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Obtaining A Liquor License in all 50 States

By NotaryLive Staff

Published on 07/01/2024

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Notarization is required in some states in order to obtain a liquor license.
Laws differ per state from the requirements to obtain your liquor license.

Have you opened a bar or any type of business that will be serving alcohol?

If yes, you'll definitely need to apply for your liquor license, which can be challenging since each state has a different set of rules – including different types of liquor licenses as well.

Read on to discover how to obtain the liquor license you need specific to your state.

1. Applying For A Liquor License

For this guide, we will be occasionally referring to the liquor license as the ABC License or (Alcohol Beverage Control License).

The following are hurdles you may want to consider when obtaining your liquor license.

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

There are different laws per state

Each state you apply for a liquor license in will have different and complex systems, involving instructions, and outdated information.

Applications are detailed

States will often require a:

EIN (Employment Identification Number)
Fingerprints
Proof of Financial Backing
Occupancy Rights
Various Permits

If you do not have all their requirements, you will most likely be rejected.

There are long wait times

Processing times for your ABC License application can vary. Some states may take about 45 days, while others can take months.

2. How Much Does A Liquor License Cost?

When it comes to applying for your ABC License, make sure you know all the fees.

Like laws, the. costs can also vary per state. Usually this depends on the

State
Municipality
License type
Population
Business size

Fees for a liquor license can range from under $100 to over $40,000 sometimes even higher.

(You'll also have to renew your abc license every 1-3 years, usually at a lower cost).

3. Getting Your ABC License in all 50 States

Here's how you can obtain your liquor license in all 50 states. These charts below will include the costs associated with the ABC License as well as the agency needed to apply.

How to get a liquor license in Alabama

State	Agency	Cost	How
Alabama	Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board	$50 for application $150 - $1,000 annual state licensing fee	Schedule an appointment at regional division office and bring completed pre-application form.

How to get a liquor license in Alaska

State	Agency	Cost	How
Alaska	Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office	$300 - $500 new or renewal application fee $400 to 2,500 annual state licensing fee	Post notices of your application publicly at intended location Email application Some areas are “dry” (no permits) or “damp” (limited) License quotas exist, transfer possible Notarization of completed application required

How to get a liquor license in Arizona

State	Agency	Cost	How
Arizona	Department of Liquor	$100 to $400 application fee $175 annual state license fee	You can apply online If you cannot online because of quotas, purchase from an existing business or bid in state's annual lottery

How to get a liquor license in Arkansas

State	Agency	Cost	How
Arkansas	Alcoholic Beverage Control Administration	$300 to $5,000 annual permit fee	Must reside in county application submitted or within 35 miles of business Complete the ABC Educational Seminar Send application form after

How to get a liquor license in California

State	Agency	Cost	How
California	Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control	$110 to $17,335 application fee $275 to $1,450 annual state licensing fee (2024)	Schedule pre-application meeting Post public notice of application Notarization of various documents required

How to get a liquor license in Colorado

State	Agency	Cost	How
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	Mail original application form Send in a deed or lease to your property

How to get a liquor license in Connecticut

State	Agency	Cost	How
Colorado	Department of Revenue Liquor Advisory Group	$100 application fee $700 - $2,650 state on-premises liquor permit fee	Physically mail in application Application must have signatures from local Zoning Authority, Fire Marshall, and Town Clerk

How to get a liquor license in Delaware

State	Agency	Cost	How
Delaware	Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner	$1,000 application fee $150 to $3,000 biennial state licensing fee	Contact Agency to apply Notarization may be required for some documents

How to get a liquor license in Florida

State	Agency	Cost	How
Florida	Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco	$100 application fee $14 - $1,828 annual license fee	Laws and fees vary by county An annual lottery determines who may apply for licenses in “quota” counties Number of l licenses determined by population Notarization required if the seller is wanting to transfer license

How to get a liquor license in Georgia

State	Agency	Cost	How
Georgia	Department of Revenue	$100 investigation fee when applying $25 - $1,000 annual state licensing fee (varies by county for local)	Apply through their single online portal Notarization of personal statement, financial affidavit, power of attorney (if applicable), citizen affidavit, and secure documents required

