Who is required to have a business license?
Any person who conducts business within the City of North Las Vegas or operates a business based in the City of North Las Vegas must obtain a business license before operations begin. Conducting business in the City of North Las Vegas without a business license may result in enforcement action against the business and its owners, including citation and court action.
Can I apply for my license over the Internet?
Yes. Select the link "Apply for a Business License” at the right side of the Business License page to apply online. Privileged licenses (i.e. arcades, amusement machines, liquor, gaming, locksmith, solicitor, sexually oriented, secondhand, pawn broker, mobile food vendor, massage establishment or marijuana) are not accepted online. These types of applications must be submitted in person or by mail due to the required suitability investigation.
If I have more than one business or more than one location, do I need multiple licenses?
Yes. Separate licenses must be obtained for each branch, establishment, or separate location of a business. In addition, separate licenses must be obtained for each and every class and type of business specified in the North Las Vegas Municipal Code even though several classifications or types of business may be operated under the same business name and at the same place of business. However, any person conducting several classifications or types of business, each of which is required to pay a license fee on the basis of gross revenues, at the same location and under the same business name, is required to apply for and obtain only one license.
I conduct business in several cities. Can I get just one license to do business in ALL of them?
No. Each jurisdiction has its own business license requirements and fee structure. Check with the appropriate city or county for their rules and regulations. If you will be conducting business within North Las Vegas and the surrounding areas, you may need as many as five separate licenses, including one from each of the Cities of Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, and North Las Vegas, as well as one from Clark County. The Clark County license is good only in the unincorporated areas of the county. The Clark County license does not cover any of the incorporated areas located within it. For assistance in determining the appropriate jurisdiction for a particular location select the link “Jurisdictional Locator” at the right side of the Business License page.
If your business is physically located outside of the City of North Las Vegas, but you will also be doing business in the City, you must obtain a license from the jurisdiction in which you are based prior to applying for a license from the City of North Las Vegas.
State licensed contractors may obtain a multi-jurisdictional contractor's business license from their primary jurisdiction and include the Cities of Henderson, Las Vegas, and North Las Vegas and Clark County. This is the only category thus far that can be licensed solely from the primary jurisdiction.
I want to work out of my home in the City of North Las Vegas, do I need a business license?
Yes. First contact the Business License Division to ensure your business is in compliance with Business License regulations. Then submit a business license application and a home occupation application in person, by mail or online. Once the business license application and home occupation application are received they will be forwarded to the Planning & Zoning Division for review and approval. If your request is allowed, the Planning & Zoning Division will approve the home occupation application after collecting the appropriate fee, and they will sign your Business License forms indicating that your home has been approved for use as your business location.
If I purchase a business, can I use the business license from the previous owner?
No. A business license is issued to a specific person or entity at a specific location and may not be used by another. As a new owner, you need to apply for a business license in your name or entity.
What happens if I don't pay on time?
Penalties will be assessed in accordance with Title 5 of the North Las Vegas Municipal Code for payments not received or postmarked on or before the expiration date of the license. Please note that your business license will be invalid until the license fees and penalties are paid. Licenses for which fees are not paid within 60 days of the expiration date will be revoked for non-payment. Businesses which do not maintain current licenses are subject to enforcement action.
Are there special requirements if I sell or prepare food?
If you will be selling or preparing food, you will need to apply for a health permit from the Southern Nevada Health District. Necessary permits must be obtained from the Southern Nevada Health District prior to the issuance of City of North Las Vegas business licenses.
If I close or sell the business, do I need to notify the Business License Division?
Yes. If you choose to close or sell your business, please notify the Business License Division in writing so that we may cancel your license(s). Be sure to include the business name, address, owner name and signature of owner or submit a Cancellation Request Form.
What if I want to amend or add other aspects to my business?
You must notify the Business License Division whenever you change your address, phone number, business activity or ownership. The Business License Division will provide you with the necessary information and fees related to the requested changes. To verify that the location is zoned properly for the intended use, and whether a use permit or other type of approval is required, please contact the Planning & Zoning Division at (702) 633-1537.
How do I file a complaint about a business that is operating in the City of North Las Vegas?
To file a complaint, go to select the link “File a Complaint” at the right side of the Business License page. Complaints are kept on file and are reviewed and pursued. However, the City cannot become involved in civil matters. We cannot recover money for you or force someone to do work for you. The business license codes require that proper legal procedures be followed when taking any action against a licensee.
Do I need a D.B.A. (Doing Business As) or Fictitious Business Name to file for a business license?
