Retail alcohol license license requirements by state
Compare retail alcohol license requirements, fees and renewal rules.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
What does each state require?
Select a column to sortMissing values are not verified yet. A license fee is not a total cost unless the source says so.
| Alabama | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | The licensee or permittee must submit the completed renewal application and the biennial fee to the director before January 1Sourcethe licensee or permittee shall submit the completed renewal application and the biennial fee to the director before January 1Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Arizona | Not verified yet | A provider of a Basic On-sale training course must ensure that the course is a minimum of three hours A provider of a Management On-sale training course must ensure that the course is a minimum of two hours A provider of a Basic Off-sale training course must ensure that the course is a minimum of two hours A provider of a Management Off-sale training course must ensure that the course is a minimum of two hoursSourceA provider of a Basic On-sale training course shall ensure that the course is a minimum of three hours A provider of a Management On-sale training course shall ensure that the course is a minimum of two hours A provider of a Basic Off-sale training course shall ensure that the course is a minimum of two hours A provider of a Management Off-sale training course shall ensure that the course is a minimum of two hoursOfficial sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 | Not verified yet | Every license expires annually, except that a license may be renewed for a two-year period under subsection M of this section if no compliance penalties have been issued to that location during the year before the renewal.SourceEvery license expires annually, except that a license may be renewed for a two-year period pursuant to subsection M of this section if no compliance penalties have been issued to that location during the year before the renewal.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Arkansas | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Renewable on or before June 30 of each calendar year for the fiscal year beginning July 1.SourceAll permits issued by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division are renewable on or before June 30 of each calendar year for the fiscal year beginning July 1.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| California | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | For RBS server certification: pass the ABC exam with at least 70% within 30 days of confirmed training; three attempts are allowed.SourceYou have three attempts to pass your exam with a score of 70% or better within 30 days of your confirmed training.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 | All licenses may be renewed by paying the required renewal fee before the license expires.SourceAll licenses may be renewed by paying the required renewal fee before the license expires.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Colorado | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Connecticut | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | All liquor permits are renewed annually, running from date of issuance.SourceAll liquor permits are renewed annually, running from date of issuance.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Delaware | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Every two years, based upon the schedule outlined in OABCC Rule 701.SourceEvery two years, based upon the schedule outlined in OABCC Rule 701. All licenses must be renewed or will be cancelled.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| District of Columbia | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Licenses of the same class and type expire on the same day regardless of issuance date. Licenses may be valid for up to three (3) years based on the relevant license cycle.SourceLicenses of the same class and type expire on the same day regardless of issuance date. Licenses may be valid for up to three (3) years based on the relevant license cycle.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Florida | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Licenses must be renewed annually, and the division must adopt an appropriate rule establishing the schedule for license renewals, which may provide for a semiannual schedule based on a division of the state into two geographic regions.SourceLicenses shall be renewed annually, and the division shall adopt an appropriate rule establishing the schedule for license renewals, which may provide for a semiannual schedule based on a division of the state into two geographic regions.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Georgia | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | The alcohol renewal season begins the first business day of September thru December 31st of each year.SourceThe alcohol renewal season begins the first business day of September thru December 31st of each year.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Hawaii | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Idaho | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Illinois | $750 | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Indiana | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Your renewal papers are due at the ATC office no later than ninety (90) days before the expiration.SourceYour renewal papers are due at the ATC office no later than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Iowa | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | 12-month licenses can be renewed annually. |
| Kansas | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | At the end of the two-year license term, the license is renewable for another two-year term unless sooner suspended or revoked, as long as the licensee and premises continue to meet the requirements of all relevant laws and regulations.SourceAt the end of the two-year license term, the license is renewable for another two-year term unless sooner suspended or revoked, as long as the licensee and premises continue to meet the requirements of all relevant laws and regulations.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Kentucky | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Licenses expire when the annual renewal term ends. |
