How To Get a Liquor License in all 50 States
Laura Roden’s career in financial services has covered the spectrum from investment management, brokerage, banking and corporate finance to teaching finance and entrepreneurship at the college and graduate school levels. She earned both her undergraduate and MBA degrees from Harvard University, and holds Series 7, 63 and 65 FINRA licenses. She has been a featured speaker on finance topics at the Milken Global Conference, the New York Society of Security Analysts, the Inc 500 conference and the Angel Capital Association as well as many other venues.
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.
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How much does a liquor license cost?
When 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.
Application fees or initial license fees can range from under $100 to $40,000 or more — and in states that auction licenses, the bidding can go even higher.
You may want to look into a small business loan or restaurant loan to help finance your liquor license. Finally, 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:
- Deciding which type of liquor license you need: Before you begin, know exactly what you want permission to sell. 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 liquor is being sold; and hours and days of operation.
- Bureaucracy: Some states make it challenging to get a liquor license. It’s not unusual to encounter manual systems, confusing instructions, broken links and outdated fee schedules.
- Detailed applications: Many states will require you to get an EIN and provide fingerprints, proof of financial backing and occupancy rights and various operating licenses and permits. Many require a business plan to prove you know how to run a liquor store or establish a restaurant. Incomplete applications will be rejected, sending you back to square one.
- 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 with population-based license quotas will often only revise them every ten years.
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, first-time license for a restaurant, store or similar business will cost you:
How to get a liquor license in Alabama
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board | $50 application fee $150 to $1,000 annual state licensing fee |
To get a liquor license in Alabama, schedule an appointment at your regional division office and bring a completed preapplication form.
How to get a liquor license in Alaska
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office | $300 to $500 new or renewal application fee $400 to $2,500 annual state licensing fee |
In Alaska, you’ll need to post notices of your application in public, at and around the location you plan to use, then email in your application. Some communities are “dry,” which means they don’t give out permits, or “damp,” permitting limited consumption. There are quotas for many licenses, but transfers are possible.
How to get a liquor license in Arizona
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Department of Liquor | $100 to $400 application fee $175 annual state license fee (fees for county or municipality may vary) |
You can apply online for most types of liquor licenses in Arizona. If you can’t get a license that way because of quotas, purchase one from an existing business or bid in the state’s annual license lottery.
How to get a liquor license in Arkansas
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Alcoholic Beverage Control Administration | $300 to $5,000 annual permit fee |
To get most types of liquor licenses, Arkansas will require you to reside in the county where your application was submitted or within 35 miles of the business’s location. You must complete an ABC Educational Seminar before sending in your application form.
How to get a liquor license in California
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| California | Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control | $110 to $17,335 application fee $275 to $1,450 annual state licensing fee (2024) |
To get a liquor license in California, schedule a preapplication meeting at the nearest Alcoholic Beverage Control office and then post 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 Advisory Group | $1,100 state application fee (up to $1,000 for local application fee) $70 to $550 annual state licensing fee |
To get a liquor license in Colorado, mail your original application form to the local licensing authority. You’ll also need to send in the deed or lease to the property where the liquor license will be used.
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 $700 to $2,650 state on–premises liquor permit fee |
To get a liquor license in Connecticut, you’ll need to physically mail in your application. It must include approval signatures from your local Zoning Authority, Fire Marshall and Town Clerk.
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 $3,000 biennial state licensing fee |
To apply for a liquor license in Delaware, you’ll need to contact the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner — application materials are not posted online.
How to get a liquor license in Florida
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco | $100 application fee $14 to $1,828 annual license fee |
Liquor laws and fees in Florida vary by county. An annual lottery every August determines who may apply for available licenses in “quota” counties, where the number of licenses available is determined by population.
How to get a liquor license in Georgia
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Department of Revenue | $100 investigation fee for application $25 to $1,000 annual state licensing fee (local fees vary by county) |
In 2022, Georgia introduced a single online portal where you can apply for both local and state approval simultaneously.
How to get a liquor license in Hawaii
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | Honolulu Liquor Commission Hawaii County Dept of Liquor Control Kauai County Liquor Control Commission Maui County Dept of Liquor Control | $50 to $375 application fee Fees vary by county |
Each Hawaii county does its own liquor licensing. To be approved for a license in Honolulu or Hawaii County, you’ll need to attend preliminary and public hearings; the latter also requires that notices be sent to all property owners within 500 feet. Further, Kauai and Maui Counties require at least $1 million in liquor 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 Annual fees vary |
In Idaho bottled liquor is sold by the state, although private businesses can sell beer and wine. To sell liquor by the drink, you can apply for either a Beer and Wine License or a quota spirits license, which may have a years-long waiting list. Idaho banned license transfers in 2023.