How to get a liquor license in Hawaii

State	Agency	Cost	How
Hawaii	Honolulu Liquor Commission Hawaii County Dept of Liquor Control Kauai County Liquor Control Commission Maui County Dept of Liquor Control	$50 - $375 application fee Fees vary by county	Each county does their own application For Honolulu or Hawaii County, do the preliminary and public hearings Notices must be sent to property owners within 500 ft Kauai and Maui Counties – you must have $1 million in liquor liability insurance coverage Notarization of application form is required

How to get a liquor license in Idaho

State	Agency	Cost	How
Idaho	State Police ABC Division	Up to $25,000 state fee Annual fees differ	Liquor sold by state To sell liquor by drink, apply for Beer and Wine License or quota sprits license Idaho does not allow license transfers since 2023 Notarization of application form required

How to get a liquor license in Illinois

State	Agency	Cost	How
Illinois	Liquor Control Commission	Differs by county	Apply to your municipality and then the state Notarization required if wanting to renew license

How to get a liquor license in Indiana

State	Agency	Cost	How
Indiana	Alcohol and Tobacco Commission	$500 - $40,000 for the initial licensing fee $500 - $25,000 for the annual state licensing fee	Be informed of license quotas Their application system will check for availability in your area If there is no availability, it is recommended to purchase a license

How to get a liquor license in Iowa

State	Agency	Cost	How
Iowa	Alcoholic Beverage Division	$715 - $1,625 for annual state licensing fee	If you have a retail on-premise (bar/restaurant), you can use GovConnect.Iowa system For off-premise (liquor stores) or other permits can use the eLAPS system

How to get a liquor license in Kansas

State	Agency	Cost	How
Kansas	Alcoholic Beverage Control	$30 for application fee $500 - $7,000 for biennial state licensing fee	You can apply online Some counties may require you to sell alcohol with food

How to get a liquor license in Kentucky

State	Agency	Cost	How
Kentucky	Alcoholic Beverage Control	Differs by the city and the county	You can apply online Some counties may be “dry” but some counties have “wet” cities Quotas are available for liquor stores but not restaurants/similar businesses Notarization may be required

How to get a liquor license in Louisiana

State	Agency	Cost	How
Louisiana	Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control	$120 - $220 for the Class B license application fee ($39.25 for the fingerprint fee that goes along with the application) $50 for. the annual state permit fee Licensing fees differ by parish and municipality	Before approval from the state, apply for a local permit and post your intent in public/in the newspaper

How to get a liquor license in Maine

State	Agency	Cost	How
Maine	Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations	$10 for the application fee $495 - $2,200 for the annual state licensing fee	Local commissioners must sign your liquor license application Your application may require a public hearing Mail your application to the state before 60 days after receiving local approval

How to get a liquor license in Maryland

State	Agency	Cost	How
Maryland	Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (this oversees local processes)	$600 - $720 for the application fee The licensing fees may differ by county and municipality	Apply through county/municipality Each locality operates their own process even though there is a state-wide agency

How to get a liquor license in Massachusetts

State	Agency	Cost	How
Massachusetts	Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission	$200 for the application fee Licensing fees differ by the county/municipality	Complete the application on the Agency's site Apply to Local Licensing Authority Your application will be sent to commonwealth authorities and processed Licenses = capped by quota, however transferable Notarization of Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) if applying for retail liquor license application

How to get a liquor license in Michigan

State	Agency	Cost	How
Michigan	Liquor Control Commissioner	$70 inspection fee per for each requested license $100 - $600 for the annual state licensing fee	License quotas may be approved in some municipalities License quotas come to $20,000 Instead of a license quota, you also have the option to purchase an existing license

How to get a liquor license in Minnesota

State	Agency	Cost	How
Minnesota	Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement	The license goes up to $3,000 for each license	First, request approval from the city or county Second, get a sales and use tax permit from the Department of Revenue Liquor license quotas exist, however transfers are allowed

How to get a liquor license in Mississippi

State	Agency	Cost	How
Mississippi	Alcoholic Beverage Control	$225 - $1,825 for the state annual licensing fee (this excludes distilleries, wineries and specialty permits)	Apply through the state's website (TAP) Post a public notice in two local newspaper issues Many counties are “dry” and don't allow the sale of alcohol so be aware of county laws Notarization required for alcohol processing permit

How to get a liquor license in Missouri

State	Agency	Cost	How
Missouri	Alcohol and Tobacco Control	$50 - $1,000 for the annual state licensing fee	Find an application that fits your business on the state's website Submit a physical copy with the required documents to the district's office in your county

