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What happens if an unlicensed HVAC contractor works in Nevada?
Source: Vegas HVAC Help (vegashvachelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
It is unlawful to act as a contractor or bid on a Nevada job without an active license unless an exemption in NRS 624.031 applies. A bid or contract made in violation is void from the start. A person convicted may also have to pay court and investigation costs and damages up to their gain from the violation (NRS 624.700). (source: Nevada Legislature)
Criminal penalties (NRS 624.750)
- First offense: misdemeanor, with a fine of $1,000 to $4,000, and up to 6 months in jail.
- Second offense: gross misdemeanor, with a fine of $4,000 to $10,000, and up to 364 days in jail.
- Third or later offense: category E felony, with a fine of $10,000 to $20,000.
Board fines
The State Contractors Board can also impose an administrative fine of $1,000 to $50,000 for each violation by an unlicensed person (NRS 624.710). (source: Nevada Legislature)
Unlicensed ads
- A person who is not licensed and advertises construction work or a work of improvement must say in the ad that they are not licensed.
- All advertising by a licensed contractor must include the company name and the contractor's license number.
- Using a license number that does not belong to you in an ad is unlawful.
- The Board can order unlawful advertising to stop and the phone number in the ad disconnected.
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Sources
- Nevada Legislature (Legislative Counsel Bureau): NRS 624.700 (contracting without a license; contracts void) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Nevada Legislature (Legislative Counsel Bureau): NRS 624.750 (criminal penalties) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Nevada Legislature (Legislative Counsel Bureau): NRS 624.710 (administrative fines for unlicensed contracting) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Nevada Legislature (Legislative Counsel Bureau): NRS 624.720 (contractor advertising) (checked November 2, 2026)
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