How to Get a Business License in Reno: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Reno, NV requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Washoe County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Business License, issued by the Finance Department, Business License Division. Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
The base fee for a Business License in Reno is Varies + $200/yr NV state. Contact the Finance Department, Business License Division at 775-334-2090 for current requirements. More information is available at reno.gov.
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What Makes Reno Different
Reno has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Nevada state business license ($200/year) required
- Washoe County — NOT Clark County (different from Vegas)
- Washoe County health district for food permits
- No state income tax
- Growing tech hub — 'The Biggest Little City'
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Reno need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (NV): LLC or Corporation filing through the Nevada Secretary of State. Filing fee: $75 LLC + $150 business license, processing time: 1-3 business days.
County (Washoe County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Reno): Business License from the Finance Department, Business License Division. Base fee: Varies + $200/yr NV state. Phone: 775-334-2090.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Reno can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Reno has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Reno's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.