FAQs

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print
Multi-Jurisdictional License - What is a multi-jurisdictional business license?
A multi-jurisdictional business license is a license issued by a primary jurisdiction (Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas or unincorporated Clark County) authorizing a business to also operate in participating jurisdictions (Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County) as selected by the applicant/licensee. The multi-jurisdiction license is only available for license classifications as designated by the director, currently contractors licensed pursuant to NRS 624. If you have any further questions, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3.

Business License: How long is a license good for?
All licenses issued by City of Henderson, except for gaming business licenses,  are valid for six months and are renewed semiannually. Licenses for gaming are valid for three months and are renewed quarterly (based on calendar quarters). If you have further questions, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3.

Will the City notify me when it is time to renew my license?
Yes, by mail or email, depending on preference. However, it is your responsibility to renew the business license on time even if the courtesy reminder is not received. Penalties are assessed for payments not received on or before the due date, regardless of your receipt of the renewal notice or the postmark date on your envelope. If you do not receive a notice two weeks prior to the expiration date, or if you would like to obtain a duplicate copy of a renewal notice, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3, or submit a request here.

How much does a business license cost?
There are nearly 100 license classifications and the license fee is based upon the classification. In order to determine the correct classification(s) for your business, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3.

Who is required to have a license?
Any person who conducts business within the City or based in the City must obtain a business license on or before the date the business commences. Conducting business in the City without a license can result in penalties, correction notices, citations or court actions. If you have any further questions, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3.

Can I pay my business license fees online?
Yes. Most business license types can be paid online immediately. There are only a few specific exceptions, such as room tax remittal, that cannot be paid online. If you have further questions, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3. We are available Monday through Thursday, 8am - 4:30pm.

What if I don't know what type of business license to apply for?
If you do not know what license classification to apply for, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3, and we will assist in determining your license type.

When do I need a sales tax permit?
Every business operating in the State of Nevada requires a Sales Tax or Use Tax Permit, or exemption, issued by the State of Nevada Department of Taxation. To apply or for questions regarding sales or use tax, contact the Nevada Department of Taxation through their website or:

Nevada Department of Taxation
700 E Warm Springs Road
2nd Floor
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(866)962-3707

What if I want to close or sell my business?
If you close your business, please notify us here. If you sell your business, please email us so that we may cancel your license(s). Be sure to include the business name, address, owner name and signature of owner. If you operate a privileged business, including but not limited to liquor or gaming, be sure to refer to the applicable section of the Henderson Municipal Code regarding non-operational status and closure prior to closing or selling the establishment. If you have further questions, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3.

How may I submit my application?
Customers can apply online or via mail for most license types. They can also visit our office to apply for any license type in person. Please note that applications submitted in person are given priority over those that are received in the mail or online. If you have further questions, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3.

Do I need a Fictitious Firm Name/DBA (Doing Business As)?
If your business name (the name on your sign/marketing materials) is anything other than your legal name as filed with NV Secretary of State, you will need to file a Fictitious Firm Name form with the Clark County Clerk's office prior to obtaining a business license. In addition, please note that some banks will not allow you to open a business account without filing the Fictitious Firm Name. You may contact Clark County Clerk's office at (702)671-0500, or by visiting their website.

How do I get a duplicate copy of my business license or renewal notice?
Please have your City of Henderson Business License number ready and contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3, or submit a request here.

What if I want to move my business to another location within the City?
Always check with the City's Community Development and Services Department to verify that the new location is zoned properly for the intended use and whether a use permit or other type of approval is required. An address change application must be submitted to our office whenever a change is made to your business, including a change to your business address, phone number, business activity or ownership. We will be happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork and fee information related to the requested changes. If you have further questions, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3.

Are there any restrictions on where I do business?
Every business must meet zoning requirements to ensure that the business activity and site are compatible. It is strongly urged that before signing any lease or rental agreement, that you contact the City's Community Development and Services Department to verify that your business activity is appropriate for the zoning district. If you have any questions about zoning, we encourage you to contact Community Development and Services at (702)267-1500.

Can I sell or serve alcohol at a special event?
Any public event using any public street or right of way requires a special events permit. Applications for special event permits must be submitted to the Henderson Police Department not less than thirty days nor more than one hundred eighty days before the event. In addition, if alcohol will be sold or served for consumption on the premises, a Special Events Liquor Permit must be obtained from Business Licensing prior to the event along with the appropriate fee.

Fees for the Special Events Liquor Permit are as follows:
Non-profit organizations

$50.00 per day for alcoholic liquor
$25.00 per day for beer, wine and spirit-based products only
Others
$100.00 per day for alcoholic liquor
$50.00 per day for beer, wine and spirit-based products only

I conduct business in several cities. Can I get just one license to do business in ALL of them?
If you qualify for a multi-jurisdictional business license, yes. Otherwise, no. Each city has its own business license requirements. It is important to know that most Nevada cities have a business license ordinance. However, each city has its own fee structure and requirements. Check with the appropriate city or county for their rules and regulations. If you will be conducting business within Las Vegas and surrounding area, you may need as many as five separate licenses, which included Boulder City, City of Henderson, City of Las Vegas, City of North Las Vegas and Clark County. The Clark County license is good only in the unincorporated areas of the county. The county license does not cover any of the incorporated areas located within it. If you have further questions, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3.

Why do I have to pay a fee to do business in the City of Henderson?
The fee imposed by the City of Henderson is solely for the purpose of obtaining general revenue. Business fees help pay for city services like roads, fire, police and other community services. These services benefit businesses, business owners and the general public.

