Five Steps to License Locally
Unexpected obstacles and frustrating delays may be avoided in local busines licensing. Our business license team outlined five steps to business licensing, and it startes with your local government representative.
Research location and local requirements
Make certain that the business location and/or the location you are conducting busines is in unincorporated Washoe County. Ensure that the zoning is appropriate for the type of business. Zoning requirements may limit businesses entirely or additonal approvals or improvements may be required. Ask Washoe County Planning: planning@washoecounty.gov, schedule an appointment or leave a message at (775) 328-6100. In the communication, provide the property address and description of the business.
Obtain local license application.
Obtain Information. Washoe County Business License Applications are online, email businesslicense@washoecounty.gov or visit in person at 1001 E. 9th Street, Building A, Community Services Department, Reno.
Gather support documentation.
Warning: Time intensive. Obtain support documents from federal, state and regional agencies. Washoe County Business License checklist includes required documentation.
Submit application, documents, and fees.
Submit Easily. Completed application and all supporting documents are submitted to business license team either online, by mail or in-person. Pleae make sure to complete a business license application and review the checklist of required documents. Only complete applications are accepted. Submit and pay online at OneNV.us.
Receive Official Washoe County License
Delivered to your door. Business Licenses are mailed to the applicant upon review and approval *within 5 working days. Official Business License Certificates are not offered as an over-the-counter service. However, our business license team will send an email notifying you of license approval if you submit through OneNV.us.
*Please make time for additional partnering agency approvals. Commercial businesses with a store front and some services require additional approvals from partnering agencies. For example, public safety officials review evacuation exits and the health department will review food preparation and safety. Approval from partnering agencies is required prior to approval of a local business license. Please allocate time to submit, review and obtain agency approvals as necessary. For additional information, please email businesslicense@washoecounty.gov.