A business license is required in the City of Reno if the business’s location address is within city limits or if any business activity will be physically conducted inside the City of Reno.

View the Business Licensing Center 

View the Business Licensing Center as a resource for business owners operating within Reno’s jurisdiction. It provides a step‑by‑step guide to the City’s permitting requirements and offers a clear overview of the process to help you identify which permits may be required before beginning business operations.

Please note: this guide is available to business operators with a physical location in Reno. If you do not have a physical location in the City but will be conducting business within City of Reno limits, please view the Business Licensing Guide and apply for your business license through the online portal.

You can apply for a business license using our online portal at www.onenv.us or download applications below to mail in or bring in-person. Applications will not be accepted via email.

If you are planning to operate a business in a commercial location, or from your home, within the City of Reno, complete and submit the Annual Business License Application.

If you are planning to operate a business with alcohol or gaming, please review the regulations for a Privileged Business License in Reno Municipal Code Chapters 4 and 5.

A Commercial Business License Application and Privileged Business License Application must be returned to the City of Reno Business Licensing Department. The Personal History Statement, must be turned in along with your paid receipt to:

Reno Police Department
Work Applicant Unit
911 Kunzli 
Reno, Nevada 89502
775-334-3875

Privileged licenses involve varying fees for alcohol, gaming, etc., please call 775-334-2090 to verify what your individual fees would be.

Businesses serving alcohol under a Privileged Business License are required to post a sign near the exit informing patrons of the Open Container Law. The City offers this Model Sign to bring your business into compliance with the law.

Nevada Revised Statute 369.630 requires owners or operators of liquor establishments who hire or employ persons to sell or serve alcoholic beverages, or act as security guards at such establishments to complete a State certified Alcohol Awareness Program and hold a valid alcohol education card. For more information contact the Nevada Department of Taxation's Liquor Tax Section at (775) 684-2000.

If you are located outside of the City of Reno, but conducting business inside of the Reno City limits, this is the application for you to fill out and submit. Please note that this application is not applicable for privileged businesses as listed in Chapter 5 of the Reno Municipal Code.

Proof of State Business License

All applicants are required to register at the Nevada Secretary of State Office located at 202 N. Carson St., Carson City, Nevada. 

  • We cannot process applications unless State Business Licenses are included.
  • Filing is available online or in person.

Call 775-684-5708 for more information.

Proof of Taxation Registration

All applicants will need to provide proof of registration from the Nevada Department of Taxation located at 4600 Kietzke Lane, Bldg L, Suite 235, Reno, Nevada.

  • Registration is available online or in person. 

Call 866-962-3707 or visit My Nevada Tax for more information.

Proof of Industrial Insurance

All applicants will need to provide proof of compliance with Workers Comp requirements.

  • If you have employees, you will need the insurance policy number and expiration date of your policy.
  • You can register online or submit the form with your business license application.

Call the Industrial Insurance Regulation Section at 775-684-7270 for more information.

Proof of Fictitious Name Registration

If you are using a business name other than your first and last name, or the entity name as filed with the Nevada Secretary of State, you must file that name with the Washoe County Clerk's Office located at 1001 East Ninth Street, Building A, Reno, Nevada.

Call 775-784-7287 for more information.

Zoning approval by the City Planning Department

Inspection and approval by the Fire Department

All commercial locations must be inspected which are not considered a shared use space (i.e. renting a space in an existing business such as a hair salon, insurance agency, etc.)
Inspection fees are due before a license can be issued.

Call 775-334-2300 for more information.

Permit from the Department of Building & Safety

Approvals cannot start until all outstanding building permits are completed and closed.

Call 775-393-1044 for more information.

Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH)

Required for establishments offering any food service or otherwise impacting public health (i.e. childcare, schools, recycling centers, hotels/motels, etc.)

Call 775-328-2434 for more information.

A State Certificate

Required for employment agencies and banking/lending companies requiring State registration.

Call 775-687-4850 for more information.

Police Department and City Council approval

Required for businesses that conduct privileged business activities.

Call 775-334-3875 for more information.

Recreational cannabis establishments include:

  • Retail Cannabis Store
  • Cannabis Cultivation Facility
  • Cannabis Product Manufacturing
  • Cannabis Distributor, and
  • Cannabis Testing Facility

Applicants must include a copy of the Nevada Department of Taxation (DoT) provisional or issued cannabis license(s) for the establishment when applying with the City of Reno. View the DoT website for additional information or call (775) 687-7594.

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  • Business Licensing Guide
  • Business License Fee Schedule
  • Amendment Change Form
  • Annual Business License Application (Commercial location or home-based business)
  • Privileged Business License Application
  • Home Based Business Approval Criteria
  • Rules and Regulations for Business Licenses
  • Personal History Statement 11012024
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