How to get a liquor license in Montana

State	Agency	Cost	How
Montana	Alcoholic Beverage Control Division	$400 for the one-time processing fee Prices are decided based on the auction or private sellers $400 - $800 for the annual state licensing fee	Purchase license through the state The state will issue a notice in the newspaper and hold a public hearing if objections to selling liquor at your business

How to get a liquor license in Nebraska

State	Agency	Cost	How
Nebraska	Liquor Control Commission	$400 for the application fee $100 - $450 for the annual state licensing fee	Submit your application by mail, email or in-person at the Agency's capital city headquarters

How to get a liquor license in Nevada

State	Agency	Cost	How
Nevada	Individual city and county jurisdictions	Fees differ by county/municipality	Apply to your local jurisdiction and be sure to send a copy of the application to the Department of Taxation Notarized sworn affidavit required

How to get a liquor license in New Hampshire

State	Agency	Cost	How
New Hampshire	Liquor Commission Division of Enforcement	$100 for the application fee $480 - $1,200 for the annual state licensing fee	Fill out application online Speak with Licensure Specialist during process in order to complete application Site inspection is required Notarization of Liquor Commission Affidavit may be required

How to get a liquor license in New Jersey

State	Agency	Cost	How
New Jersey	ABC Licensing Bureau	$200 for the application fee $200 for the renewal fee $125 - $2,500 for the annual state licensing fee	Obtain municipal approval for license Application will be sent to the state License quotas are in the state and are transferable (you may purchase one that exists) If you want to transfer, Consent to Transfer (Content of Sale) must be notarized Application may require notarization

How to get a liquor license in New Mexico

State	Agency	Cost	How
New Mexico	Alcoholic Beverage Control	$200 for the application fee $1,050 - $10,000 for the annual state licensing fee	Receive approval by the agency (may have to have public hearing) Receive approval by the municipality (may have to public hearing) Liquor license quotas exist in the state but transfers are not allowed To renew, notarization will be required Application may require notarization

How to get a liquor license in New York

State	Agency	Cost	How
New York	Liquor Authority	$100 - $200 for the application fee $1,000 penal bond $330 - $4,352 for the biennial or the triennial state licensing fee	Before 30 days, send a registered notice to your community/municipality

How to get a liquor license in North Carolina

State	Agency	Cost	How
North Carolina	ABC Commission	$100 - $1,000 for the annual state licensing fee	Obtain approval through the local government Submit the state application with the approval Complete online training required Notarization of Local Government Opinion form, proof of compliance with local inspection and of many other forms required

How to get a liquor license in North Dakota

State	Agency	Cost	How
North Dakota	Attorney General	$50 - $200 for the state licensing fee	First receive approval from local authority Mail in your application and fee along with the approval

How to get a liquor license in Ohio

State	Agency	Cost	How
Ohio	Department of Liquor Control	$100 for the application fee $252 - $2,344 for the annual state licensing fee	Be sure to mail in your liquor license to the agency (DLC) – they will be in contact with local authorities regarding your application Some counties are “dry” so businesses wanting to sell alcohol may have limits to operate License quotas updated annually, however, they are not allowed to be transferred. Notarization of application and materials required Notarization required to transfer

How to get a liquor license in Oklahoma

State	Agency	Cost	How
Oklahoma	Alcoholic Beverages Law Enforcement Commission	$455 - $1,530 for the annual state license and the renewal fee The fees for local licensing differs	Apply through ABLE Commission's online portal Notarization required for Enforcement Commission form

How to get a liquor license in Oregon

State	Agency	Cost	How
Oregon	Liquor and Cannabis Commission	$400 - $800 for the annual licensing fee	Apply through the local government Receive proof of submission and then send application to state

How to get a liquor license in Pennsylvania

State	Agency	Cost	How
Pennsylvania	Liquor Control Board	$125 - $700 for the annual state licensing fee	First, email the Bureau of Licensing for instructions to apply Keep note that various counties are “dry” Licenses have quotas, however, transfers are not allowed

How to get a liquor license in Rhode Island

State	Agency	Cost	How
Rhode Island	City and Town Government Agencies	$200 - $300 for the annual state licensing fee	Contact county/municipal government for instructions/application process

