Clark County Home Daycare License

State License Plus Local Permits

Opening a home daycare in Clark County means dealing with two separate licensing systems. The child care license comes from the state — DWSS Child Care Licensing, Southern Nevada Office at (702) 631-3037. But you also need a local business license from whichever municipality your home sits in: the City of Las Vegas, the City of Henderson, unincorporated Clark County, or one of the smaller incorporated cities.

The state license governs child safety, background checks, capacity limits, and training. The local business license governs your right to operate a commercial business at your residential address and triggers local tax obligations. You need both.

Which Local Office to Contact

Your exact street address determines which business licensing office handles your permit:

• City of Las Vegas: Las Vegas Business Licensing Division
• City of Henderson: Henderson Business License Department
• Unincorporated Clark County: Clark County Department of Business License (Regulated Business License Division)
• City of North Las Vegas, Boulder City, Mesquite: Each has its own business license office

If you're not sure whether your address falls inside city limits or in unincorporated county territory, your county assessor's office or a quick property records search will confirm it.

Zoning Protection for Family Care Homes

Under NRS 278.022, Nevada preempts local zoning boards from prohibiting Family Care Homes (six or fewer children) in residential zones. This means your city or county planning department cannot deny a home daycare of six children or fewer based on the zone classification alone.

However, this protection doesn't extend to Group Care Homes (7–12 children). If you're applying for a Group Care license, you'll likely need a Conditional Use Permit from the Clark County Planning Commission or your city's planning department, which involves a separate application, public hearing, and additional fees.

Private restrictions are a different story. NRS 278.022 overrides municipal zoning ordinances, but it does not override private HOA covenants or lease agreements. If your HOA's CC&Rs prohibit home businesses, state law won't save you. Get written clearance from your HOA board and landlord before you invest in licensing fees.

The SNHD Health Permit

Clark County providers must obtain a health permit from the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), Special Programs division. This is separate from both your state license and your local business license.

The SNHD inspector focuses on:

• Food preparation area cleanliness and separation from diapering areas
• Diaper-changing surface materials and sanitation protocols
• Hand-washing station setup and posted procedures
• Pest control and standing water elimination
• Overall sanitation of child care areas

SNHD charges a health permit fee, and the permit must be renewed periodically. You can start the application through the SNHD child care facilities page for family and group care homes.

Fire Clearance in Clark County

The fire inspection comes from either the Clark County Fire Department or your municipal fire marshal, depending on your address. The inspector verifies:

• Interconnected smoke alarms throughout the home
• At least one fully charged 2A:10BC fire extinguisher
• Two unobstructed exit paths from child care areas
• A posted evacuation plan with assembly point

Submit a Child Care Inspection Request Form to your fire authority to schedule the inspection. The fire clearance certificate is uploaded to your ALiS portal alongside your SNHD permit and background check results.

The State Licensing Process

Once your local permits are underway, the state process follows the standard Nevada 90-day window:

1. Complete the mandatory LAP orientation through NEATS
2. Submit your application through the ALiS portal ($20 for Family Care, $60 for Group Care)
3. Get assigned a DWSS surveyor from the Southern Nevada office
4. Register all household adults in NABS for fingerprint-based background checks ($60–$90 per person at a LiveScan vendor)
5. Complete Nevada Registry-approved preservice training including in-person pediatric CPR
6. Pass the final on-site survey with your surveyor

The Southern Nevada DWSS office handles all Clark County applications regardless of which city you're in. Contact them at (702) 631-3037 to confirm your first steps.

Business License Fees

Local business license fees in Clark County range from roughly $55 to $700 annually, depending on your jurisdiction and projected gross receipts. The City of Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County calculate fees differently. Budget for this on top of your state licensing fees — it's a recurring annual cost, not a one-time payment.

For a step-by-step system that coordinates the state licensing timeline with Clark County's local permits, health inspections, and fire clearance, the Nevada Home Daycare Licensing Guide includes a location-specific sequencing path for southern Nevada providers.

See more Nevada guides →