I have reconstructed/reorganized the business. What do I need to do?
You must notify our office whenever you change your address, phone number, business activity or ownership. We will be happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork and fee information related to the requested changes. If you have any further questions, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3.

What is the definition of business?
"Business" means any commercial enterprise, trade, occupation, calling, profession, vocation or activity engaged in, conducted, carried on, advertised or held out to the public to be a business by any person, his agent or employee for the purpose of gain, benefit or advantage, either direct or indirect, with the principal objective of livelihood and/or profit through repetitive means.

Independent Contractor - I am paid on a "1099" basis. Do I need a business license?
Yes. If you are not paid as an employee, you are considered independent or self-employed and you are required to have a business license.

Am I required to have a state business license?
Yes, the business has to be registered with the Secretary of State and must be in "Active" status at the time an application is submitted to the City. It must be maintained while you hold an active license with the City of Henderson. For additional information related to the state business license, please contact Secretary of State at 1(800)450-8594 or visit their website.

Smoking Regulations: Who do I need to speak to about smoking regulations for my business?
On November 7, 2006, Question 5, the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act (NCIAA), was passed by a majority of Nevada voters. The Act was initiated to protect the public from secondhand smoke. The NCIAA became effective December 8, 2006 and prohibits smoking of tobacco products in most public places and indoor places of employment. The Southern Nevada Health District is charged with enforcement of the Act. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions regarding the NCIAA, please visit the Southern Nevada Health District's website.

I am a contractor. Do I have additional requirements?
Contractors need to be registered with the Nevada State Contractor's Board. If you have any further questions, please contact the Business License office at (702)267-1730. You may contact the Nevada State Contractor's Board for more information:

Nevada State Contractor's Board
2310 Corporate Circle, Suite 200
Henderson, NV 89074
(702)486-1100

I'm a contractor conducting business in the City of Henderson. However, my office is located outside of Henderson. Who do I apply for a license with?
If your location is in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas or unincorporated Clark County you will license with that jurisdiction and identify to them on the multi-jurisdictional contractor's license application that you will also be working in the City of Henderson (non-primary jurisdiction). You will pay the applicable license fee that will be remitted to the City of Henderson. If you are not located in one of the specified jurisdictions, you will first obtain your license in the jurisdiction in which you are located. You may then apply to the City of Henderson as your primary jurisdiction under the multi-jurisdictional contractor license. If you have already applied to one of the three specified jurisdictions (Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, or unincorporated Clark County) as your primary jurisdiction, you will contact that jurisdiction to notify them that you wish to add the City of Henderson as a non-primary jurisdiction. If you have further questions, please contact the Business License office at (702)267-1730, option 3.

What is a business license?
A business license is a fee for doing business within the incorporated area of the City of Henderson. Henderson Municipal Code requires that you obtain a license when you conduct any business activity within the City, even if your business is located OUTSIDE the city limits or you have a business license from another city. The only exception is for businesses that are authorized to conduct business in Henderson under a multi-jurisdictional business license issued by another participating jurisdiction.

What happens if I pay late to renew my license?
If renewal payment is not received in the Business License office on or before the due date, a 10% penalty will be assessed. A delinquent notice will be sent notifying you that your license has expired. Please keep in mind that there is no grace period and that the postmark is not recognized as meeting the receipt requirement.

If I pay by check, who do I make the check payable to?
If you pay by check, please make the check payable to "City of Henderson."

What if I sell food as part of my business activity?
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 Health District prior to start of business operations. You will need a City of Henderson Business License if you are located in Henderson. Please visit the Southern Nevada Health District's website or email foodrev@snhd.org.

I just purchased this business. Can I use the business license from the previous owner?
No. A business license is issued to a particular person, firm or corporation at a particular location and may not be used by another. As a new owner, you are required to file for a new license. If you have further questions, please contact Business Licensing at (702)267-1730, option 3.

I want to conduct business on a temporary basis. What do I need to do?
Only certain classifications of business licenses qualify for a Temporary Sales Permit. For more information, please contact the Business License office at (702)267-1730.

Do state licensed contractors need a business license too?
Yes, any person licensed as a contractor by the Nevada State Contractor's Board must obtain a business license. If based in the City of Henderson, whether or not performing construction work in the City, you will apply for and obtain your multi-jurisdictional contractor's license from the City of Henderson.

Parades/Procession: What do I do if I want to hold a special event such as a parade, procession or other public event?
Any public event using any public street or right of way requires a special events permit. Applications for special events permits must be submitted to the Henderson Police Department not less than thirty days nor more than one hundred eighty days before the event. The Special Events and Permitting Section of the Henderson Police Department can be reached by email at HPDpermitreq@cityofhenderson.com or calling (702)267-5015. Additional information and forms can be obtained by clicking the link below:
https://www.cityofhenderson.com/government/departments/police/special-events-permit-applications

What if I have more than one business and/or more than one location?
Separate licenses must be obtained for each and every class and type of business specified in the Henderson Municipal Code even though several classes or types of business may be operated under the same business name and at the same place of business. Any person conducting several classes 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. If you have any further questions, please contact the Business License office at (702)267-1730, option 3.

How do I file a concern about a business that is operating in the City of Henderson?
A concern about a business that is operating in the City of Henderson must be made in writing using the Business License Complaint Form or filed online using Contact Henderson. Written complaints are kept on file, 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. If you have any further questions, please contact the Business License office at (702)267-1730, option 3.