Business Licenses

Business License Application Options

Any and all individuals and businesses that seek to do business in the City of Mesquite must complete a City of Mesquite Business License Application. Businesses located within the City of Mesquite limits require zoning approval and a building and fire inspection prior to the issuance of the business license. Please complete the following application to apply for a business license. For a complete list of the business license fees, please click on the “Business License Fee Schedule” below. Payments for the business license fees are accepted in the form of check or cash. Credit cards are not accepted.

Businesses located within the City of Mesquite limits, require a building and fire inspection prior to the issuance of the business license. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure the business location is in compliance with fire, building and safety codes. Please complete this application if your business location is within the City of Mesquite limits.

Form - Building - Certificate of Occupancy Inspection.pdf

To change the address to your business license, mailing address or name change; please complete the following application. (Zoning approval is required to change the location of business within the city limits; as well as, a building and fire inspection. Please complete the Certificate of Occupancy application for the building and fire inspection.)

Business License - Change Address Or Information.pdf

Please complete the following applications if you wish to apply for a Gaming or Liquor License. Please provide the Privileged License Background Application with the license application. These types of licenses require City Council approval.

Pawnshops and Secondhand Dealers must also complete a separate license and background application.

Business License - Pawnshop Secondhand Application.pdf

Peddlers, Solicitors and Temporary Merchants also require a separate license background application.

Business License - Peddler Solicitor.pdf

To apply for a Special Event Permit or a Film Permit, please compete the applicable applications listed below. Please submit the Special Event Application and all required information to the the Business Licensing Department no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled event to allow adequate time for various City Departments to review the details of the permit. For Film Permits, please submit the application and all the required information to the Business Licensing Department seven days prior to filming.

Those individuals that wish to rent out their home for fewer than 27 consecutive days must apply for a Vacation Home Rental Business License. Please complete the following application to apply for the business license.

Business License - Vacation Rental Application.pdf

Every owner/operator of a vacation home/transient lodging business shall, in addition to any other license tax, pay room tax as required by the Business License Ordinance, Chapter 2 Taxes, Article A. Room Tax. Payment shall be paid to the city on the first day of the month and is delinquent after the tenth of the month. Tax is due on the total rental charge, which includes any amounts required to be paid by the occupant as a condition of the use or occupancy of the accommodation.

Business License - Room Tax Monthly Report.pdf

Please contact the business license office to renew a business license. Business license renewals are not currently available on the City Web page; however, the renewal can be emailed to the customer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to obtain a business license?

Any person wishing to commence, carry on, engage in or continues in any business, trade, occupation or employment (including the making of deliveries of goods, wares and merchandise sold elsewhere) in the city, is required to obtain a business license prior to commencing business in Mesquite.

A business license is required when you conduct any business activity within the City of Mesquite even if your business is located outside the city limits and you have a business license from another jurisdiction.

I am an independent contractor, 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 obtain a business license.

How do I apply for a Federal Employment Identification Number – EIN?

The employer identification number or (EIN) is obtained through the Internal Revenue Services. This number is used as a federal taxpayer identification number. You must apply for an EIN to do business in the State of Nevada, this includes Sole Proprietors if they pay wages to one or more employees or file any excise tax returns. You may contact the Internal Revenue Service at: 1-800-829-4933 or visit their Web site at www.irs.gov/smallbiz

Is a Secretary of State Business License required and how do I obtain the 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 for the license or if you have any questions regarding the State Business License, please contact the Secretary of State at 702-846-2440; or visit their Web site at www.nvsilverflume.gov.

How do I apply for a Sales Tax Number and how do I know if I am required to have a Sales Tax Number?

Every business intending to sell tangible goods requires a State of Nevada sales tax permit. Please contact the State of Nevada, Department of Taxation to obtain the sale tax number and any additional information at 866-962-3707 or visit their Web site at www.tax.state.nv.us

How do I obtain a Health Permit?

If you will be selling or preparing food, you will need to apply for a health permit. Please contact the Southern Nevada Health District at 702-759-1000 or visit their Web site at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org

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 application with the Clark County Clerk’s office you may contact them at 702- 455-4431 or visit their Web site here.

How do I contact the Nevada Gaming Commission and State Gaming Control Board?

Gaming Commission and State Gaming Control Board:

Las Vegas555 E. Washington Ave., Ste. 2600Las Vegas, Nevada 89101(702) 486-2000(702) 486-2045 Fax

You may also visit their Website at www.gaming.nv.gov

How do I obtain a business license application?

Click here for a Business license application or they are available at City Hall in the Development Services Division, Business Licensing, located at 10 East Mesquite Blvd. Mesquite, NV.

What information do I need to submit with the business license application?

Please submit the following information, only if it is applicable to your business.

In all cases, a Copy of the Secretary of State Business License and compliance with mandatory industrial insurance are required to be submitted with the business license application.

Copy of State of Nevada Business License or Exempt Receipt issued by the Secretary of State.