| Louisiana | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Apply to renew and pay permit fees annually, unless a legal exception applies.SourceExcept as otherwise provided by law, persons holding permits under this Chapter, whether state or local, shall annually file application for renewal thereof for the ensuing year and pay the permit fees in accordance with this Chapter and the rules and regulations established by the commissioner.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Maine | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Licenses and certificates of approval may be renewed upon application for renewal and payment of the annual fee, subject to bureau rules.SourceLicenses and certificates of approval may be renewed upon application for renewal and payment of the annual fee, subject to bureau rules.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Maryland | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Massachusetts | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Apply in November for annual renewal, or the month before the next seasonal period for seasonal renewal. Pay the fee and keep the same license type and premises.SourceLicenses issued under section twelve or fifteen shall be automatically renewed for the next annual license period upon application by the holder thereof during the month of November and shall be automatically renewed for a renewal of a seasonal license for the next seasonal licensing period upon application during the month prior to the commencement of the seasonal period upon payment of the fee, provided that said license is of the same type as the expiring license and covers the same licensed premises.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Michigan | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Approved server-training participants must pass a comprehensive examination with at least 70%; instructor certification has additional standards.SourceAn administrator of a server training program approved by the commission shall administer a comprehensive examination to participants of the program, including individuals seeking certification as instructors within the program. The minimum passing grade for the examination, for instructor certification, and for all other participants in the program shall be not less than 70%, but shall be not less than 85% for instructors if administered the same examination as other participants in the program.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 | A license held in escrow must be renewed in the same manner as an active license, including payment of all required license fees, each year by April 30.Sourcea license held in escrow shall be renewed in the same manner as an active license, including payment of all required license fees, each year by April 30.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Minnesota | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Mississippi | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | This application must be filed thirty (30) days before the expiration of your permit.SourceThis application must be filed thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of your permit.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Missouri | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Applications for renewal of licenses must be filed on or before the first day of May of each calendar year.SourceApplications for renewal of licenses must be filed on or before the first day of May of each calendar year.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Montana | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Renewals are due June 30. |
| Nebraska | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Class C Licenses Renewal period: August 1 – October 31 Non-Class C Licenses Renewal period: February 1 – April 30SourceClass C Licenses Renewal period: August 1 – October 31 Non-Class C Licenses Renewal period: February 1 – April 30Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Nevada | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| New Hampshire | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | The renewal applicant's application to the division office in Concord must be postmarked at least 30 days before the expiration date of their licenseSourceThe renewal applicant's application to the division office in Concord shall be postmarked at least 30 days before the expiration date of their licenseOfficial sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| New Jersey | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| New Mexico | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Dispenser, retailer and canopy: apply and pay by April 1; licenses expire June 30. Restaurant, club, wholesaler and manufacturer: apply and pay by August 1; licenses expire October 31.SourceThe license year for dispenser, retailer and canopy licenses shall end on June 30 of each year. All dispenser, retailer and canopy licenses shall expire on June 30 unless renewed. The annual renewal application and renewal fee are due on April 1 of each year. The license year for restaurant, club, wholesaler and manufacturer licenses shall end on October 31 of each year. All restaurant, club, wholesaler and manufacturer licenses shall expire on October 31 unless renewed. The annual renewal application and renewal fee are due on August 1 of each year.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| New York | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | A renewal application must be filed before the expiration of the current license period.SourceA renewal application must be filed before the expiration of the current license period.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| North Carolina | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | The deadline for Renewal & Registration is April 30 |
| North Dakota | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | The state retail alcoholic beverage license must be renewed on or before December 31st each yearSourceThe state retail alcoholic beverage license must be renewed on or before December 31st each yearOfficial sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Ohio | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Oklahoma | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Oregon | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | The license applicant must submit their online renewal application via CAMP at least 20 days before the license expires to avoid late fees.SourceThe license applicant must submit their online renewal application via CAMP at least 20 days before the license expires to avoid late fees.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 renew in odd-numbered years and validate in even-numbered years. Districts 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 renew in even-numbered years and validate in odd-numbered years.SourceDistricts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 renew in odd-numbered years and validate in even-numbered years. Districts 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 renew in even-numbered years and validate in odd-numbered years.