How to get a liquor license in Illinois
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Liquor Control Commission | Varies by county |
To get a liquor license in Illinois, you’ll need to apply first to your municipality and then the state.
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 |
Many areas of Indiana have license quotas. The online application system will check for availability in your location — if there are none, you’re encouraged to look for a license to purchase.
How to get a liquor license in Iowa
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | Alcoholic Beverage Division | $715 to $1,625 annual state licensing fee |
In Iowa, most retail on-premise (e.g., bar or restaurant) liquor license applicants will use the GovConnect.Iowa system; applicants for off-premise (e.g., liquor stores) or other permits should use the eLAPS system.
How to get a liquor license in Kansas
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | Alcoholic Beverage Control | $30 application fee $500 to $7,000 biennial state licensing fee |
Kansas liquor license applications may be made online. Note, however, that some counties will require food to be sold with alcohol.
How to get a liquor license in Kentucky
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | Alcoholic Beverage Control | Varies by city and county |
Apply for a Kentucky liquor license online. During the licensing process, bear in mind that many counties are “dry,” though some have “wet” cities. Quotas still exist for liquor stores, but not restaurants or similar establishments.
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 license application fee ($39.25 fingerprint fee required with application) $50 annual state permit fee Licensing fees vary by parish and municipality |
Before you can get state approval for a license in Louisiana, you’ll need to apply for a local permit and post your intent in public and in a newspaper.
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 $495 to $2,200 annual state licensing fee |
In Maine, have your local commissioners sign your liquor license application (they may require a public hearing) and mail it to the state no more than 60 days after getting local approval.
How to get a liquor license in Maryland
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (overseeing local processes) | $600 to $720 application fee Licensing fees vary by county/municipality |
Apply for Maryland liquor licenses through your county or municipality. There is a state-wide agency, but each locality operates its own permitting process.
How to get a liquor license in Massachusetts
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission | $200 application fee 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. It will be forwarded to commonwealth authorities and finalized. Licenses are capped by quota, but are transferable.
How to get a liquor license in Michigan
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Liquor Control Commissioner | $70 inspection fee per requested license (required in application) $100 to $600 annual state licensing fee |
Some municipalities in Michigan may approve exceptions to license quotas in redevelopment areas for an additional fee of $20,000, or you may be able to purchase an existing license.
How to get a liquor license in Minnesota
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement | Up to $3,000 per license |
In Minnesota, you’ll first need to request approval from your city or county, then get a sales and use tax permit from the Department of Revenue. There are liquor license quotas, but transfers are permitted.
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) |
You can only apply for a Mississippi liquor license through the state’s website, known as TAP. You’ll also need to post a public notice in two issues of a local newspaper. However, note that many counties are dry and don’t permit the sale of alcohol.
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 |
To get a liquor license in Missouri, find the relevant application for your business on the state’s website and submit a physical copy with any additional requested documents to the district office that services your county.
How to get a liquor license in Montana
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | Alcoholic Beverage Control Division | $400 one-time processing fee Prices are determined by auction or private sellers $400 to $800 annual state licensing fee |
You can purchase a Montana liquor license through the state, either through its auction process or from a private seller. The cost to purchase a license is often hundreds of thousands of dollars. The state will publish a newspaper notice and will hold a public hearing if there are any objections.
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 by mail, email or in person at the Liquor Control Commission’s capital city headquarters.
How to get a liquor license in Nevada
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | Individual city and county jurisdictions | Licensing fees and requirements vary by county/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 | $100 application $480 to $1,200 annual state licensing fee |
To apply for a New Hampshire liquor license, fill out an initial application online. You’ll need to speak with a Licensure Specialist to ultimately complete the process, and a site inspection will be required.
How to get a liquor license in New Jersey
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | ABC Licensing Bureau | $200 application fee $200 renewal fee $125 to $2,500 annual state licensing fee |
After you obtain municipal approval for a New Jersey liquor license, your application form will be forwarded to the state. There are license quotas in the state — still, licenses are transferable, so you can purchase an existing one. As a result, the cost of a liquor license is usually hundreds of thousands of dollars, and can sometimes even be more than a million dollars.
How to get a liquor license in New Mexico
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | Alcoholic Beverage Control | $200 application fee $1,050 to $10,000 annual state licensing fee |
Liquor license applications in New Mexico are approved first by the state ABC Division, then by the municipality (both may require public hearings). There are liquor license quotas, but most counties permit transfers.
