How to Start an LLC in Nevada: Step-by-Step Guide

Forming an LLC in Nevada gives aspiring business owners a great start. LLCs avoid complex requirements yet still offer liability protection and tax flexibility.

Best of all, the formation process is straightforward. And this guide walks you through each step to start an LLC in Nevada. Let’s drop the legal talk so you can tackle your business goals.

Deciding to join Nevada’s robust economy is a wise idea. You’ll discover business-friendly regulations combined with a spirit of opportunity.

Get your business off the ground by following this step-by-step guide on creating an LLC in Nevada.

Steps to Get an LLC in Nevada:

Step 1: Choose Name Your LLC
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
Step 3: File Articles of Organization
Step 4: Obtain a Certificate of LLC Registration from the State
Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 6: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Costs to Set Up an LLC in Nevada
Further Steps

Step 1: Choose a Name Your LLC

The first task to form an LLC is choosing a name. You want a memorable name that reflects your business's nature and resonates with your audience.

All LLC names in Nevada must include Limited Liability Company, Limited Company, or a similar abbreviation. Some words like realtor, master association, licensed engineer, and certified public accountant are restricted from use.

Your Nevada LLC name must be unique. You don’t want to create confusion with any existing companies. Search the Secretary of State database to ensure your preferred name is available:

Name Reservation (optional)

Once you find a name for your Nevada LLC, you can use the name reservation form to secure it.

This takes off the pressure while you complete the LLC formation process. It’s optional. Nevada allows you to reserve a name for 90 days for $25.

Fictitious Name (optional)

You may want to register a fictitious name. This allows you to conduct business under a brand name different from the business entity. It’s also known as a doing-business-as (DBA) name. Some places call it a trade name. For example, a company named Electrics General LLC can operate as Jason's Electro Repairs.

County Clerks (not the Secretary of State) handle DBA registrations in Nevada. Costs vary from one city to another. But overall, expect to pay $20–$25 per name.

Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

A registered agent is a central role for any LLC. This contact accepts legal documents and service of process for your LLC. Appointing the registered agent is a crucial part of starting your Nevada LLC.

Requirements:

At least 18 years of age
Must have a physical street address in Nevada (P.O. boxes are not acceptable).
Must be available during regular business hours to accept legal documents and official notices on behalf of the LLC.
Can be an individual resident of Nevada or a business entity authorized to conduct business in the state.

You can be your own LLC registered agent or appoint someone who works for you or is a member of your LLC.

If you don't want to be your own registered agent, you can hire one for about $125-$175/year in Nevada.

If you form an LLC with Northwest, they'll give you a free registered agent for the first year. After that, it's $125 per year.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

Hold on tight for this exciting step. Filing your Articles of Organization establishes your Nevada LLC. Once you pass this, you are at a point of no return and own an LLC.

The Articles of Organization form requires:

LLC name
The list of managers
Whether it is member-managed or manager-managed
Each organizer's name, address, and signature
A list of any other members that will govern internal affairs
Your LLC's registered agent's name, address, and signature

You can also outline the specific operating agreements to clarify the internal structure and management procedures.

Nevada provides a simple LLC registration form to use. Complete all sections with accurate information to avoid delays or registration problems.

And then mail it to the following address:

Nevada Secretary of State
Commercial Recordings Division
202 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701-4201

Alternatively (faster way) to set up your LLC is to use Nevada's First Stop for Business Registration.

If you file your Nevada LLC online, it typically takes 1 business day for processing. If you choose to file by mail, it can take about 3-4 weeks, plus the additional mail time.

There are no differences in the filing fees for online and mail submissions. However, you can opt for expedited services for an additional fee: $125 for 24-hour service, $500 for 2-hour service, and $1,000 for 1-hour service.

For the fastest processing and to avoid potential delays, online filing is generally recommended.

The filing fees are a little expensive to start a Nevada LLC. It will cost $425 to cover three different items:

$75: File Articles of Organization
$150: File list of members or managing members
$200: Business license

Once Nevada processes your application, your Nevada LLC exists.

