Several separate Nevada Departments and Divisions are responsible for vehicle-related regulation.
Review the Business Types and Nevada Regulatory Agencies sections, then contact each agency which might affect your business.
You must obtain a DMV permit to operate an out-of-state business vehicle in Nevada.
Here are general guidelines for various business uses.
Persons using their own private passenger vehicles for delivery purposes (newspapers, food, runners, etc.) do not fall under additional regulation as long as they are under contract with only one business or a limited number of businesses.
Nevada has higher liability insurance requirements for this type of service but the business typically carries the extra coverage. Contact your insurance agent.
Businesses operating in-state and operate vehicles under 10,001 pounds and transport only their own employees or property typically do not fall under any special vehicle-related regulation.
An exception is Employer Van Pools, which are regulated by the Nevada Transportation Authority.
Nevada has no special vehicle registration requirements or license plates for this type of vehicle. Businesses with ten or more vehicles qualify for Fleet registration.
Any vehicle 26,001 pounds or more must be registered through Motor Carrier.
Persons or businesses offering pick-up and delivery services to the general public fall under state and federal Motor Carrier regulations.
Higher liability insurance coverage is required.
Household Goods movers must contact the Nevada Transportation Authority.
All other goods carriers must contact DMV Motor Carrier.
Any person or business offering to transport people should contact both the Nevada Transportation Authority and DMV Motor Carrier.
Businesses which transport people or property as an ancillary function of their main business may or may not be exempt from vehicle-related regulation.
Interstate Motor Carriers, Intrastate Goods Carriers and any business which transports placarded hazardous materials should contact both DMV Motor Carrier and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
The Nevada State Police issues hazardous materials permits.
Any business which rents or loans vehicles to the public for any reason must contact DMV Occupational and Business Licensing.
Vehicle dealers, garages, driving schools and nearly all vehicle-related businesses are licensed by DMV.
Towing services are regulated by the Nevada Transportation Authority.
Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft are regulated by the Nevada Transportation Authority.
Peer-to-peer car sharing companies are regulated by DMV Occupational and Business Licensing under similar regulations as vehicle dealers.
Companies which test or operate Autonomous Vehicles are licensed by the DMV.
All fuel suppliers, dealers, transporters and exporters should contact DMV Motor Carrier. This includes propane, CNG, aviation fuel, etc.
You must have a Commercial Driver License to drive any of the following vehicles:
A CDL may be desirable if you operate interstate or have vehicles with a weight rating greater than 10,001 pounds. See Commercial Driver Licensing and FMCSA CDL Overview.
Nevada does not issue a Chauffeurs License. However, the Nevada Transportation Authority issues driver permits for certificated passenger carriers and the Nevada Taxicab Authority issues permits for taxi drivers in Clark County.
Be sure to obtain the proper liability insurance for your vehicle and business use. Proof of Insurance from a Nevada-licensed carrier is required for all registrations.
Vehicles 26,000 pounds or less, which do not operate in interstate commerce, are registered at DMV Full Service offices. See Vehicle Registration. If you have 10 or more business vehicles, larger DMV offices have Fleets counters to make registration easier and you may qualify as a self-insurer. See Fleet Registration.
Vehicles 26,001 pounds or more and all vehicles which are used in interstate commerce are registered with DMV Motor Carrier.
Manufactured Homes are titled by the Manufactured Housing Division and taxed by County Assessors. Boats are registered with the Nevada Division of Wildlife. Nearly all trailers must be registered and titled through the DMV.
Nearly any Nevada business which transports people or property for hire or is part of the motor vehicle industry is subject to regulation.
This table lists various vehicle-related regulatory agencies and the specific industries they regulate. Be sure to contact each agency which may affect your business.
Charter Limousines, Charter Buses, Transportation Network Companies, Taxicabs outside Clark County, Non-Emergency Medical Transfer, Special Services, Airport Transfer and Tours. All Household Goods Movers, Intrastate Tour Operators, Tow Cars, Employer Van Pools.
Taxicabs within Clark County.
Interstate Motor Carriers (Trucking and Bus Lines), Intrastate Carriers of Common Goods (except Household Goods), and all Fuel Suppliers, Dealers and Related Businesses
Any business which operates interstate and has vehicles over 10,001 pounds, vehicles which transport 15 or more passengers or vehicles which transport placarded hazardous materials. Issues U.S. DOT numbers.
Vehicle Dealers and Brokers, Rental Agencies, Manufacturers, Rebuilders, Transporters, Wreckers, Salvage Pools, Repair Shops, Body Shops, Emission Inspection Stations and Driving Schools.
Manufactured Housing Dealers and Titles. Manufactured homes are taxed by County Assessors.
Notes:
Silver Flume is a valuable tool to start and expand businesses, guiding you through State Business Licensing, Workers’ Compensation, Taxation and much more. The New Business Checklist can provide you a quick summary of which licenses you’ll need, estimated cost, and time to obtain licensing.
Demographics and resources. Links to regional development authorities.
Motorist, road and weather information, maps, overdimensional permits
Commercial Enforcement, Hazardous Materials Permits, Emergency and Amber Light Permits
Water Vessel Registration
General Business, Sales and Use Taxes, 10% Short-Term Lessor Fee
Online access to Nevada Revised Statutes, Nevada Administrative Code, and State Legislators
