- 1). Go to the website of the Nevada Secretary of State's Office. Click on the "Business Entity Search" link in the middle of the page. When the page loads enter the name that you want to use for your business in the search box and click "Search." If you get no results, you can use that business name, but, if you get a result, someone else is using that business name and you must choose another name. Return to the main page of the Nevada Secretary of State's Office website.
- 2). Click on the "Forms and Fees" link. Then click on "All Business Forms" on the left side of the screen. When the forms page loads, click on the link for the business structure you want for your company, such as limited liability company (LLC) or corporation. You will be taken to the forms for that type of business.
- 3). Download the appropriate forms for your business structure. For example, if you want to start a LLC you can download the "Articles of Organization," which is what is needed to start a LLC by clicking on "Form" or "Complete Packet" by the name of the form. The complete packet comes with the form, instructions and a fee schedule.
- 4). Submit your completed form, such as the "Articles of Organization" for a LLC, to the Nevada Secretary of State's Office. The appropriate address is listed on each form. Be sure to enclose the appropriate filing fee with your form, such as $75 for a LLC in 2010. Fee schedules for each business type are available for download on the main "Forms and Fees" web page.
- 5). Apply for a state business license, if required. Some businesses are exempt from the requirement, including nonprofits, home-based businesses and movie production studios. You can download the state business license forms or complete them online by going to the Nevada Secretary of State's Office website and clicking on "State Business License." Complete the form and send it to the address on the form, or complete it online, with the appropriate fee, which varies depending on under which entity class your business falls.