10-Step Guide to a Business License

The primary location of your business determines the jurisdiction in which you must file for your business license. Clark County, Nevada is comprised 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 our Department, Unincorporated Clark County. The Jurisdiction Locator   will help you identify your business’ licensing jurisdiction.  Please be aware that a large portion of the Las Vegas valley has a Las Vegas mailing address but is located in unincorporated Clark County

NRS 76 requires all business, corporations, and partnerships operating in the state of Nevada to have a state business license. Please visit the Secretary of State’s website for more information.  You may apply online at nvsilverflume.gov.

All corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships are required to register their corporate entities with the Nevada Secretary of State.  You may register online at nvsilverflume.gov.

You can now register online by visiting the Nevada Department of Taxation website or apply at nvsilverflume.gov together with your entity and state license filing.

Businesses operating under a fictitious firm name (any name other than the business owner’s legal name, or the corporate entity name registered with the Nevada Secretary of State) must file for a Fictitious Firm Name certificate with the Clark County Clerk’s Office. You can find the form online here.  To apply for a fictitious firm name, you may mail in the form or deliver it in person to the County Clerk's Office (1st Floor) located at 500 S. Grande Central Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89155.

NOW YOU’RE READY TO APPLY FOR A CLARK COUNTY BUSINESS LICENSE (STEPS SIX THROUGH 10)!

You may apply online at Clark County Business License Online Application. 
If you have any questions  about the online application, you may call (702) 455-0174 between 8:00 am and 4:00pm Monday through Friday.

(GENERAL LICENSE APPLICANTS CAN SKIP STEP SEVEN)

Complete investigation packets for Regulated or Liquor and Gaming categories.

You may access summarized information on the following links for the main types of regulated and privileged businesses:   

• Regulated License Summary Sheet 

• Liquor License Summary Sheet

• Gaming License Summary Sheet

If you are submitting your application in our office, your licensing technician will calculate your fees and direct you to the cashier's window.  Online applications are paid online at the time you submit your application.  In addition to a non-refundable $45.00 application fee, click here for a list of licensing fees.

Upon submission of a completed application and payment of fees, your application will be sent electronically to the Comprehensive Planning Department for review and approval within 5 days of submission.  Your application is then sent to the Fire Prevention Department, and any other public safety agency depending upon your business activities, e.g., Southern Nevada Health District, Air Quality, Animal Control, Solid Waste Management Authority.  You can find a list of public safety agencies at our Resources & Helpful Links page.

Liquor and Gaming licenses are also subject to location suitability requirements as determined by the Department.  Once all required public safety agencies have electronically signed off on your application in the Department's database, your application is ready for final approval by the Director.

Upon approval by the Director of Business License, your license will be automatically sent to your business location.  Privileged and regulated business licenses require an on-site inspection and code conference by a Business License Licensing Agent prior to final approval by the Director.

You are now ready to operate your business!  Thank you for allowing us to serve you and  wish you continued success!   

Thank you!    

Jacqueline R. Holloway