Finance
Common Business License Questions- How can I check to see if a particular business has a valid City of
Henderson Business License or how do I check the status of my own Business License?
To search for a Business License by License Number, Business Name, Business Address, or Business Owner on our Business License Query Pages click here. - 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. - 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 business license certificate, is evidence only that you have met City of Henderson requirements and that your license fee has been paid. Other permits may be required to operate your business. - Who is required to have a license?
Any person who conducts business within the City or is 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 action. - Why must I 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. - 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. Please contact our office if you need additional assistance we are available Monday-Thursday, 7:30 am-5:30 pm. - How long is a license good for?
All licenses, except for gaming business licenses, issued by the City of Henderson are valid for six months and are renewed semi-annually. Licenses for gaming are valid for three months and are renewed quarterly (based on calendar quarters). - What if I have more than one business 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. - 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 need to apply for a business license in your name. - What if I close or sell the business?
If you choose to close or sell your business, please notify us in writing so that we may cancel your license(s). Be sure to include the business name, address, owner name and signature of owner. - I conduct business in several cities. Can I get just one license to
do business in ALL of them?
Unfortunately, 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 the surrounding areas, you may need as many as five separate licenses, which include City of 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. - Will the City notify me when it is time to renew my license?
Yes. However, it is your responsibility to renew the business license on time even if the courtesy reminder is not received. Penalties are assessed for delinquent payments, regardless or whether or not you receive a renewal notice. If you do not receive a notice two weeks prior to the expiration date, contact the Business License Division at (702)267-1730. - What happens if I pay late?
If 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. - What if I want to move the business to another location within the City?
Always check with the City's Community Development 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. 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. - How long will it take to get my business license?
The process for obtaining a home based business license or a license for a business physically located outside of the City of Henderson takes a very short time. When the application is complete and payment is received we will issue your business license. Your license certificate will be mailed to you in about one week.
For commercial-based businesses within the City of Henderson, an inspection process takes place once the application and payment have been received. This process generally takes about 10 days. Once all inspections have been successfully completed, the license will be issued and mailed.
For businesses requiring background investigations and/or City Council approval, the process generally takes up to 8 weeks. After approval by Council, necessary inspections will be performed and once approved, the license will be issued. - Do I need a D.B.A. (Doing Business As) or Fictitious Business Name?
If your business name is anything other than your legal given name, you will need to file a Fictitious Firm Name Form with the Clark County Clerk's office. It is not required that the form be filed prior to obtaining a business license. However, you may want to verify that the name you wish to use is not already in use prior to licensing. Please note that some banks will not allow you to open a business account without filing the Fictitious Firm Name Form. - Must I apply in person or can I apply by mail?
You may apply in person or by mail. Please note that applications that are submitted in person are given priority over those that are received in the mail. Faxed applications are not accepted. All applications must be brought in or mailed in. - Can I apply over the Internet?
Not at this time. Please contact the Business License office at (702) 267-1730 and we will be able to send you an appropriate information packet. - 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 check with the City's Community Development Department to make sure your business activity is appropriate for the zoning or requires special parking considerations. - Do I need a license if I work out of my home in the city of Henderson?
Yes. Businesses operated from the home require a business license and must comply with the City's zoning code. Types of home-based businesses and the manner in which they may operate are regulated by the zoning code. Prior to starting a home-based business, owners must obtain a Home Occupation Permit from the Community Development Department. This permit serves as an agreement to abide by the zoning code as it relates to home-based businesses. It is not a business license, but a prerequisite for obtaining one. - Do state licensed contractors need a business license too?
Any person licensed as a contractor by the State Contractor's Board must obtain a business license if
1. conducting business in the City of Henderson, or
2. based in the City of Henderson, whether or not performing construction work in the City. - How do I obtain a contractor's license?
Contractors must first obtain a license from the State of Nevada, Contractor's Board, 2310 Corporate Circle Suite 200, Henderson, Nevada 89074, (702) 486-1100. Once the license has been obtained from the State of Nevada, an application may be submitted to the City of Henderson. - 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 State of Nevada, Department of Taxation, 2550 Paseo Verde Parkway, Suite 180, Henderson, Nevada 89074, (702) 486-2300. -
When do I need a State of Nevada Business License?
