A Step By Step Guide to Apply for 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. Use the Jurisdiction Locator to 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.

You can also use the interactive jurisdictional look-up web map to find your jurisdiction.

Click on the map below:

The five other business licensing agencies in Clark County, NV are:

Determine Jurisdiction and Land Use:
To confirm if the business address is located within the unincorporated Clark County jurisdiction, the type of business activities permitted by zoning district, and for information regarding online land use application submittals; please visit Comprehensive Planning. For more information, you can email them at zoning@clarkcountynv.gov or contact a planner by phone at (702) 455-4314.

I conduct business in different cities surrounding Las Vegas. Is one license enough to conduct my business in different parts of the Valley?

If your business location is based in a particular city outside of Unincorporated Clark County, but you travel into the County to conduct business, a Clark County business license may be required in addition to your City business license. Once your primary license is in place, we will be able to assist in processing your Clark County application. Complete Steps 1-5 to acquire a County business license.

To verify your primary jurisdiction, please use the Jurisdiction Locator.

STEP TWO: REGISTER YOUR ENTITY AND OBTAIN A NEVADA STATE BUSINESS LICENSE

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

STEP THREE : REGISTER WITH THE NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

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.

STEP FOUR: REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS NAME (DBA)

Businesses operating under a fictitious firm name/doing business as (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 (DBA) with the Clark County Clerk’s Office. You can find the form online here.

Please Note: The owner name on the Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) Certificate must exactly match the Entity Name displayed on your Nevada State Business License. I t is recommended that you take a copy of your Nevada State Business License with you when you apply with the Clerks Office. Visit the Clerk's office for location and hours of operation.

See example of a Certificate of Fictitious Firm Name and Nevada Secretary of State business license of a Sole Proprietor filing below:

Certificate of Business: Fictitious Firm Name Sample:



Nevada State Business License Sample:

Note: A Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) is the name your business will use when advertising, including on store front, signs, business cards, websites, etc. Advertising under more than one name, will require multiple business licenses.

STEP FIVE: APPLY FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE ONLINE (GENERAL LICENSES ONLY)

GENERAL LICENSE APPLICATIONS:

If you are applying for a general license (licenses that do not need a background investigation), you're ready to apply for a Clark County business license.

Apply online at Clark County Business License Online Application. If you have any questions about the online application, you may email us at chap@ClarkCountyNV.gov or call us at (702) 455-0174 between 8:00 am and 4:00pm Monday through Friday.

Steps one (1) through four (4) must be completed prior to submitting your application. Incomplete applications will be terminated with no refund on application fees.

To proceed to regulated and privileged (cannabis, liquor and gaming) applications, click on the button that applies to your business activity below:

REGULATED LICENSE APPLICATIONS: PRIVILEGED LICENSE APPLICATIONS: