The Digesti Law Firm Blog

10 STEPS TO OBTAINING YOUR BUSINESS LICENSE WITH WASHOE COUNTY

1) What Are Your Licensing Requirements? If one of the two choices below applies to your business, you need a business license with Washoe County.  All information on obtaining business licenses can be accessed here.

1. The business location address is in the unincorporated area of Washoe County. An map of the counties can be located here.
2. The business is mobile and you will be doing business in the unincorporated area of Washoe County.
   1. If your business is mobile, you will need to keep track of income earned in each jurisdiction in which you hold alicense to    report annual gross receipts.
   2. Note:  You need a separate business license from each county in which you conduct business.

2) Get Your Application:  There are 3 ways you can obtain a copy of the Washoe County business license application.

1. In person at of our office location.
2. By mail by calling our office.
3. Via the internet from this web page.

3) What You Need to Get Your Business Name on File:

1. If you are incorporated in the State of Nevada, you will need a copy of your Articles of Incorporation and a current list of officers.
2. If you are using a business name other than your own first & last name, you will need to file a Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) certificate with the Washoe County Clerk at 75 Court Street, Reno, Nevada.  Make sure to include a copy of the filed certificate with your business license application.  The Fictitious Firm name (DBA) Certificate can be found here.
3. If you are a Corporation doing business under a different name then the corporate name, a Fictitious Firm Name certificate will also be required.

4) Visit the Nevada Department of Taxation: If you are selling anything, you will need to register with the Nevada Department of Taxation. They are located near the Reno/Sparks Convention Center at 4600 Kietzke Lane, Building L, #235, in Reno. Onde you arrive, they will provide you with a clearance letter that must be included in your business license application.

5) Visit the Nevada Secretary of State: All new businesses must register with Nevada Secretary of State’s Office for the Nevada State Business License. You may register with them in 1 of 3 ways.

1. In person at their office in Carson City.
2. By mail.
3. Through the Nevada Secretary of State’s web site.

6) Get the Required Federal and State Licenses: Some businesses require additional licensing, and Washoe County will need proof that you have obtained these licenses when you file for the County’s business license.

1. A good example is if you practice medicine.  A license from the State Board of Medical Examiners is required to practice medicine and must be obtained before a business license can be issued by Washoe County. If you’re not sure, please check with Washoe County’s main business office to determine if additional licensure and documentation is required.

7) Make Sure to Follow All the Rules When You Are an Employer: All businesses that have employees must obtain workers compensation from the insurance company of their choice. Keep your policy handy.  Your policy information will be required on the State Industrial Insurance Compliance form contained in the County’s business license application package.

8) Complete the Business License Application: Make sure that ALL the forms included in the application package are completed and returned, including the Nevada Business Registration, Personal History (not applicable to corporations), Worker’s Compensation Insurance Compliance (even if you have no employees), and Child Support Compliance forms. Businesses that are operated from the home must also complete a two-part “Home Business Requirements” supplement.

9) Turn in the Application and Supporting Documents: Most home-based businesses will be finished at this point. However, some are not.  See step 10 below.

10) Complete the Sign-Offs: If you plan to open a commercial business (run from a storefront), or a non-home based business run from your property (such as horse boarding) you will be required to obtain approval from several County agencies before your license can be issued. The business license office will prepare the sign-off forms for you.

IT’S IN THE MAIL! Your business license certificate will be mailed to you within 5 working days after you have submitted a complete application with all the required approvals, along with the $75.00 first year fee.  CONGRATULATIONS.  You are licensed!

If you have additional questions on forming a business in Nevada or California, do not hesitate to contact The Digesti Law Firm LLP here or visit us our Business Transactions page to learn more.