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.

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.

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 9850 Double R Blvd., Suite 101, 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.

Building Compliance Inspection

The Building Division will complete an inspection for all commercial locations to verify that any tenant improvements have been properly permitted. 
Call 775-393-1044 for more information.
 

Planning/Zoning Approval

The Planning Division will complete a review for all commercial locations to verify that the land use associated with the business use is zoned appropriately and does not require additional land use permitting. 
Call 775-321-8309 for more information.
 

Fire Prevention Inspection

The Fire Department will complete an inspection for all commercial locations unless it is considered a shared use space (i.e. renting a space in an existing business such as a hair salon, insurance agency, etc.)
Call 775-334-2300 for more information.

Environmental Control Inspection

The Environmental Control Division will complete an inspection and issue permits for any business that may generate any discharge into sewer lines and water reclamation facilities.  
Call 775-334-4230 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.



All businesses operating in the City of Reno must obtain a business license before operations may commence. Applications can be filed through the online portal, by mail, or in person. 

For a list of business types that are exempt from a license or specific license categories, please visit our FAQ page.

If you are planning to operate a business with alcohol, cannabis, secondhand, 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.

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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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