How To Get a Liquor License in all 50 States
If you plan to sell alcohol at your business, you’ll need to apply for a liquor license. But getting a liquor license can be complex, since each state has different rules and multiple types of liquor licenses. This guide will show you how to get the liquor license you need in your state.
How much does a liquor license cost?
Before you apply for a liquor license, make sure you’re aware of all the fees involved. Costs vary by state and municipality, license type, area population and the size of your business.
Initial fees for new licenses can range from under $100 to $40,000 or more — and if you are purchasing a preexisting license from a prior owner or in a state auction, the bidding can go much higher.
You may want to look into a small business loan or restaurant loan to help finance your liquor license. Keep in mind that you’ll need to renew your license (every one to three years, typically), although that may not be as costly as the initial application.
Challenges to apply for a liquor license
Here are some common obstacles to getting a liquor license:
- Determining which type of liquor license you need: There are big differences in approval processes and fees between retail and wholesale operations; on-premise and off-premise consumption; service by the drink or bottle; whether beer, wine or spirit are being sold; and hours and days of operation.
- Bureaucracy: It’s not unusual to encounter confusing instructions, broken links, outdated fee schedules and manual or in-person application requirements.
- Detailed applications: Many states require you to get an EIN and provide fingerprints, proof of financial backing and occupancy rights and permits. Some require a business plan to prove you know how to run a liquor store or establish a restaurant.
- Long wait times: Some states process applications quickly — Washington and North Dakota, for example, take about 45 days. Others, like Alaska and New York, warn that it may take many months. Further, states using population-based license quotas may lag in updating population growth.
How to get a liquor license in every state
From the redwood forests to the Gulf Stream waters, here’s how to get a liquor license in all 50 states and how much a new license will cost. We’ve focused here on retail licenses, like a bar or restaurant would use. If you’re planning on opening a liquor store, you’ll want to do additional research on how the cost and process differs in your state.
How to get a liquor license in Alabama
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board | $150 to $1,000 annual state fee plus varying local fees |
To get a liquor license in Alabama, complete and email the pre-application form to your local office for review; they will contact you to schedule an appointment to start processing your application.
How to get a liquor license in Alaska
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office | $250 to $500 application fee $400 to $2,500 annual fee |
In Alaska you’ll need to post public notices of your application before emailing it to the state. Some communities are “dry,” which don’t allow liquor sales, or “damp,” permitting limited consumption. Expect the application process to take six to nine months.
How to get a liquor license in Arizona
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Department of Liquor Licenses and Control | $100 application fee $100 to $2000 annual state fee plus varying local fees |
Arizona accepts online applications for most types of liquor licenses through their e-licensing portal. If new ones aren’t available, you can purchase one from an existing business; a list of licenses for sale are posted on the state site.
How to get a liquor license in Arkansas
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Alcoholic Beverage Control Administration | $40 to $1,000 annual fee plus $250 federal fee |
To apply for a liquor license in Arkansas, you must submit the application request form on their website. You will be required to complete an ABC Educational Seminar as part of your application.
How to get a liquor license in California
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| California | Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control | $120 to $19,315 application fee $25 to $1,505 annual licensing fee |
To get a liquor license in California, first schedule a pre-application meeting at the nearest Alcoholic Beverage Control office to determine which type of license you need and then proceed as directed, including posting a public notice of application.
How to get a liquor license in Colorado
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Department of Revenue Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement Division | $1,100 state plus up to $1,000 local application fee $70 to $750 annual state fee plus $3.75 to $100 annual local fee |
To get a liquor license in Colorado, complete and mail in the application form to your local licensing authority. You must apply for a state sales tax license prior to application.
How to get a liquor license in Connecticut
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Dept of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division | $100 application fee $250 to $2,650 annual license fee |
To get a liquor license in Connecticut, take the permit identifier quiz on their website to determine the type of permit you need, and then log in to their e-license portal to apply.
How to get a liquor license in Delaware
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner | $1,000 application fee $150 to $2,000 biennial state licensing fee |
To apply for a liquor license in Delaware, you are encouraged to complete the application online through their OABCC portal. Alternatively you can download the required forms and submit them by email along with supporting documents.
How to get a liquor license in Florida
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco Licensing | $10,750 one time “Hughes Act” fee $20 to $1,820 annual license fee |
In Florida all liquor licenses are controlled by quota based on population. To obtain a license you can either buy one from an existing license holder or participate in the lottery held each August for new licenses. Once you have secured the right to a license you may apply to the state to be approved for license issuance. Applications are made online through the DBPR portal.
