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North Las Vegas, NV Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

License required
Both therapist and establishment (5.28.030)
Therapist fee
$50 semi-annual (5.28.120)
Police investigation fee
$100 per applicant (5.28.060)
Health card
Current Clark County Health District card required
Training minimum
500-hour recognized school program
Max criminal penalty
$1,000 fine / 6 months jail (5.28.280)

Summary

North Las Vegas requires a city license before anyone can operate a massage establishment or work as a massage therapist. The Department of Finance issues licenses only after a police background investigation, and the semi-annual therapist fee is $50.

It is unlawful for any person to engage in the practice of massage or operate a massage establishment without first obtaining and thereafter maintaining a valid, unexpired license pursuant to this Code. ... A massage establishment license allows the holder to operate a massage establishment. Prior to being issued a massage establishment license all applicants seeking such a license must obtain all necessary land use approvals in accordance with Title 17 of this Code.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 146 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

030, it is unlawful to practice massage or operate a massage establishment without a valid, unexpired license. 140), who is liable for employees' acts even without direct knowledge of violations. 100). 060 requires a police department suitability investigation with a nonrefundable $100 fee per listed applicant, waived only if the applicant was investigated for another Title 5 purpose within the prior six months. 170). 210). 220).

Violations & Fines

Violating any provision of Chapter 5.28 is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in the city detention center, or both, plus mandatory court costs and assessments that cannot be suspended (5.28.280). A violation is also independent grounds for license suspension, limitation, or revocation by the city council after notice and hearing (5.28.240), including for an unqualified operator, a work-card or health-card lapse, or an unlawful outcall massage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give massages in North Las Vegas without a license?
No. NLVMC 5.28.030 makes it unlawful to engage in the practice of massage or operate a massage establishment without first obtaining and maintaining a valid, unexpired license issued under Chapter 5.28, regardless of whether you work from a fixed establishment or provide outcall service.
Does North Las Vegas require certification beyond a massage school diploma?
Yes. Section 5.28.090 requires both a diploma from a recognized school with a 500-hour minimum curriculum and certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, or a board of equivalent stature, before the city will issue a therapist license.
What happens if a massage establishment allows an uncertified employee to give outcall massages?
The establishment and therapist risk license suspension, limitation, or revocation under 5.28.240, and any person involved could face a misdemeanor charge under 5.28.280 carrying up to a $1,000 fine and six months in the city detention center.

Sources & Official References

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