A liquor license is a state-issued permit to sell or serve alcohol. Rules and costs differ by state. Some states require notarized forms as part of the process. NotaryLive, a remote online notarization platform, lets you notarize documents online in minutes.
Key Takeaways
Getting a liquor license means applying through your state's Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agency. Costs range from under $100 to over $40,000 depending on the state, license type, and local jurisdiction.
Processing times vary widely, from 45 days in some states to several months in others.
At least 21 states require notarization of some part of the liquor license application. You can notarize documents online through NotaryLive without an in-person appointment.
A liquor license, also called an ABC license, is a state permit to sell, serve, or distribute alcohol. Every state issues and manages these licenses through its own agency. Rules, fees, and timelines vary from state to state.
If you plan to open a bar, restaurant, or any business that sells alcohol, you need the right license before you open. The top reasons applications get rejected: wrong license type, missing documents, or skipped notarization steps.
What Are the Different Types of Liquor Licenses?
The type of license you need depends on your business model. Most states distinguish between these categories:
Type
Description
On-premise
Sales and consumption at the location (bars, restaurants)
Off-premise
Sales for consumption elsewhere (liquor stores, grocery stores)
Retail
Direct sales to the public
Wholesale
Sales to other businesses or distributors
Beer and wine only
Limited to beer and wine; spirits excluded
Full liquor
Covers beer, wine, and spirits
Check with your state's ABC agency to confirm which license type covers your business.
1. Applying For A Liquor License
Most states require the following documents and information:
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Proof of financial backing
Occupancy rights for the business location (deed or signed lease)
Fingerprints and background check clearance
Local zoning permits
Various notarized forms depending on your state
The U.S. Small Business Administration outlines this in its guide to business licenses and permits. Alcohol businesses need both state and local permits before opening. Missing either can lead to fines or forced closure.
There are different types of ABC Licenses
Make sure when you apply for your license, you're applying for the correct one. Different types allow you to sell certain types of alcohol (beer, wine, liquor).
This also involves how you will be selling the alcohol as well:
Retail
Wholesale
On-premise
Off-premise
Which States Require Notarization for a Liquor License?
At least 21 states require notarized documents at some point. Under state law, this can mean the application, sworn affidavits, renewal forms, or transfer paperwork.
These states fall on that list:
Alaska
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Texas
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
and Wyoming
How Long Does It Take to Get a Liquor License?
Your state, your license type, and local approval steps all affect how long this takes. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau notes that federal permits for manufacturers differ from state retail licenses. State timelines run from 45 days to several months.
Quota license lotteries and license transfers from existing holders can add weeks to your timeline. Build in extra time before your planned opening.
How to Get a Liquor License in All 50 States
Use the tables below to find your state's agency, cost range, and how to apply. A "Notarization" column appears where the state requires it.
Required for on-premise and off-premise applications
Wisconsin
Agency
Cost
How to Apply
Department of Revenue
$10,000-$30,000 minimum initial for specific licenses; $0-$500 annual fee
Apply through your local government; exceptions for quota limits vary
Wyoming
Agency
Cost
How to Apply
Notarization
Department of Revenue Liquor Division
$300-$10,500 annual fee
Apply through local authority with state approval
Application requires notarization
How Can NotaryLive Help With Liquor License Notarization?
If your state requires notarization, NotaryLive, a remote online notarization platform, lets you complete that step from home. No appointment needed.
Here is how to notarize your documents online:
Upload your completed application or required form.
Confirm your identity using a knowledge-based quiz.
Connect to a commissioned notary public via secure video.
Sign the document on screen while the notary witnesses it.
Download your notarized document right away.
NotaryLive notaries are available around the clock. Most sessions take under 15 minutes.
This post was written by the NotaryLive editorial team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a liquor license?
A liquor license is a state permit to sell, serve, or distribute alcohol. Each state issues and manages its own licenses through an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agency.
How much does a liquor license cost?
Costs vary by state, license type, and local area. Fees range from under $100 to over $40,000. New York licenses run from about $330 to over $4,000 depending on the business type. Many states charge application fees on top of annual fees.
How long does it take to get a liquor license?
Most states take 45 days to several months. States that require local approval before the state review add more time. Build the process into your opening timeline well in advance.
Do I need to notarize my liquor license application?
At least 21 states require notarized forms at some point in the process. This may include the application, affidavits, renewal forms, or transfer paperwork. Use the state tables above to confirm your requirements.
Can I notarize my liquor license documents online?
Yes. NotaryLive lets you notarize liquor license documents online from home in states that allow remote online notarization. Notaries are available 24/7 and most sessions wrap up in under 15 minutes.
What is a quota license?
A quota license caps the number of liquor licenses in an area, often tied to local population. Florida, New Jersey, and Indiana use quota systems. In those states, buying or transferring an existing license may be the only option.
Can a liquor license be transferred?
Transfer rules vary by state. Some states allow transfers; others prohibit them. States that permit transfers often require a notarized transfer agreement.