How to get a liquor license in Georgia
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Department of Revenue | $100 investigation fee for application $50 to $1,000 annual state licensing fee (local fees vary) |
Georgia has an online application portal called GTC that helps coordinate the approvals of both state and local authorities. While you should submit all documents on the state online portal, you must contact your local tax authority to find out their current requirements before getting started.
How to get a liquor license in Hawaii
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | Honolulu Liquor Commission Hawaii County Dept of Liquor ControlKauai County Liquor Control Commission Maui County Dept of Liquor Control | $50 to $375 application fee $120 to $2,400 annual fee Fees vary by county; Maui has a sliding fee schedule based on the business’s revenue |
Each Hawaii county has its own liquor licensing process. For example, Honolulu and Hawaii County require you to attend preliminary and public hearings; Kauai and Maui Counties require at least $1 million in liability insurance coverage.
How to get a liquor license in Idaho
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | State Police ABC Division | Up to $25,000 initial state fee $300 to $3,500 annual fees |
Idaho is unusual in that licenses issued after July 1, 2023 are not transferable, and licenses issued before that date can only be transferred once. This limits the number of existing licenses for sale. You can apply directly to the state for a new license when a quota is increased, but you may face a years-long waiting list.
How to get a liquor license in Illinois
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Liquor Control Commission | $750 state application fee City and county application fees and annual fees vary |
Illinois recently streamlined its liquor license application process by providing an online portal, called MyTax Illinois, for most applications. Local licensing approval is required before the state application can be completed.
How to get a liquor license in Indiana
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | Alcohol and Tobacco Commission | $500 to $40,000 initial license fee $500 to $25,000 annual state licensing fee |
Apply for a liquor license in Indiana using their ATC Online Application portal. Indiana offers three ways to obtain a liquor license: Apply for one in a county that hasn’t filled its quotas, participate in an annual license auction or purchase a license from an existing owner.
How to get a liquor license in Iowa
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | Alcoholic Beverage Division | $195 to $1,625 annual state licensing fee |
Iowa provides two online application portals, eLAPS and GovConnectIowa, depending on the type of liquor license you need.
How to get a liquor license in Kansas
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | Alcoholic Beverage Control | $30 application fee $100 to $7,000 biennial state licensing fee |
Apply for a Kansas liquor license online through their KSABConline system. Kansas licenses are not transferable.
How to get a liquor license in Kentucky
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | Alcoholic Beverage Control | Varies by city and county |
All Kentucky liquor license applications must be made online through their eServices portal. Although many counties are “dry,” some have “wet” cities within the county.
How to get a liquor license in Louisiana
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control | $120 to $220 Class B state application fee Local licensing fees vary by parish and municipality |
To apply for a Louisiana liquor license (except for a temporary event permit) you’ll need to set up an account in their ATC online system and start your application there.
How to get a liquor license in Maine
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations | $10 application fee if in an unincorporated county $220 to $2,200 annual state licensing fee Local application and license fees vary |
Maine has automated all license application processes under their BELLS online system. This facilitates coordination with the individual municipalities that may need to approve the license.
How to get a liquor license in Maryland
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Alcohol and Tobacco Commission | Application and licensing fees vary by municipality |
Retail liquor license applications in Maryland are made through the individual county commissions. The state agency issues permits for liquor manufacturers, wholesalers and caterers.
How to get a liquor license in Massachusetts
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission | Application and licensing fees vary by county/municipality |
To get a retail liquor license in Massachusetts, complete the application on the ABCC site and submit it to your local licensing authority. Applications for other licenses such as those for manufacturers, wholesalers and caterers are made to the state on their eLicensing online portal.
How to get a liquor license in Michigan
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Liquor Control Commissioner | Up to $20,000 initial fee $100 to $1,000 annual licensing fee |
To get a liquor license in Michigan, begin by completing an application with the MLCC, using the downloadable forms on the website, and submit it by mail. Local approval, possibly including public hearings, will be required during the application process for many types of licenses.
How to get a liquor license in Minnesota
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement | Application and annual fees vary by municipality, but annual fees have caps of $240 to $3,000 per year based on license type |
In Minnesota, apply for a liquor license directly from your city or county, then get a sales and use tax permit from the Department of Revenue.