If your business name is anything other than your legal given name or exact legal entity name as registered with the Nevada Secretary of State, you will need to file a Fictitious Firm Name Form with the Clark County Clerk's office. It is not required that the form be filed prior to obtaining a business license. However, it is recommended that you verify that the name you wish to use is not already in use prior to licensing. Please note that some banks will not allow you to open a business account without filing the Fictitious Firm Name Form and obtaining a business license.
Do I need a sales tax permit?
Every business intending to sell tangible goods requires a State of Nevada sales tax permit. To apply for a sales tax permit or for questions regarding sales tax, contact the State of Nevada, Department of Taxation. Every business based in the City of North Las Vegas will be required to provide evidence of compliance with the State of Nevada Department of Taxation licensing and permit requirements as part of the application process.
How do I obtain a contractor's license?
A state license must first be obtained from the Nevada State Contractor's Board. Once the state license has been obtained, an application may be submitted to obtain authorization to work in the City of North Las Vegas. If your office will be located in the City of North Las Vegas, or if the City of North Las Vegas is the first participating jurisdiction in which you will be doing business, you will apply with the City of North Las Vegas. Participating jurisdictions include the Cities of Henderson, Las Vegas, and North Las Vegas and Clark County.
Please note that for businesses based outside the City of North Las Vegas, you must obtain proper licensing from the jurisdiction in which you are based. If that jurisdiction is one of the other participating jurisdictions, it will be known as your primary jurisdiction. When filing your application with your primary jurisdiction, you may select North Las Vegas as an additional jurisdiction in which you wish to operate. North Las Vegas will then be designated as a non-primary jurisdiction on the multi-jurisdictional contractor business license issued by your primary jurisdiction. For assistance in determining your primary jurisdiction for a particular location select the link “Jurisdictional Locator” at the right side of the Business License page.
As a non-profit organization do we need a business license?
No. Non-profit organizations are required to register with the City of North Las Vegas Business License Division. Non-profit organizations must comply with all City ordinances including Planning & Zoning requirements for the location from which they plan to operate. Proof of non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service is required. Organizations not holding non-profit status with the Internal Revenue Service will be classified as for-profit businesses for licensing purposes.
What do I do if I want to hold a special event such as a parade, procession or other public event using a public street/right-of-way?
Any public event using any public street or right-of-way requires a special event permit, which can be obtained from the Business License Division. Applications must be submitted to the Business License Division no less than 14 days before the planned event. Please contact the Business License Division for application information 702-633-1520.
Can I sell or serve alcohol at a special event?
The sale or service of alcohol at a special event requires a Special Event Liquor Permit. The permit must be obtained from the Business License Division. Applications for Special Event Liquor Permits must be filed with the required fees 14 days prior to the event. Applicants are limited to one Special Event Liquor Permit per calendar quarter and the permit may not exceed nine (9) consecutive calendar days.
I want to hang my license at a UPS Store or similar location. Can I do that?
No. The City of North Las Vegas does not allow license hanging. In order to use a North Las Vegas address for licensing you must operate the business from that location.
Will the City notify me when it is time to renew my license?
Yes. However, it is your responsibility to renew the business license on time even if the renewal notice is not received. Penalties are assessed for delinquent payments, regardless of whether or not you receive a renewal notice. If a renewal notice is not received two weeks prior to the expiration date, go to the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal at eg.cityofnorthlasvegas.com to pay the renewal fees online or contact the Business License Division. Also, please be sure to keep the mailing address on file with the Business License Division current. This will help to avoid delays in the receipt of correspondence sent by the Division.
I want to pay my business license renewal fees. Can I pay the renewal fees online?
Yes. Go to the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal at eg.cityofnorthlasvegas.com to pay the renewal fees online. For instructions click Help on the CSS portal for guides and instructions. An account login and password will be required. All renewal fees must be paid before the expiration date of the license to avoid penalty fees.
How can I update my contact information?
To update your contact information, please contact the Business License Division at E-mail Form Link.
How do I check the status of my business license application?
To check the status of your business license application, please contact the Business License Division 702-633-1520. Please keep in mind that it does take time to process and approve certain applications.
Can I check to see if a particular business has a valid City of North Las Vegas Business License?
Yes, to search for a Business License by License Number, Business Name, Business Address, or Business Owner, select the link “Verify License Status” at the right side of the Business License page.
I want to apply for a business license now. What do I do?
Go to the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal at eg.cityofnorthlasvegas.com to apply for business license online.
I did not see my question, now what?
Please contact the Business License Division, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:45 PM Pacific Time at (702) 633-1520 or at E-mail Form Link.