How to Get a Nevada Liquor License

Last updated: September 11, 2026

Nevada does not issue retail liquor licenses at the state level. Under NRS 369.190 the application goes to the board of county commissioners, or to the city’s governing body if the premises is inside an incorporated city, and the Department of Taxation says of retail establishments that “the Department of Taxation is not involved in the licensing.” That makes the price a local question: unincorporated Clark County charges a $45 application fee and sets quarterly license fees by bar type in its code, while the City of Las Vegas charges a $5,000 application fee and $1,200 every six months for a full alcohol on-premise license. Two rules do come from Carson City. In any county of 100,000 or more people, everyone who sells or serves alcohol, or works security, must hold an alcohol awareness card within 30 days of hire, valid for four years. And NRS 41.1305 gives a licensed seller no civil liability for what a customer of drinking age does afterward.

Training: The Card, 30 Days, Four Years

Nevada is a card state in its populous counties. NRS 369.630 forbids the owner or operator of an establishment from hiring anyone “to sell or serve alcoholic beverages or perform the duties of a security guard” unless that person already holds a valid alcohol education card or obtains one within 30 days after the date of hire, by completing an alcoholic beverage awareness program certified by the Commission on Postsecondary Education. A valid card is one obtained or renewed within the immediately preceding four years. The statute applies only in a jurisdiction located in a county whose population is 100,000 or more — in practice the Las Vegas and Reno metropolitan counties — or in a smaller county whose governing body has voted to adopt it.

The penalty falls on the business, not the bartender. A violation is a civil infraction with fines of $500 for the first violation within 24 months, $1,000 for the second and $5,000 for the third and each one after. The card is the employee’s (in the trade it is called a TAM card, after one of the certified programs); the 30-day compliance duty and the fine are the licensee’s. Indiana, Oklahoma and Louisiana run the same model with a state-issued employee permit; Nevada delegates the card to certified private programs and enforces it through the Department of Taxation.

Apply Where You Are: County or City

NRS 369.190 sends the application to the board of county commissioners if the principal place of business is outside an incorporated city, otherwise to the city’s governing body, on a form the Department prescribes; NRS 369.200 has the local body approve or disapprove, refund the fee on a denial, and forward an approval to the Department, which issues the license “if no further objections are presented or known.” The Department’s own liquor guide adds that it “does not control the labeling, advertising, or retail outlets of liquor,” and that anyone opening a retail establishment should contact the city or county clerk. Retailers must buy only from licensed Nevada wholesalers (NRS 369.487), and the state licenses only that tier: an importer’s wine, beer and liquor license is $500 a year and a wholesale license $250.

Clark County’s Department of Business License publishes the process for unincorporated Clark County, which includes the Strip. Before the liquor application the business needs a Nevada state business license (NRS 76), registration with the Department of Taxation, and a fictitious firm name filing with the County Clerk if operating under a trade name. The liquor packet itself is the Business License Application, the Application for Alcoholic Liquor License, a business supplemental questionnaire, a floor plan, a notarized Personal History Form, two original notarized authorizations for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and a notarized Personal Financial Questionnaire with three years of tax returns and three months of bank statements. Every application carries a one-time $45 fee on top of the license fee. Liquor is a privileged license, so the county describes “individual background investigations, code conferences with Business License Special Agents, and inspections by public safety agencies”; Comprehensive Planning reviews the application within five working days and it then goes to the Southern Nevada Health District, Fire Prevention and other agencies. A temporary liquor license may be requested while the investigation runs. The license fees themselves are set by bar type and billed quarterly under Chapter 8.20 of the county code.

What the City of Las Vegas Charges

Inside city limits the City of Las Vegas publishes its own schedule. A full alcohol on-premise license — nightclubs, resort hotels, standalone bars, restaurants — carries a $5,000 application fee and a license fee of $1,200 semi-annually, with $900 semi-annually for each additional bar. Beer and wine on-premise is $5,000 to apply and $700 semi-annually; package alcohol is $5,000 and $750; a brew pub is $5,000 and $1,200; beer and wine off-premise is $5,000 and $500. Endorsements such as internet sales with a meal or tastings add $500 semi-annually each. The lesson for a Nevada bar plan is that the same concept costs a different amount on opposite sides of a street that happens to be a city boundary, and both jurisdictions run their own investigations.