How to get a liquor license in South Carolina

State	Agency	Cost	How
South Carolina	Department of Revenue Alcoholic Beverage Licensing	$200 - $300 for the application fee $600 - $1,705 for the biennial state licensing fee	Apply on MyDORWAY portal Show proof that you're allowed to use premises Post a notice in the newspaper of your application

How to get a liquor license in South Dakota

State	Agency	Cost	How
South Dakota	Department of Revenue and local cities/counties	$1 for the state initial fee per resident in the local area $300 - $1,500 for the state licensing fee	Apply through your local municipality License quotas exist, however, they can be awarded by entering a queue/lottery/auction (this differs by local laws)

How to get a liquor license in Tennessee

State	Agency	Cost	How
Tennessee	Alcoholic Beverage Commission	$300 - $400 for the application fee $270 - $5,000 for the annual state licensing fee	The low-alcohol liquor licenses are according to local laws Applications other than the low-alcohol liquor license can apply through Tennessee's online system You may be charged fees or taxes for liquor sales

How to get a liquor license in Texas

State	Agency	Cost	How
Texas	Alcoholic Beverage Commission	$120 - $6,000 for the biennial state licensing fee Max $1,000 every two years for local retail	The low-alcohol liquor licenses are according to local laws Applications other than the low-alcohol liquor license can apply through Tennessee's online system You may be charged fees or taxes for liquor sales Notarization of application required

How to get a liquor license in Utah

State	Agency	Cost	How
Utah	Alcoholic Beverage Control	Application fee is $75 Initial licensing fee is $250 - $2,750 Annual state license renewal fee is $350 - $2,000	Contact the state for the application packet Receive local consent for approval from state Quotas exist for bar licenses and they can be transferred

How to get a liquor license in Vermont

State	Agency	Cost	How
Vermont	Liquor Control	Department of Liquor and Lottery fee is $115 - $1,095 Local fee in different categories is $115	Receive approval from state If you are requesting an on-premise license, you must receive approval from the local government before the state Use the online portal to apply

How to get a liquor license in Virginia

State	Agency	Cost	How
Virginia	Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority	Application fee is $195 Annual state licensing fee is $300 - $3,410	Apply online through VAL system Post a public notice within the newspaper Undergo a business investigation (required before receiving license) Notarization of affidavit required for retail license application

How to get a liquor license in Washington

State	Agency	Cost	How
Washington	Liquor and Cannabis Board	$75 for the application fee Annual state licensing fee is $75 - $2,000	Apply at least 90 days before the opening of your business License quotas are not transferrable Notarization required for renewal

How to get a liquor license in West Virginia

State	Agency	Cost	How
West Virginia	Alcohol Beverage Control Administration	Application fee is $100 Bond is $1,000 - $5,000 Annual state licensing fee is $100 - $2,650	Apply and submit by mail Notarization for off-premise and on-premise application required

How to get a liquor license in Wisconsin

State	Agency	Cost	How
Wisconsin	Department of Revenue	Minimum initial fee for specific licenses is $10,000 - $30,000 Annual state licensing fee is $0 - $500	For retail liquor licenses, apply through your local municipality License quotas exist, however, municipalities can create some exceptions

How to get a liquor license in Wyoming

State	Agency	Cost	How
Wyoming	Department of Revenue Liquor Division	$300 - $10,500 for the annual state licensing fee	Apply through your local authority with state approval Notarization of filled application required

4. States Requiring Notarization

Some states may require a sworn state, application, or other forms to be notarized in order for you to obtain your liquor license.

These states are: Alaska, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho,Illinois Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming.

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FAQ Liquor License

How long does it take to get a liquor license?
The time it takes varies on the state and type of license you're seeking. The time it takes to get a liquor license can often take anything from a few weeks to months.
Is it hard to get a liquor license?
Consult your state's licensing authority to determine your license requirements and availability. Tell your state's ABC board what license you need – they will then tell you what's available after completing several questions. Many states limit liquor licenses, making new ones rare. You may have to obtain a license from an established firm in your state.
How much is a liquor license?
The cost varies by state and based on the type of license. A liquor license often costs several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. For example, NY State liquor licenses cost estimates from $4,000 - $60,000 depending on the nature and population of the municipality.

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**Legal Disclaimer - We are not lawyers or attorneys and do not give any legal advice. Please check with your attorneys, advisors, or document recipients if you have any unanswered questions about your documents.

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Updated Date: 10/18/2024

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