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Rhode Island | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| South Carolina | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | The Retail Liquor Store License must be renewed every two years. The renewal date is based on the county where your business operates, not the date when you applied for or received your license.SourceThe Retail Liquor Store License must be renewed every two years. The renewal date is based on the county where your business operates, not the date when you applied for or received your license.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| South Dakota | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | The usual license year ends December thirty-first. Manufacturer licenses and the specified statutory category use a June thirtieth year-end.SourceThe period covered by licenses under this title is from twelve o'clock midnight on the thirty-first day of December to twelve o'clock midnight on the thirty-first day of the next December. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the period covered by any license issued pursuant to subdivision 35-4-2(16) and any manufacturer license issued under this title shall be from twelve o'clock midnight on the thirtieth day of June to twelve o'clock midnight on the thirtieth day of the next June.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Tennessee | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Texas | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Renew up to 30 days before expiration or 30 days afterward with a late fee. Stop licensed activity after expiration unless a renewal application and fees are pending with TABC.SourceYou may renew your license up to 30 days before the license expiration date. A business may also renew up to 30 days after the expiration date by paying a late fee. However, a business must stop licensed activities after the expiration date unless a renewal application with fees is pending with TABC.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Utah | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | January 31: beer-only restaurant, recreational on-premise beer, off-premises beer and tavern. May 31: bar. September 30: full-service and limited-service restaurant.SourceBeer-Only Restaurant | RB | January 31 On-Premise Beer - Recreational | BE | January 31 Off-Premises Beer | OP | January 31 Tavern | TV | January 31 Bar | CL | May 31 Restaurant (Full Service) | RE | September 30 Restaurant (Limited Service) | RL | September 30Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Vermont | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | All permits, licenses, and certificates must expire one year after the date of issuance.SourceAll permits, licenses, and certificates shall expire one year after the date of issuance.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Virginia | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Most licenses run to the last day of the twelfth month or their designated expiration month and year, unless terminated sooner. Temporary, banquet and mixed-beverage special-event licenses are exceptions.SourceThe privileges conferred by any license granted by the Board, except for temporary licenses, banquet and mixed beverage special events licenses, shall continue until the last day of the twelfth month next ensuing or the last day of the designated month and year of expiration, except the license may be sooner terminated for any cause for which the Board would be entitled to refuse to grant a license, by operation of law, voluntary surrender or order of the Board.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Washington | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | You must pay your annual license fee before or on your expiration date to avoid late renewal penalties.SourceA liquor license is renewed annually through the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) Business Licensing Service. You must pay your annual license fee before or on your expiration date to avoid late renewal penalties.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| West Virginia | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | The license period begins on July 1 of each year and ends on June 30 of the following year and if granted for a less period, the fee must be computed semiannually in proportion to the remainder of the fiscal year.SourceThe license period begins on July 1 of each year and ends on June 30 of the following year and if granted for a less period, the fee shall be computed semiannually in proportion to the remainder of the fiscal year.Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026 |
| Wisconsin | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Wyoming | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
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Last verified Oct 25, 2026.
Official sources (166)
Showing 24 source links. Individual facts keep their citations on the linked data pages. Download all facts and official sources.
- https://www.alabcboard.gov/licensing-compliance
- https://www.alabcboard.gov/licensing-compliance/how-to-apply
- https://www.alabcboard.gov/sites/default/files/inline-files/Pre-Application%20Checklist%20Form%20LCD-2%20Feb%2026.pdf
- https://www.alabcboard.gov/licensing-compliance/responsible-vendor-program
- https://www.alabcboard.gov/licensing-compliance/license-types-fees
- https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/amco/AlcoholLicenseApplication
- https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/9/pub/ABC/AlcoholStatutesRegulations/AS_04_Statutes_(Updated_8.3.26).pdf
- https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/amco/MandatoryAlcoholServerTraining
- https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/amco/AlcoholicBeverageFAQs
- https://www.azleg.gov/ars/4/00202.htm
- https://www.azleg.gov/ars/4/00209.htm
- https://apps.azsos.gov/public_services/Title_19/19-01.pdf
- https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/Rule?chapterID=150&levelType=section&partID=1235§ionID=46212&subChapterID=193&subPartID=7080&titleID=3
- https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/Rule?chapterID=150&levelType=section&partID=1235§ionID=46185&subChapterID=193&subPartID=7079&titleID=3
- https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/Rule?chapterID=150&levelType=section&partID=1235§ionID=46205&subChapterID=193&subPartID=7080&titleID=3
- https://webftp.blr.arkansas.gov/Home/FTPDocument?path=CAR/Parts/3CARpt1.pdf
- https://www.abc.ca.gov/licensing/license-types/
- https://www.abc.ca.gov/licensing/apply-for-a-new-license/
- https://www.abc.ca.gov/licensing/frequently-asked-questions/
- https://www.abc.ca.gov/education/rbs/frequently-asked-questions/
- https://www.abc.ca.gov/licensing/license-fees/application-fee-schedules/
- https://www.abc.ca.gov/licensing/license-fees/annual-fee-schedule/
- https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/r24-656_colorado_liquor_licensing_handbook.pdf
- https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/knowledge-base/articles/liquor-control/2026/current-permit-holders/renewals
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