How to Start an LLC in Nevada

Step 1: Name Your Nevada LLC

You need to name your Nevada LLC before you can register it. Nevada has some specific rules surrounding names too. In general, your LLC name must:

1. Contain the words “Limited liability company,” “limited company,” “limited,” or an abbreviation like “LLC” or “LC.”

2. Be distinguishable from other business names that already exist in Nevada, meaning it can’t be the same or very similar.

3. Not suggest your LLC is engaged in an unauthorized business activity (for instance, you can’t use the words “accountant” or “auditor” without approval from the Nevada State Board of Accountancy).

To find out if a name is already in use, you can perform a Nevada business search through Silver Flume, Nevada’s official business portal. If the name you search for has a “default” or “active” status, that means it’s not available.

If your name is available in Nevada, consider checking its availability as both a domain name and a federal trademark. Both are important if you want to use a similar name across multiple platforms for brand consistency.

We can also register your domain name for free and give you three months of website and email services when you hire us to form your Nevada LLC.

When we form your LLC, you can also opt in to our attorney-led trademark service. It includes a clearance check that searches for potential conflicts with trademarks that already exist.

Step 2: Choose a Nevada Registered Agent

Nevada law requires LLCs to appoint and maintain a Nevada registered agent to accept legal mail on behalf of the business. That legal mail includes service of process notices, so it’s not a job to treat casually. The registered agent can be:

• a member of the business, assuming you have a physical Nevada address and are willing to list a title or office position with the company (so instead of listing “Jane Smith,” you’d list “office manager.)
• a commercial registered agent that represents 10 or more businesses in the state and has filed a Commercial Registered Agent Registration form.
• a non-commercial registered agent, aka an individual or entity that represents fewer than 10 businesses. This could be anyone from the business owner to a family member.

To be a Nevada registered agent, you must have a physical street address, not a PO box or virtual office. You must be over 18 and available at the listed address during regular business hours Monday through Friday. You must also give signed consent indicating you accept this role.

You can be your own registered agent if you’re over 18 with a physical street address and willing to stay in one place most of the business day. But if you choose to be your own registered agent, you’ll have to list your information on the Articles of Organization, which is considered a public document. This erases the privacy protections Nevada offers.

Step 3: File Nevada Articles of Organization

To legally form an LLC in the Silver State, you’ll submit Nevada Articles of Organization and your Nevada State Business License Application to the Nevada Secretary of State.

You can submit your paperwork online or by mail. You must include a $75 filing fee for standard processing, plus $150 for an initial listing and $200 for a business license, bringing the total to $425. If you want 24-hour processing, include an additional $125.

Your Articles of Organization won’t be accepted if they’re incomplete, so make sure you include the following information:

• LLC name: Include an accepted identifier like “LLC” or “Limited Company.”
• Registered agent info: List their name and street address. You can also list a separate Nevada mailing address if you wish.
• Registered agent acceptance: The registered agent should sign here to indicate they accept their appointment.
• Management structure: Check a box to indicate if your LLC will be managed by members (aka owners) or outside managers.
• Manager or member addresses: Depending on how your LLC will be managed, you’ll list the names and addresses of either the managers or managing members here.
• Dissolution date: Optional. Only fill this part out if you have a planned end date for your LLC in mind. Otherwise, leave it blank.
• Profession: Optional. Include a profession only if you’re forming a PLLC. Otherwise, skip this part.
• Series/restricted LLC info: Optional. Only check one of these boxes if you’re forming either a series LLC or a restricted LLC. You can skip it otherwise.
• Organizer info: The name, address, and signature of the person preparing your paperwork.
• Initial listing/state business license: List the names and addresses of everyone managing your LLC for your Nevada State Business License Application. Under entity type, check the box for LLC.

Step 4: Set Up Business Operations

You’ll have an official LLC once Nevada approves your Articles of Organization and state business license. That said, you’ll still need to take additional steps to get your business set up and maintain your limited liability.

• Draft an operating agreement: An operating agreement is a guidebook for how your LLC will function on a daily basis. It’s critical that it include everything from how to resolve disputes between members to how voting works. This is an internal document, so you won’t need to file a copy with the state, but you should bring a copy with you when go to the bank to open a business account.
• Get an EIN: EIN stands for Employer Identification Number, and they’re important for doing things like opening bank accounts and hiring employees. Nevada’s Department of Taxation also requires new businesses to have an EIN, and you can get one by using IRS’ online application.
• Establish a business bank account: To help maintain your Nevada LLC’s limited liability status, it’s vital that you keep your business funds and personal fund separated. Establishing a business bank account is a key step in that process.
• Obtain licenses and permits: You’ll fill out your State Business License Application when you submit your Articles of Organization. You may also need either a Sales and Use Tax Permit or a Use Tax Permit from the Nevada Department of Taxation. You should also check with your city and county about any local business licensing requirements.

Step 5: File BOI Report

As of 2024, the majority of businesses are required to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI Report). This report is part of law Congress passed to crack down on money laundering and fraud.

For the BOI Report, you must list information about the company’s beneficial owners, aka the people with a significant amount of control or influence over your business. Did you form your LLC after January 1, 2024? If so, you must also include information about the person or entity who filed your formation paperwork.

If you’re not eager to file more paperwork, we can submit the BOI Report on your behalf when you hire us to form your Nevada LLC.