View from street of businesses with shopping and dining area located in Midtown Reno

Patio area with tables and chairs at a local business

Business Licensing Process

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Apply for a business license online or visit City Hall to pick up an application.

Items that must accompany a business license application

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.

Inspections/approvals that must be obtained before business commences and the license is issued

Zoning approval by the City Planning Department

Planning review is required for every business license application with a physical address in Reno. The Planning Division will review the address provided to ensure that your business description meets zoning code requirements for that location.

Certain uses may require a Conditional Use Permit, subject to review and approval by the City Planning Commission.

Call 775-321-8309 for more information.

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.