Proof of fictitious (D.B.A. Doing Business As) name filing with the Clark County Clerk’s office

If your business name is anything other than your legal given name or exact legal entity name as registered with the Nevada Secretary of State, you will need to file a Fictitious Firm Name application with the Clark County Clerk’s office. To apply visit their Website at https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/elected_officials/county_clerk/other_services/fictitious_firm_name.php

Proof of compliance with mandatory industrial insurance. (Workers’ Compensation Insurance)
Copy of state license, such as, contractor, real estate sales, physician,financial institution, attorney,cosmetologist, barber, massage therapist, pest control, etc.
Sale Tax number.

Every business intending to sell tangible goods requires a State of Nevada sales tax permit. Please contact the State of Nevada, Department of Taxation to obtain the sale tax number at 866-962-3707 or visit their Website at www.tax.state.nv.us

Health permit issued by the Southern Nevada Health District.

If you will be selling or preparing food, you will need to apply for a health permit.

How much does a business license cost?

There are several business license classifications; the business license fee is based on the classification. Please review the Business Licensing Fee Schedule to determine the appropriate business license fee. You may also contact Business Licensing by e-mail at businesslicenses@mesquitenv.gov or by telephone at 702-346-2835 ext. 3305 to obtain the business license fee.

Can I pay the business license fee with a credit card?

Yes, the City accepts Visa, MasterCard or Discover at this time. Payments under $600 can be paid online at https://mesquite.onlinegovt.com. Please have your case number and online authorization code in order to renew the license.

Payments can also be made over the phone by calling 702-346-2835 ext 3305. We also accept cash or check by mail or in person.

What do I need to know before purchasing or leasing a site for my business within the City of Mesquite?

Businesses based within the City of Mesquite require approval from the Development Services Division, Planning and Zoning, to ensure the location is zoned properly for the intended use and whether a use permit or other type of approval is required. In addition, a New Business Permit is required from the Development Services Division, Building and Capital Projects. Once all inspections and approvals have been obtained, the business license will be issued.

Is a business license required to operate a business from my home?

Yes, a business license is required to operate a business from your home. You must comply with the performance standards outlined in the Mesquite Municipal Code, prior to the issuance of the business license. The fee for a home occupation business license is $50.00; this fee is charged in addition to the business license fee and the $35.00 application fee.

Can I register my business using a post office box?

No, you must have a physical location for your business, whether it is a commercial or residential location or is located outside of Mesquite. A post office box may be used for your mailing address only.

‍Can I apply over the Internet for a business license?

Yes, you can apply for a business license online at https://mesquite.onlinegovt.com. Please contact 702-346-2835 ext 3305 if you have any questions.

How long does it take to receive a business license?

The approval process varies depending on the type of license being sought; it may take as little as one day to obtain a business license if all the required documents and information are submitted with the application. In situations requiring background investigations and/or City Council approval, the process may take longer.

What businesses require City Council approval?

* Gaming Licenses

* Liquor Licenses

* Marijuana Businesses

Please note additional license types may require City Council approval due to zoning requirements. Please inquire with Development Services on the location of your business and whether it will require approval from Council.

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What if I close or sell the business, do I need to notify the Business License Division?

Yes, please notify us in writing so that we may cancel your business license(s). Please include the business name, address, owner name, date business closed, telephone number to contact you and your signature. You may also complete the No longer in Business Application

What if I have more than one business or more than one location, do I need multiple licenses?

Yes, separate licenses must be obtained for each branch, establishment, or separate location of business. In addition, separate business licenses must be obtained for every class and type of business, even though several classes or types of business may be operated by the same person at the same location, except any person conducting several classes or types of business that is required to pay a business license fee on the basis of gross revenue as required by the Mesquite Municipal Code.

What if I want to move my business to another location within the City of Mesquite?

Prior to moving your business to a new location within the City of Mesquite, please verify with the Development Services Department, Planning & Zoning to ensure the location is zoned properly for the intended use and whether a use permit or other type of approval is required. In addition, a building inspection is required from the Development Services Division, Building and Capital Projects. Once all inspections and approvals have been obtained, the business license will be issued for the new location of business.

The fee to change the business license address is $35.00. The building inspection fee is $40.00.

I want to do door-to-door sales, is an additional license required?

Yes, any business wishing to solicit sales door-to-door must apply for a door-to-door solicitation business license prior to commencing any door-to-door sales or peddling. In addition, homeowner associations may have their own regulations regarding soliciting door-to-door and peddling.

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 by you. Penalties are assessed for delinquent payments, regardless of whether or not you received a renewal notice. If you did not receive the courtesy notice three weeks prior to the expiration date, please contact the Business License Division at 702-346-2835 ext. 3305.

Please contact the Business License Office if you need further assistance or your question was not answered. Thank you once again for choosing Mesquite as the place to open and operate your business. We wish you success!

Business Licenses