What It Costs

License or requirement	Who charges it	Fee
Application fee, unincorporated Clark County	Clark County Department of Business License; one-time, with each license	$45
Clark County liquor license fees	Set by bar type in Clark County Code Chapter 8.20, billed quarterly	By schedule
Full alcohol on-premise license, City of Las Vegas	Application fee / license fee / each additional bar	$5,000 / $1,200 semi-annual / $900 semi-annual
Beer and wine on-premise, City of Las Vegas	Application / license	$5,000 / $700 semi-annual
Package alcohol, City of Las Vegas	Application / license	$5,000 / $750 semi-annual
Brew pub, City of Las Vegas	Application / license	$5,000 / $1,200 semi-annual
License endorsements, City of Las Vegas	Internet sales with a meal, tastings, wine-making classes	$500 semi-annual each
Alcohol awareness card	Every seller, server and security guard in a county of 100,000 or more, within 30 days of hire; valid 4 years	Course price set by the certified program; fines of $500 / $1,000 / $5,000 on the business
State importer’s / wholesale license	Department of Taxation (not needed by a retailer)	$500 / $250
Nevada LLC	Articles of Organization + Initial List + State Business License, Secretary of State	$75 + $150 + $200; then $150 annual list and $200 license renewal

Liability Ends at the Door

Most states that publish a fee schedule also publish a dram shop rule that makes the fee the smaller cost. Nevada’s does the opposite. NRS 41.1305(1) provides that a person who serves, sells or furnishes an alcoholic beverage to someone 21 years of age or older “is not liable in a civil action for any damages caused by the person to whom the alcoholic beverage was served, sold or furnished as a result of the consumption.” Subsection (2) creates liability for knowingly furnishing alcohol to an underage person — and subsection (3) then removes even that from a licensed seller and its employees for acts in the course of business, adding that such an act “may not be used to establish proximate cause in a civil action and does not constitute negligence per se.” The underage rule reaches social hosts, not bars. Arkansas lets a jury decide whether a sale to a clearly intoxicated person caused the harm; Mississippi shields a lawful sale but not one to a visibly intoxicated buyer; Nevada shields the licensee outright.

That is why the state’s regulatory weight sits on the front end instead. The alcohol awareness card, the 30-day hiring rule and the escalating fines in NRS 369.630 exist because the civil courts are not going to police over-service after the fact, and the county’s privileged-license investigation — personal history, three years of tax returns, police authorizations, a code conference — exists because the license is the leverage. A Nevada liquor liability policy still matters for what the statute does not cover: injuries on the premises, claims under other states’ law when a guest drives home across the line, and the general liability a landlord will require regardless.

How to Get Licensed, In Order

1. Find the jurisdiction. Inside an incorporated city (Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Reno, Sparks) the city licenses you; the Strip and the rest of unincorporated Clark County go through the county. Use Clark County’s jurisdiction locator.
2. Register the entity and the state business license. Nevada Articles of Organization are $75, the Initial List of managers or members is $150, and the State Business License is $200, all filed together with the Secretary of State; then register with the Department of Taxation.
3. File the fictitious firm name with the County Clerk if the bar will operate under a name other than the entity’s.
4. Assemble the privileged-license packet — in Clark County: the business license application, the liquor application, the supplemental questionnaire, a floor plan, the notarized personal history form, two notarized LVMPD authorizations, and the notarized financial questionnaire with three years of tax returns and three months of bank statements — and pay the $45 application fee with the license fee.
5. Clear the investigation: background checks on each principal, the code conference, Comprehensive Planning review, and health and fire inspections. Ask for a temporary liquor license while it runs if the space is otherwise ready.
6. Card the staff. In a county of 100,000 or more, every person who sells, serves or works security holds an alcohol awareness card before hire or within 30 days after; keep the cards on file and calendar the four-year expirations.
7. Buy from licensed wholesalers only. NRS 369.487 bars a retailer from buying for resale from another retailer or directly from a supplier.

Staying Licensed

Renew on the local cycle. Clark County bills liquor license fees quarterly; the City of Las Vegas bills semi-annually. The state business license and the Secretary of State annual list renew every year at $200 and $150.

