
** Please make checks and money orders payable to Clark County Department of Business License.
For license renewals, the Department is now accepting credit cards, debit cards, and ACH (e-check) payments over the internet. Prior to the license renewal due date, licensees will receive a letter from the Department containing a unique user id and password needed for access to the online renewal system. Payment transactions that are completed before 11:59 p.m. PST will be credited on the same day. A non-refundable portal administration fee is required on all online payments and will be assessed at the time of transaction.
If your license requires a background investigation by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, the Department will provide you with the investigation application forms and submit your application to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Fees for background applications must be paid by check, cashiers check or money orders payable to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Do I have to make an appointment?
No appointments necessary for general licenses. General applications are processed between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. All completed General applications may be dropped off between 8 a.m-5 p.m.
Yes, appointments are necessary for Privileged and Regulated Licenses: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (702) 455-4125.
Contact Information
Phone: (702) 455-4252
TT/TDD: Relay Nevada Toll-Free: (800) 326-6868
Email: chap@ClarkCountyNV.gov
Fax: (702) 386-2168
Mailing Address:
Clark County Business License
500 S. Grand Central Pkwy, 3rd Floor
Box 551810
Las Vegas, NV 89155-1810
How do I obtain a fictitious firm name?
Need to file a Fictitious Firm Name? Read about the County Clerk requirements if you plan to officially "name" your business. There is some excellent information for you on their website and you will have all the information you need to file your fictitious firm name. This form needs to be filed prior to applying for a Business License.
How can I report changes to my existing business license?
Section 6.04.090, 6.04.100, 6.04.110, 6.04.120, and 6.04.130 of the Clark County Code, provides guidelines for changes to existing business location, name, mailing address, officer changes and ownership changes of 99% or less. (Note: Ownership changes of 100% will require a new license).
Change Forms
The Change Forms packet includes the following: Checklist for Change of Business License; Application for Change of Business License (including Applicable License Changes and Fees), a Fire Permit Survey Form, and a Lease Information Sheet.