Nevada "Work Card / Work Permit" Laws
Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyers
Certain occupations in Nevada require that you have a government-issued "work card" or "work permit." They're usually very easy to get . . . unless you have a criminal record. Working in one of these occupations without a valid work card is a misdemeanor and can land you in jail.
Our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys have been very successful in negotiating down charges or getting them dismissed at trial. And if you've already been convicted, we may be able to get your Nevada criminal record sealed.
Keep reading to learn more about work cards / work permits in Nevada law including the application process and penalties for not having one.
What is a work card in
Las Vegas, NV?
Similar in size to a credit card, work cards are a license to work in a certain high-risk profession. For example, most employees of liquor or gaming establishments are required to have work cards.
Everyone who applies for a work card is given a background check. Based on the results you may or may not be granted a work card.
Which jobs require work cards in Las Vegas, NV?
Dozens of different occupations require work cards in Las Vegas. Some of these include:
- Employees at casinos such as dealers and cage workers
- Employees at child care facilities
- Security guards
- Employees in adult businesses such as brothel prostitutes and erotic dancers
- Employees in carnivals and traveling shows
- Locksmiths
- Pawnbrokers
- Mobile food vendors
- Peddlers and temporary merchants
- Property managers
- Entertainers
How do I apply for a work card in Las Vegas, NV?
Each type of Nevada work permit may require a slightly different application procedure. But in general you need to do the following to be eligible:
- Your prospective employer first has to give you a signed referral slip
- You need to produce two (2) forms of ID. These may include a state-issued driver's license, U.S. passport, social security card, state-issued ID, military ID, naturalization certificate, baptismal certificate, alien ID card, or a DD214.
- If you weren't born in the U.S. (or U.S. territories), you have to show either a Naturalization certificate, U.S. Passport, Alien card, or U.S. birth certificate.
- If you're twenty-five years old or younger, you have to produce a certified copy of your birth certificate.
- If you're seventeen years old or younger, you have to bring a permit from Clark County Juvenile Services (located at 601 N. Pecos in Las Vegas).
- If you're applying for a job selling or dispensing alcohol, you must be at least twenty-one.
- Pay the fees (which usually come to less than $100)
The application process also includes giving an interview, taking fingerprints and being photographed. Barring unforeseen circumstances you typically will be granted a work card the same day you apply.
How much do work cards cost in Las Vegas, NV?
There are various fees associated with acquiring a work card:
The work card itself usually costs $44. The FBI background check is usually $40.25. Each
fingerprinting card costs about $11. And if you're applying for a gaming license, the fee
to process the fingerprinting card is another $44.
How long are work cards good for in
Las Vegas, NV?
Most Nevada work cards remain valid for five (5) years after issuance.
Why would I be denied a work card in
Las Vegas, NV?
The following are common reasons applicants may be denied a work card:
- You have considerable criminal history on your record.
- You have an outstanding warrant in Nevada.
- You can't produce sufficient documents regarding your immigration status.
- Your referral slip shows falsified information.
- You've had work cards revoked before.
- You're under 26 years old and can't produce a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Note that if you presently have a work card, any of the above circumstances could also cause it to be revoked. If you have an outstanding warrant in Nevada, you should retain counsel right away to try to get rid of it before your employer finds out about it.
Where do I apply for a work card in
Las Vegas, NV?
It depends on whether you're applying to work in the gaming industry or not:
If you're applying for a gaming work card, go to the Human Resources office at the place
where you're seeking employment. They will have a registration packet with instructions on what to do next.
Otherwise, work permits are issued at two police departments in Las Vegas and Laughlin:
5880 Cameron St.?
Las Vegas, NV 89118
(702) 828-3271
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or
101 Civic Way
Laughlin, NV 89029
(702) 298-4282
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Call ahead of time for hours, but they're typically open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday except for federal holidays.
What are the penalties for not getting a work card in Las Vegas, NV?
Doing a job without a valid work card is typically charged as a misdemeanor in Nevada. Penalties for a misdemeanor in Nevada include:
- up to six (6) months in jail, and/or
- up to $1,000 in fines
Additional Resources
Need help? Call us . . .
If you're charged with a crime, it may be difficult for you to get or keep your Nevada work card. Call our Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers at 702-DEFENSE (333-3673) for a free consultation on how we may fight your charges. And if you currently have a conviction, we may be able to get your Nevada criminal record sealed.