Track the cards. A card is valid only if obtained or renewed within the preceding four years; the fines for an uncarded server or guard are $500, $1,000 and $5,000 within a 24-month window, and they land on the business.

Changes go back through the county or city. Under NRS 369.220 the license is nontransferable and a change of location needs approval; the local body that approved you can recommend suspension or revocation under NRS 369.230.

Do not read NRS 41.1305 as a reason to skip insurance. It answers one question — civil liability for a customer’s later conduct — and leaves premises liability, other states’ law and your lease requirements untouched.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a liquor license in Nevada?

It depends on the city or county, because Nevada has no state retail liquor license. Unincorporated Clark County charges a one-time $45 application fee with each license and sets quarterly license fees by bar type in Chapter 8.20 of its code. The City of Las Vegas charges a $5,000 application fee and $1,200 semi-annually for a full alcohol on-premise license ($900 semi-annually for each additional bar), $700 semi-annually for beer and wine on-premise, $750 for package alcohol and $1,200 for a brew pub. The state itself licenses only importers ($500) and wholesalers ($250).

Who issues liquor licenses in Nevada?

The county or the city. NRS 369.190 requires the application to be made to the board of county commissioners if the business is outside an incorporated city, or to the governing body of the city if inside one; under NRS 369.200 the local body approves or disapproves and forwards approvals to the Department of Taxation, which issues the license if no further objections are known. The Department’s liquor guide says it does not control retail outlets and that anyone opening a retail establishment should contact the city or county clerk.

Do you need a TAM card to serve alcohol in Nevada?

In the large counties, yes. NRS 369.630 prohibits an establishment in a county of 100,000 or more people (or a smaller county that has opted in) from hiring anyone to sell or serve alcohol or work as a security guard unless the person holds a valid alcohol education card or obtains one within 30 days of hire by completing a certified alcoholic beverage awareness program. A card is valid for four years from issue or renewal. TAM is the name of one certified program and has become the everyday name for the card; any program certified by the Commission qualifies.

What is the fine for not having an alcohol awareness card in Nevada?

The fine is on the business. Under NRS 369.630 a violation is a civil infraction with a fine of $500 for the first violation within a 24-month period, $1,000 for the second and $5,000 for the third and any subsequent violation, payable to the Department of Taxation.

Can a Nevada bar be sued for over-serving?

Not by the customer’s victims, as a rule. NRS 41.1305 provides that a person who serves, sells or furnishes alcohol to someone 21 or older is not liable in a civil action for damages the drinker causes, and while knowingly furnishing alcohol to an underage person does create liability, subsection 3 exempts licensed sellers and their employees for acts in the course of business and provides that such an act may not be used to establish proximate cause or negligence per se. Premises liability and other states’ laws are not affected.

How long does a Clark County liquor license take?

Clark County does not publish a total. Its liquor and gaming guide describes the sequence: the application goes to Comprehensive Planning within five working days, then to the Southern Nevada Health District, Fire Prevention and other agencies, alongside individual background investigations, a code conference with Business License Special Agents and inspections. A temporary liquor license may be requested while the investigation is being conducted, and the license is mailed to the business on the Director’s approval.

What does a Nevada LLC cost?

Three filings at once: Articles of Organization $75 (NRS 86.561), the Initial List of managers or managing members $150 (NRS 86.263), and the State Business License $200 (NRS 76.100). Each year after, the annual list is $150 and the state business license renewal is $200.

Forming the company, taxes, insurance, and hiring are covered in our full guide to starting a business in Nevada.