How to get a liquor license in Mississippi
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | Alcoholic Beverage Control | $225 to $1,825 state annual licensing fee (excludes distilleries, wineries and specialty permits) |
Apply for a Mississippi liquor license through the state’s TAP online portal. Some Mississippi counties are “dry”(no alcohol sales), others permit wine and beer sales and some have “wet” municipalities within a dry county.
How to get a liquor license in Missouri
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | Alcohol and Tobacco Control | $50 to $1,000 annual state licensing fee |
Liquor license applications in Missouri are approved by the municipality in which you’re located. Basic forms and district contact information are available on the state’s website.
How to get a liquor license in Montana
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | Alcoholic Beverage Control Division | $400 application fee $400 to $800 annual license fee |
You can purchase a Montana liquor license from the state through its auction process or directly from a private seller. Available licenses are listed in the state website and its TAP online application portal.
How to get a liquor license in Nebraska
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | Liquor Control Commission | $400 application fee $100 to $450 annual state licensing fee |
Submit a Nebraska liquor license application through the state’s online portal, called POSSE.
How to get a liquor license in Nevada
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | Individual city and county jurisdictions | Application and licensing fees and requirements vary by municipality |
Submit Nevada liquor license applications to your local jurisdiction and send a copy of the application to the Department of Taxation.
How to get a liquor license in New Hampshire
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | Liquor Commission Division of Enforcement | $25 to $100 application fee $216 to $12,000 annual licensing fee |
To apply for a New Hampshire liquor license, fill out an initial application online. You’ll be assigned a Licensure Specialist to complete the process, which will include a site inspection.
How to get a liquor license in New Jersey
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | ABC Licensing Bureau | $200 application fee and renewal fee $63 to $12,500 annual fee for state licenses Municipal application and annual fees vary |
Apply for state-issued liquor licenses (such as warehousing and distillery) using the online POSSE portal. For retail licenses, contact your municipality for instructions. Quotas for new licenses often make it necessary to purchase an existing license, the cost of which has exceeded a million dollars in some locations.
How to get a liquor license in New Mexico
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | Alcoholic Beverage Control | $200 application fee $100 to $10,000 annual licensing fee |
All applications for New Mexico liquor licenses are submitted through its NM-PLUS online portal.
How to get a liquor license in New York
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| New York | Liquor Authority | $20 to $200 application fee $330 to $5,850 biennial or triennial state licensing fee |
Use New York’s online application wizard to take you through the process of filling out its forms. Note that while applications often take six months or more to process, temporary permits may be available in as little as 30 days. Licenses may be transferable if the transfer is part of the sale of an ongoing business.
How to get a liquor license in North Carolina
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | ABC Commission | $100 to $1,000 annual state fee |
In North Carolina, liquor license approval must be obtained from the local government and submitted with the state application. You’ll also need to complete an online training.
How to get a liquor license in North Dakota
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | Attorney General | $50 to $100 state licensing fee Additional local fees vary |
In North Dakota, first apply for a liquor license from your local city, county or tribal authority, and then include it in your state application, which must be notarized and submitted by mail.
How to get a liquor license in Ohio
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | Department of Liquor Control | $100 application fee $252 to $2,814 annual state licensing fee |
Most Ohio liquor license applications can be filled out and signed online, although the process may require in-person activities such as a premises inspection. Note that some counties are dry or restricted, and there are license quotas.
How to get a liquor license in Oklahoma
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | Alcoholic Beverages Law Enforcement Commission | $500 to $1,250 state annual fee |
Submit Oklahoma liquor license applications through the ABLE Commission’s online portal.
How to get a liquor license in Oregon
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | Liquor and Cannabis Commission | $200 to $800 annual state licensing fee |
To get a liquor license in Oregon, first, submit a Local Government Recommendation form to your municipality. Once it is approved, send your full application to the state using their online CAMP portal.
How to get a liquor license in Pennsylvania
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Liquor Control Board | $125 to $700 annual state licensing fee |
To apply for a Pennsylvania liquor license, applicants must first register on its PLCB+ online portal. Many counties are at least partially dry. While most licenses have quotas, transfers are permitted, and the state also periodically auctions off expired licenses.
How to get a liquor license in Rhode Island
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | City and Town Government Agencies | Local license application and annual fees vary |
Retail liquor licenses in Rhode Island are issued by local governments. Contact your county or municipal government and follow its specific application process.
