Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Las Vegas, NV

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Nevada C-2 Electrical Contractor License

   Required to perform electrical contracting work in Nevada. Issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). Applicants must submit an application, pass a trade and law exam, provide proof of experience, and post a surety bond ($1,000–$500,000 based on license limit). The Board requires the surety bond, proof of financial responsibility, and industrial (workers’ compensation) insurance; general liability insurance is a market expectation, not an NSCB licensure requirement.

   Official government source

   $300 application + $600 biennial license (NAC 624.130); PSI exams $95 (single) / $140 (CMS + trade together)·4–8 weeks

   $300 application + $600 biennial license (NAC 624.130); PSI exams $95 (single) / $140 (CMS + trade together)

   4–8 weeks

2. Nevada Surety Bond

   Nevada electrical contractors must post a surety bond ranging from $1,000 to $500,000 depending on the license monetary limit. Most small contractors choose a $50,000 limit.

   Official government source

   $200–$1,000/year·1–3 days

   $200–$1,000/year

   1–3 days

3. Nevada Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

   LLCs and corporations must register with the Nevada Secretary of State.

   Official government source

   $425 initial formation; $350/year thereafter ($150 annual list + $200 State Business License renewal — NRS 86.263, 76.130)·1–3 business days

   $425 initial formation; $350/year thereafter ($150 annual list + $200 State Business License renewal — NRS 86.263, 76.130)

   1–3 business days

1. City of Las Vegas Business License

   Businesses operating within City of Las Vegas limits must obtain a business license from the city's Business Licensing division (apply online via the city's Business License portal; 702-229-6281). Most business types are 'general' licenses; certain sensitive activities are 'privileged' licenses requiring an appointment and background investigation. Businesses at unincorporated-Clark-County addresses (much of the Las Vegas Valley, including the Strip) license through Clark County instead — verify jurisdiction with the city's address lookup. Contractors must hold a Nevada State Contractors Board license and provide the license number on the application. Contractors are eligible for the multi-jurisdictional business license (MJBL) program: a City of Las Vegas license can add Clark County, Henderson, and North Las Vegas.

   Official government source

   City of Las Vegas: $50 nonrefundable processing fee for a general license ($100 for a privileged license), plus a license fee set by category — flat, incremental, or gross-revenue-based billed per six-month period (e.g., $55 per 6-month period for gross revenue up to $30,000). Confirm the category fee with city Business Licensing, 702-229-6281 (needs_review for exact category amount).·1–3 weeks

   City of Las Vegas: $50 nonrefundable processing fee for a general license ($100 for a privileged license), plus a license fee set by category — flat, incremental, or gross-revenue-based billed per six-month period (e.g., $55 per 6-month period for gross revenue up to $30,000). Confirm the category fee with city Business Licensing, 702-229-6281 (needs_review for exact category amount).

   1–3 weeks

2. Clark County Business License (Unincorporated Areas)

   If working in unincorporated Clark County, a separate Clark County business license is required.

   Official government source

   $100 semiannually (≈$200/year) under the county 'Contractors – Specialty Trade' category (fee schedule rev. 09.2024).·1–3 weeks

   $100 semiannually (≈$200/year) under the county 'Contractors – Specialty Trade' category (fee schedule rev. 09.2024).

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Nevada State Contractors Board
• City of Las Vegas — Business Licenses

Related Guides