How to get a liquor license in New York
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| New York | Liquor Authority | $100 to $200 application fee $1,000 penal bond $330 to $4,352 biennial or triennial state licensing fee |
At least 30 days before submitting your New York state liquor license application, send registered notice to your community or municipality.
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 licensing 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 $200 state licensing fee |
To get a liquor license in North Dakota, get documented approval from your local authority first — it will need to be included when you mail your state application and fee. The state license is relatively inexpensive, but local fees may vary widely.
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 $2,344 annual state licensing fee |
Mail your Ohio liquor license to the state DLC; they will coordinate with local authorities. Note that some counties are dry or restricted, so you may only be able to operate with limits, if you’re able to at all. License quotas in the state are revised annually; however, while license transfers are permitted, they can only be done in tandem with additional business assets.
How to get a liquor license in Oklahoma
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | Alcoholic Beverages Law Enforcement Commission | $455 to $1,530 annual state license and renewal fee Local licensing fees vary |
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 | $400 to $800 annual state licensing fee |
First, submit Oregon’s OLCC Liquor License Application to your local government. Once you’ve gotten proof of submission, you can send your application to the state.
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, first email the Bureau of Licensing for instructions. Be mindful, however, that many counties are at least partially dry. And while most licenses have quotas, transfers are permitted — the commonwealth also auctions expired restaurant licenses annually.
How to get a liquor license in Rhode Island
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | City and Town Government Agencies | $200 to $2,500 annual state licensing fee |
Retail liquor licenses in Rhode Island are given out by local governments. In order to get one, you’ll need to 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. You’ll need to provide proof that you’re allowed to use the premises and post an ad in a newspaper notifying the public of your application.
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 | Minimum state initial fee of $1 per resident in local area $300 to $1,500 state licensing fee |
Use South Dakota’s Uniform Alcoholic Beverages License Application form to apply to your local municipality. There are license quotas — however, available licenses may be awarded by waiting list, lottery or auction, depending on local laws.
How to get a liquor license in Tennessee
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | Alcoholic Beverage Commission | $300 to $400 application fee $270 to $5,000 annual state licensing fee |
Low-alcohol liquor licenses in Tennessee are controlled locally; other applications go through the state’s online system. Some cities will also charge liquor sales fees or taxes.
How to get a liquor license in Texas
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Alcoholic Beverage Commission | $120 to $6,000 biennial state licensing fee The maximum local retail fee is $1,000 every two years |
Use the AIMS system to apply for a liquor license in Texas. For many types of liquor licenses, you’ll need to publish a newspaper notice of your application. After receiving state approval, you can request city or county certification.
How to get a liquor license in Utah
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | Alcoholic Beverage Control | $75 to $330 application fee $250 to $2,750 initial licensing fee $350 to $2,000 annual state license renewal fee |
To obtain a liquor license in Utah, contact the state for a liquor license application packet. Note that local consent is required for state approval. Further, while there are quotas for bar licenses, they can still be transferred.
How to get a liquor license in Vermont
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | Liquor Control | $115 to $1,095 Department of Liquor and Lottery fee $115 local fee in some categories |
The state of Vermont approves liquor store licenses, but on-premise licenses must be approved by the local government first. You can use the state’s online portal to apply for your license.
How to get a liquor license in Virginia
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority | $195 application $300 to $3,410 annual state licensing fee |
All Virginia liquor license applications can be made through the VAL system online. You’ll be required to post a public notice at the business and in a newspaper — and also undergo an investigation by an authorized agent — before you can receive a license.
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 |
You should submit a Washington liquor license application in Washington 90 days before your anticipated opening. Licenses are not transferable.
How to get a liquor license in West Virginia
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | Alcohol Beverage Control Administration | $100 application $1,000 to $5,000 bond $100 to $2,650 annual state licensing fee |
You’ll need to submit West Virginia liquor license applications by mail.
How to get a liquor license in Wisconsin
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | Department of Revenue | $10,000 to $30,000 minimum initial fee for certain licenses $0 to $500 annual state licensing fee |
In Wisconsin, apply to your local municipality for retail liquor licenses. There are quotas, though municipalities have the authority to create some exceptions.
How to get a liquor license in Wyoming
| State | Liquor license agency | Liquor license cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | Department of Revenue Liquor Division | $300 to $10,500 annual state licensing fee |
In Wyoming, you can apply for a liquor license through your local authority, though you’ll also need state approval. The type of license you get will determine the fee.