Sources

Source	What It Covers
Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 369 — Intoxicating Liquor: Licenses and Taxes	NRS 369.190: an application for a license must be made to the board of county commissioners if the applicant does not maintain a principal place of business within an incorporated city, or to the governing body of the city; NRS 369.200: the board or governing body approves or disapproves, returns the fee on disapproval, and forwards approvals to the Department, which issues the license if no further objections are presented or known; NRS 369.220: license nontransferable, change of location; NRS 369.300 schedule of fees: importer’s wine, beer and liquor license $500, importer’s beer license 150, wholesale wine, beer and liquor license 250, wholesale beer dealer’s license 75; NRS 369.630: a person who owns or operates an establishment shall not hire a person to sell or serve alcoholic beverages or perform the duties of a security guard unless the person holds a valid alcohol education card or, within 30 days after the date on which he or she is hired, completes a certified program and obtains one; civil fines of $500 for the first violation within a 24-month period, $1,000 for the second and $5,000 for the third and subsequent; applies only in a jurisdiction in a county whose population is 100,000 or more or a smaller county whose governing body has agreed to be bound; a valid alcohol education card is one obtained or renewed within the immediately preceding 4 years
Nevada Department of Taxation — Liquor Tax	Retail liquor store operators should consult city or county clerks regarding licensing requirements; other than sales and use tax obligations, the Department of Taxation is not involved in the licensing of retail liquor establishments; annual license fees per NRS 369.300: beer importation $150, beer wholesale $75, beer, wine and liquor importation $500, beer, wine and liquor wholesale $250
Nevada Department of Taxation — Liquor General Information (NRS 369)	We do not control the labeling, advertising, or retail outlets of liquor or liquor establishments; any person desiring to open a retail establishment should contact the city or county clerk or local law enforcement authorities; under the three tier system retailers must purchase only from wholesalers (NRS 369.487) and may not legally purchase for resale from other retailers or directly from suppliers
Clark County Department of Business License — A Step-By-Step Guide to a Liquor & Gaming License	NRS 76 requires all businesses to have a state business license; register with the Nevada Department of Taxation; file a Fictitious Firm Name certificate with the Clark County Clerk if operating under a name other than the legal entity; the packet includes the Clark County Business License Application, Application for Alcoholic Liquor License, Business Supplemental Questionnaire, floor plan, notarized Personal History Form, two original signed and notarized LVMPD authorization forms, and a notarized Personal Financial Questionnaire with three years of tax returns and three months of bank statements; business license fees are accompanied by a one-time $45.00 application fee in addition to each license fee; privileged license applications mostly require individual background investigations, code conferences with Business License Special Agents, and inspections by public safety agencies; applications are sent to Comprehensive Planning for review within five working days, then to the Southern Nevada Health District, Fire Prevention and other agencies; a temporary liquor license may be requested while the investigation is being conducted; upon approval by the Director the license is sent to the business location
Clark County Department of Business License — Business License Fees	All applications are assessed a $45.00 non-refundable application fee; the Schedule of Fees is published separately; liquor and gaming licenses follow the step-by-step guide
City of Las Vegas — Alcohol Licenses and Related Business Licenses General Information, Form PL231	Full alcohol on-premise: application fee $5000, license fee $1,200 semi-annual, additional bar $900 semi-annual, for night clubs, resort hotels, standalone bars, restaurants and hotels; beer wine on-premise: application fee $5000, license fee $700 semi-annual, additional bar stations $400 semi-annual; beer wine off-premise: application fee $5000, license fee $500 semi-annual; package alcohol: application fee $5000, license fee $750 semi-annual; brew pub: application fee $5000, license fee $1,200 semi-annual; internet sales, tasting and wine-making endorsements at a $500 semi-annual renewal fee each
Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 41 — NRS 41.1305, liability of person who serves, sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages	A person who serves, sells or otherwise furnishes an alcoholic beverage to another person who is 21 years of age or older is not liable in a civil action for any damages caused by the person to whom the alcoholic beverage was served, sold or furnished as a result of the consumption; a person who knowingly serves, sells or furnishes to an underage person, or knowingly allows an underage person to consume on premises the person controls, is liable in a civil action; the liability created pursuant to subsection 2 does not apply to a person who is licensed to serve, sell or furnish alcoholic beverages or an employee or agent of such a person for any act or failure to act during the course of business or employment, and any such act may not be used to establish proximate cause and does not constitute negligence per se
Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 86 — NRS 86.561 fees and NRS 86.263 lists	The Secretary of State shall charge and collect for filing the original articles of organization $75; upon filing the initial list the limited-liability company shall pay a fee of $150 and upon filing each annual list a fee of $150
Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 76 — NRS 76.100 state business license	A person shall not conduct a business in this State unless the person obtains a state business license issued by the Secretary of State; an entity required to file an initial or annual list must obtain the state business license at the time of filing; the application must be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $200, except $500 for a corporation; a person who applies for renewal of a state business license shall submit a fee in the amount of $200