Reinstatement requires paying back fees and penalties, then submitting proof to the Nevada Contractors Board
A Nevada contractor license becomes inactive when you stop renewing it or when the Contractors Board suspends or revokes it. Reinstatement — getting it active again — is not automatic. You must contact the Nevada Contractors Board directly, pay all outstanding renewal fees plus penalties, and submit the required documents. The process takes different forms depending on why your license went inactive, and the timeline varies from a few weeks to several months.
The Nevada Contractors Board is the only body that can reinstate your license. You cannot reinstate through a third party or online portal. You will need to work directly with their office, either by phone, mail, or in person at their Las Vegas location.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Nevada Contractors Board at (702) 486-1100 to confirm your license status and learn what fees and documents you owe.
- You must pay all unpaid renewal fees, plus late penalties, before reinstatement can proceed.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to complete additional steps such as paying fines, taking a test, or waiting out a suspension period.
- The Board will tell you the exact cost and timeline when you call — these vary based on how long your license has been inactive and the reason it went inactive.
Why your Nevada contractor license becomes inactive
A license goes inactive most commonly when you do not renew it before the expiration date. Nevada contractor licenses expire every two years. If you miss the renewal important date, your license becomes inactive when ready — you cannot legally work under that license number until you reinstate it.
A license can also become inactive or be suspended if the Contractors Board takes action against you. This happens when the Board receives a complaint, investigates, and finds a violation. Common reasons include working without a license, failing a safety inspection, not maintaining required insurance, or violating contract law. Suspension is temporary; revocation is permanent. If your license was revoked, reinstatement is not possible — you would need to explore for a new license and meet current requirements.
You can check your license status on the Nevada Contractors Board website by searching the license database, or by calling the Board directly at (702) 486-1100.
What you need to pay before reinstatement
The cost of reinstatement depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether penalties have been assessed. At minimum, you owe the renewal fee for each two-year period you missed. Nevada contractor renewal fees vary by license classification — they are not a flat amount across all contractor types. The Board will calculate your exact total when you contact them.
If your license expired more than one renewal cycle ago, you will owe late fees or penalties in addition to the renewal fees themselves. If your license was suspended due to a Board action, you may also owe fines related to the violation. The Board will provide an itemized breakdown of what you owe before you pay anything.
Payment is typically made by check or money order mailed to the Board, or by phone using a credit or debit card. Ask the Board which payment methods they currently accept when you call.
Steps to reinstate your license
Step 1: Call the Nevada Contractors Board. Contact them at (702) 486-1100 during business hours. Have your license number ready. Tell them your license is inactive and you want to reinstate it. They will pull your file and tell you the exact reason your license is inactive, what you owe, and what documents or steps are required.
Step 2: Understand any additional requirements. If your license was suspended (not straightforward expired), the Board may require you to wait out the suspension period, pass a test, or provide proof that you have corrected the violation. Ask the Board representative to explain each requirement and the order in which you must complete them. Get their answer in writing if possible — ask them to email or mail you a summary.
Step 3: Pay all fees and penalties. Once you understand what you owe, submit payment. Keep a copy of your payment receipt. Do not assume payment has been processed until the Board confirms it.
Step 4: Submit any required documents. Depending on your situation, you may need to submit proof of current insurance, a completed renewal form, or documentation that a violation has been corrected. The Board will tell you exactly what to send and where to send it.
Step 5: Wait for Board confirmation. After the Board receives your payment and documents, they will review your file. This typically takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if additional investigation is needed. The Board will contact you when your license has been reinstated. You will receive written confirmation.
If your license was suspended rather than straightforward expired
A suspended license is different from an expired one. Suspension means the Board has temporarily removed your right to work, usually because of a violation. You cannot straightforward pay fees and renew — you must first address the reason for the suspension.
The Board's order of suspension will state how long the suspension lasts. You cannot reinstate until that period has ended. Some suspensions also require you to take corrective action — for example, obtaining new insurance, passing a test, or completing a training course — before the Board will lift the suspension.
Call the Board and ask for a copy of the suspension order. It will spell out exactly what you must do and when you can explore for reinstatement. If you do not have a copy, the Board can mail or email it to you.
If your license was revoked
Revocation is permanent. The Board has determined that you violated Nevada contractor law in a serious way, and your license cannot be reinstated. If your license was revoked, you cannot work as a licensed contractor under that license number ever again.
If you want to work as a contractor in Nevada after revocation, you must explore for a new license. You will have to meet all current requirements, including passing the contractor exam, providing proof of insurance, and paying the full process fee. The Board may also impose a waiting period before you are allowed to explore again — this varies by case. Contact the Board to learn whether you are may be able to access to explore for a new license and what the timeline is.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
If your license straightforward expired and you have no penalties or violations, reinstatement can take two to four weeks after you submit payment and documents. If your license was suspended or there are fines to resolve, the process can take two to three months or longer. The Board will give you a timeline when you call.
Can I work while my reinstatement is pending?
No. You cannot legally work as a licensed contractor in Nevada while your license is inactive, suspended, or revoked. Working without a valid license is a violation and can result in fines or criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation from the Board that your license is active before you take on any work.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the fees at once?
Contact the Nevada Contractors Board and ask whether they offer a payment plan. Some licensing boards do; others do not. The Board will tell you what options are available. Do not ignore the debt — unpaid fees can result in additional penalties and may prevent reinstatement indefinitely.
Do I need to retake the contractor exam to reinstate?
Not usually. If your license straightforward expired, you do not need to retake the exam. If your license was suspended due to a violation, the Board may require you to retake the exam as part of the reinstatement conditions. The Board will tell you whether this is required when you contact them.
Can I reinstate my license online?
No. You must contact the Nevada Contractors Board directly by phone, mail, or in person. There is no online reinstatement portal. Call (702) 486-1100 to start the process.