Every business operating in the State of Nevada is required to obtain a State of Nevada Business License through the Office of the Nevada Secretary of State. To apply or for questions regarding the State Business License, contact the Secretary of State, 555 E Washington Avenue, Suite 400, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101, (702) 486-2880; or visit the Secretary of State website at sos.state.nv.us. - Do non-profit organizations need a business license?
No. However, non-profit organizations are required to register with the City of Henderson, Business License Division. Proof of non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service or the Nevada Secretary of State is required. To request complete registration information please contact our office at (702) 267-1730. - 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 are required to have a business license. - What about selling food?
If you will be selling or preparing food, you will need to apply for a health permit from the Clark County Health District, 520 East Lake Mead Parkway, Suite F, Henderson, Nevada 89015, (702) 759-1040. Necessary permits must be obtained from the Health District prior to the issuance of City of Henderson business licenses. - I have this neat idea for a great sign!
Please check with the Community Development Department before using or installing any type of sign, flag or banner, even balloons. Permanent and temporary signs require review and approval prior to issuance of permits and installation. Posting signs, handbills, or flyers on any utility pole, traffic pole, fence, tree, bridge, mailbox or other public structure is prohibited. In addition, placement of handbills or flyers on car windshields is prohibited. - I want to leave handbills at homes to advertise my business. Is that
covered by the business license?
Yes, but you must observe any posted sign restricting access to the property or any verbal request of the homeowner or occupant. Please keep in mind that posting signs, handbills, or flyers on any utility pole, traffic pole, fence, tree, bridge, mailbox or other public structure is prohibited. In addition, placement of handbills or flyers on car windshields is prohibited. - How much does a business license cost?
There are over 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 the Business License Division at (702) 267-1730. - How do I get a childcare license?
The City of Henderson does not issue business licenses to childcare facilities. Childcare licensing in the city of Henderson is administered by the State of Nevada Bureau of Services for Childcare. They may be reached at (702) 486-7918. They license locations caring for five or more children. Lists of such facilities may be obtained from their office. - Can you give me the names of some licensed childcare facilities?
The City of Henderson does not issue business licenses to childcare facilities. Childcare licensing in the city of Henderson is administered by the State of Nevada Bureau of Services for Childcare. They may be reached at (702) 486-7918. They license locations caring for five or more children. Lists of such facilities may be obtained from their office. - How do I file a complaint about a business that is operating in the
City of Henderson?
A complaint about a business that is operating in the City of Henderson must be made in writing using the Business License Complaint Form. Written complaints are kept on file and are 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. To view the above form, just click on the above "Business License Complaint Form" hyperlink. Note: Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 or higher is needed to view the file. For your convenience, it may be downloaded, free of charge, by clicking on the icon below.
What do I do if I want to hold a special event such as a parade, procession or other public event using a public street/right-of-way?
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 sixty (60) or more than one hundred twenty (120) days before the event. - 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 events permits must be submitted to the Henderson Police Department not less than sixty (60) or more than one hundred twenty (120) 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 the Business License Division. A request for the Special Events Liquor Permit must be submitted in writing to the Business License Division 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
- $100.00 per day for alcoholic liquor
- $50.00 per day for beer, wine and spirit-based products only
Once the request has been reviewed and approval has been obtained from the Administrator of Licensing, the permit will be issued.
- I want to conduct business on a temporary basis. What do I need to do?
Applicants that wish to conduct a business on a temporary basis must apply for a Temporary Permit. Please contact the Business License office at (702) 267-1730. - I want to hang my license at a Mail Boxes Etc. or similar location. Can I do that?
No. The City of Henderson does not allow license hanging. In order to use a Henderson address for licensing, you must operate the business from that location. - I want to apply for a business license now. What do I do?
Due to the complexity of licensing and the large number of business license categories, we are not able to accept a business license application over the Internet. However, you may request a license application packet by contacting the Business License Division at (702) 267-1730. - I did not see my question, now what?
Please contact the Business License Division, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Pacific Time at (702) 267-1730. We will be happy to help you.