How to get a liquor license in South Carolina
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | Dept of Revenue Alcoholic Beverage Licensing | $200 to $300 application fee $600 to $1,705 biennial state licensing fee |
To get a liquor license in South Carolina, apply through the MyDORWAY portal. If you’re selling liquor at retail, you’ll need to get a South Carolina Retail License first.
How to get a liquor license in South Dakota
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | Department of Revenue and local cities/counties | License application and annual fees vary by county |
Use South Dakota’s Uniform Alcoholic Beverages License Application form to apply to your local municipality. There are license quotas; available licenses may be awarded by waiting list or auction, depending on location.
How to get a liquor license in Tennessee
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | Alcoholic Beverage Commission | $270 to $5,000 annual state licensing fee |
Beer licenses in Tennessee are controlled locally; other applications should be submitted through the state’s online system, called RLPS.
How to get a liquor license in Texas
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Alcoholic Beverage Commission | $1,100 to $5,300 biennial state licensing fee plus local fees that vary ranging up to $6,000 biennially based on type and location |
Use the Texas online portal called AIMS to apply for a liquor license. Before applying, check whether your local jurisdiction approves your desired type of license, as there may be dry county restrictions.
How to get a liquor license in Utah
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | Alcoholic Beverage Control | $75 to $500 application fee $250 to $8,000 initial licensing fee $175 to $6,000 annual state license renewal fee |
In Utah, liquor license applications are made through the Utah DABS Online Licensing and Permitting System. There are location proximity restrictions and training requirements.
How to get a liquor license in Vermont
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | Division of Liquor Control | $115 to $1,095 Department of Liquor and Lottery fee $115 local fee in some categories |
Use the state of Vermont’s online DLL Portal to make your application for most liquor licenses. If you are planning to serve only beer and wine, apply directly to the town clerk of the local municipality.
How to get a liquor license in Virginia
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority | $195 application $170 to $3,410 annual state licensing fee |
All Virginia liquor license applications can be made through their online portal called VAL. Completed applications take 60 days to process on average.
How to get a liquor license in Washington
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | Liquor and Cannabis Board | $75 application fee $75 to $2,000 annual state licensing fee |
To get a liquor license in the state of Washington, first apply for a business license using their Business Licensing Wizard, then complete and mail in the Alcohol Dealer Registration Form, and finally apply online for a Basic Permit to sell alcohol.
How to get a liquor license in West Virginia
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | Alcohol Beverage Control Administration | $100 application fee Up to $22,650 annual licensing fee |
At this time West Virginia license applications must be printed from the website and mailed in.
How to get a liquor license in Wisconsin
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | Department of Revenue | Application and annual fees vary by municipality. |
To get a retail liquor license in Wisconsin, download the applicable forms from the state website and submit your completed application to the local municipality. Forms for manufacturing and wholesale license application are also provided on the website and should be submitted directly to the state for approval.
How to get a liquor license in Wyoming
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | Wyoming Liquor Division | Application and annual fees vary by county $300 to $10,500 annual licensing fee |
In Wyoming, retail liquor license application forms can be downloaded from the state website, but are submitted to the local licensing authority. Manufacturers’ and wholesalers’ applications are submitted to the state directly.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re charging money for liquor, you’ll need a license to sell alcohol. However, the mobile bar concept is relatively new, so state regulations regarding licensing requirements vary widely. Study your local rules: Even if mobile bars are not permitted, you may be able to qualify for a special event or other type of license.
Most, although not all, states allow the transfer of a liquor license to a new owner who meets the same requirements as an applicant for a new license and is approved by the state through a transfer application process. You’ll want to check the laws in your state to find out how to transfer a license.
If you buy a restaurant in a state that allows license transfers, the owner may sell you the liquor license as long as you meet all the local conditions for license ownership and the state approves the transfer.
You can’t rent a liquor license, but if you need a license for only a short period of time you may be able to apply for a temporary or special event license.
Transferring a liquor license by purchasing it from its existing owner is typically more expensive than buying a new one directly from the state, but it may be the only way you can get one, since many localities have filled their license quotas and rarely issue new ones.
No, bartending licenses can’t be transferred from one state to another, because each state has its own licensing requirements.
Compare business loan offers
Read More
Small Business Startup Costs: How Much Does it Cost? Updated April 7, 2023 How much does it cost to start a small business? Startup costs vary by industry,…Read More
How to Open a Liquor Store Updated April 26, 2024 Depending on what state or city your liquor store is located in, your license application,…Read More