Short answer. Mandatory for an employer with one or more employees. Construction trades are named as required. Construction: Construction trades must have coverage.
At a glance
- Who must carry it
- Mandatory for an employer with one or more employees. Construction trades are named as required.
- Construction
- Construction trades must have coverage.
- Independent contractors
- Employers must examine the relationship before treating anyone as an independent contractor; a 1099 or a contract doesn't always end the employer-employee relationship.
- Self-insurance
- An employer can be certified by the Division of Insurance as self-insured, or buy from a licensed private carrier.
- Going without
- An administrative fine of up to $15,000, plus premium penalties and the full cost of any work injury.
- Workplace notice
- Display the informational poster, Form D-1; employers with tipped employees also display Form D-22.
- Check a policy
- Use the Coverage Verification Service listed on the Workers' Compensation Section's site, or call the Section at (775) 684-7270 (Carson City) or (702) 486-9080 (Las Vegas). Open the lookup
- Agency
- Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, Workers' Compensation Section
In the agency's words
The rule
Hiring in another state? Employer registration in Nevada, done for you, or a free bookkeeping health check.
"it is mandatory for an employer who has one or more employees to provide workers' compensation insurance coverage."
Construction
"CONSTRUCTION TRADES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE."
Contractors
"A 1099 or contract does not always eliminate the employer-employee relationship."
Going without
"Employers who do not provide workers' compensation will be charged with an administrative fine up to $15,000."
Notice
"Poster to be displayed by employers with employees who receive tips."
Three example businesses
What the stated rule says for three common setups:
- 2 employees, most businesses (not construction), llc: Required. See why
- 4 employees, construction, corporation: Required. See why
- 6 employees, most businesses (not construction), sole proprietor: Required. See why
Your own numbers: open the checker for Nevada.
Worth knowing
Employers must keep proof of coverage available for inspection.
Not stated on the pages we read: how owners are treated.
Official sources
- Employer Guide: Workers' Compensation (Nevada DIR, July 2026) (checked November 2026)
- Workers' Compensation and Nevada Employers (Nevada DIR, 2025) (checked November 2026)
- Workers' Compensation & Nevada Employers (Nevada DIR, Workers' Compensation Section) (checked November 2026)
General information, not legal or insurance advice; we are not lawyers or insurance agents. Rules as published on the pages above, checked November 2026. We don't recommend or sell any insurer; the agency or a licensed agent can say how a rule applies to your business.
Common questions
Who has to carry workers' comp in Nevada?
Mandatory for an employer with one or more employees. Construction trades are named as required. The agency puts it as "it is mandatory for an employer who has one or more employees to provide workers' compensation insurance coverage."
Is the rule different for construction in Nevada?
Yes. Construction trades must have coverage.
What about independent contractors in Nevada?
Employers must examine the relationship before treating anyone as an independent contractor; a 1099 or a contract doesn't always end the employer-employee relationship.
What happens to a Nevada employer with no coverage?
An administrative fine of up to $15,000, plus premium penalties and the full cost of any work injury.
What notice must a Nevada employer post?
Display the informational poster, Form D-1; employers with tipped employees also display Form D-22.
Can an employer self-insure in Nevada?
An employer can be certified by the Division of Insurance as self-insured, or buy from a licensed private carrier.
All states: workers' comp requirements by state · Missouri · New Jersey