A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO APPLY FOR A GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE
Welcome to Clark County Department of Business License. We are happy to assist you with the licensing process, provide the best possible customer service, and meet all of your business plan needs.
| What Type of Business License Do I Need? How Much Are the Fees? |
License fees are based upon services and activities provided. Business license fees are accompanied by a one-time $45.00 application fee in addition to each license fee . Multiple licenses may be required if providing more than one service.
In order to determine the type of license and corresponding fees of your business, click on picture below:
Please complete all the steps prior to submitting your application.
*** Incomplete applications will be terminated with no refund on application fees. ***
| Helpful Tool: Business License Application Checklist |
Business License Application Checklist - Use this checklist to serve as your guide to complete all the steps to a general license.
Complete Steps 1 - 4 before applying online.
| STEP ONE: DETERMINE WHERE YOUR BUSINESS IS LOCATED |
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:
The City of Henderson, the City of Las Vegas, the City of North Las Vegas, Boulder City and the City of Mesquite
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 AND OBTAIN 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. It 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 (GENERAL LICENSES ONLY) |
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.
OPTION 1: APPLY ONLINE
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 7:30 am and 5:00pm Monday through Thursday.
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.
OPTION 2: IN-PERSON (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)
To schedule an appointment to submit your general application, please click on the link below or call 702-455-0174.
Appointment Services
OPTION 3:
TO ALL CUSTOMERS WHO WISH TO SUBMIT GENERAL LICENSE APPLICATIONS, PLEASE MAIL IN YOUR COMPLETE D APPLICATION AND APPROPRIATE FEES TO:
Clark County Department of Business License
500 S. Grand Central Pkwy
3rd Floor
BOX 551810
Las Vegas, Nevada 89155
| What to Expect After Submitting an Application |
Most General licenses are issued within 45 days after the Department receives a complete application.
Upon submission of a completed application and payment of fees, your application will processed be and sent electronically to the Comprehensive Planning Department for review and approval within 5 working days from the date of processing.
Except for home occupation applications, your application will then be 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, Clark County Water Reclamation District. You can also find a list of public safety agencies at our Resources & Helpful Links page.
| Other Regulatory Agencies or Entities |
Depending on your business activity, your business license may require proof of applying/registering with regulatory agencies or other entities. Access the more common regulatory agencies below:
For a list of other government agencies and outside entities, see the Resources and Helpful Links page.
| Unable to Apply Online? |
Required Form
General Application Form - Use this printable interactive form for mail-in applications only. Once completed, mail your application form with a one-time $45.00 application fee and corresponding business fee.
*** Please do not use this form if you are applying for a business license online.***
Mailing Address:
Clark County Department of Business License
500 S. Grand Central Parkway, 3rd Fl.
BOX 551810
Las Vegas, NV 89155
Due to personal information contained within your application and to ensure the packet is received by our office, we recommend tracking your package through USPS certified mail or another parcel service that provides tracking. The Business License Department is not responsible for lost mail items that do not have tracking confirmation.