Nevada law requires that a copy of your LLC's Articles of Organization be kept at the registered agent's office. Request a certified copy during the registration stage.

Step 4: Obtain a Certificate of LLC Registration from the State

After filing your Articles of Organization, your next step is getting a Certificate of LLC Registration.

This document is proof that your LLC is registered. It gives you credibility and helps with:

Opening bank accounts
Working with investors
Getting business permits and licenses
Protecting your assets
Filing taxes as a separate entity

You can also display your registration certificate in your place of business. And keep copies with your business records for easy access.

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

Having an operating agreement in Nevada acts as a roadmap for how your LLC will run. This document outlines the following functions:

Ownership structure and contributions
Member rights and responsibilities
Distribution of profit and losses
How to handle certain disputes
Methods for adding or removing members
Procedure to close the business

Nevada doesn’t require an operating agreement. But it is highly recommended or else your LLC will use the default Nevada laws. These may fail to capture all your business's specific needs. You can customize the rules for your LLC with a well-drafted operating agreement.

Luckily, the Nevada Secretary of State offers a free online operating agreement tool.

Nevada LLC Digital Operating Agreement. Source: SilverFlume.

Step 6: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number for a business. The IRS uses them for tax purposes.

All multi-member LLCs must get an EIN. It’s also essential if you plan to hire employees. And it may be necessary for banking and tax filing purposes.

Some single-member LLCs without employees and certain retirement plans can use the owner’s Social Security number instead. But it can be beneficial to get an EIN anyway for certain transactions or business needs.

The EIN application is free and easy. Go to the IRS website to get yours in minutes. You’ll need your LLC name, address, and tax filing status.

Costs to Set Up an LLC in Nevada

When starting an LLC in Nevada, you'll incur initial one-time fees of at least $425. You may have higher costs if you hire outside help during the Nevada LLC startup process.

Some costs are recurring. These include the listing fee and Nevada business license, totaling at least $350. Hired registered agents have ongoing costs too.

The following table shows the costs of setting up an LLC in Nevada.

Nevada LLC Set Up Requirement	Fee
Filing Fee	$75
Initial listing fee	$150
Business license fee	$200
Registered Agent (optional)	$60–100
Legal and professional consultation (optional)	$500–2,000

These costs are higher than in other states. But many owners find them manageable once they get up and running.

You also might need to pay for permits or licenses, insurance, and income and payroll taxes.

Further Steps

Once you have established your LLC in Nevada, there are a few extra steps to complete before you operate.

Open a Bank Account

Establishing a business bank account helps maintain clear financial records. It’s also crucial to protect your personal liability.

If you mix personal and business funds, you may lose some of the LLC’s legal benefits. This could result in your personal assets being at risk during a lawsuit.

When searching for a bank in Nevada, you choose one with favorable terms for your LLC. Consider factors such as transaction limits, account fees, customer support, and online banking capabilities. You also want a bank with an excellent reputation for fraud protection.

Obtain Permits and Licenses

Depending on the nature and location of your business, identify the permits and licenses needed. Besides the mandatory Nevada business license, your LLC might have other hoops to jump through. Examples include local business licenses, industry-specific licenses, health permits, and zoning permits. This list of municipalities and permits can point you in the right direction.

Getting these permits and licenses prevents legal complications.

Submit Annual Report and Tax Filing

You will need to file an annual report with the Nevada Secretary of State. It gives you a chance to report any major changes and maintains your Nevada LLC’s good standing. Registering with the Nevada Department of Taxation is also vital for many LLCs. It is how you meet tax obligations such as sales, employment, and income taxes.

You can use the Nevada Tax Center to help manage your business filings.

Local Business Community

Learning from others can help you discover the shortcut to success. Experienced entrepreneurs can share techniques and tools that you can leverage. The Nevada SBDC is a great place to start. You can connect with a mentor to get no-cost advice. The Nevada Department of Business and Industry also keeps a calendar of small business training and events.