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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?

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Missing values are not verified yet. A license fee is not a total cost unless the source says so.

Retail alcohol license license requirements by state. Column buttons sort ascending or descending.
AlabamaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
AlaskaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetThe licensee or permittee must submit the completed renewal application and the biennial fee to the director before January 1
Source
the licensee or permittee shall submit the completed renewal application and the biennial fee to the director before January 1
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
ArizonaNot verified yetA 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 hours
Source
A 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 hours
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Not verified yetEvery 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.
Source
Every 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
ArkansasNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetRenewable on or before June 30 of each calendar year for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Source
All 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
CaliforniaNot verified yetNot verified yetFor RBS server certification: pass the ABC exam with at least 70% within 30 days of confirmed training; three attempts are allowed.
Source
You 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.
Source
All licenses may be renewed by paying the required renewal fee before the license expires.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
ColoradoNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
ConnecticutNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetAll liquor permits are renewed annually, running from date of issuance.
Source
All liquor permits are renewed annually, running from date of issuance.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
DelawareNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetEvery two years, based upon the schedule outlined in OABCC Rule 701.
Source
Every 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 ColumbiaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetLicenses 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.
Source
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.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
FloridaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetLicenses 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.
Source
Licenses 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
GeorgiaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetThe alcohol renewal season begins the first business day of September thru December 31st of each year.
Source
The alcohol renewal season begins the first business day of September thru December 31st of each year.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
HawaiiNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
IdahoNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
Illinois$750
Source
RETAILER’S LIQUOR LICENSE FEE: $750.00
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Not verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
IndianaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetYour renewal papers are due at the ATC office no later than ninety (90) days before the expiration.
Source
Your renewal papers are due at the ATC office no later than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
IowaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet12-month licenses can be renewed annually.
Source
12-month licenses can be renewed annually.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
KansasNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetAt 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.
Source
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.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
KentuckyNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetLicenses expire when the annual renewal term ends.
Source
Licenses expire when the annual renewal term ends.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
LouisianaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetApply to renew and pay permit fees annually, unless a legal exception applies.
Source
Except 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
MaineNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetLicenses and certificates of approval may be renewed upon application for renewal and payment of the annual fee, subject to bureau rules.
Source
Licenses 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
MarylandNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
MassachusettsNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetApply 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.
Source
Licenses 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
MichiganNot verified yetNot verified yetApproved server-training participants must pass a comprehensive examination with at least 70%; instructor certification has additional standards.
Source
An 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.
Source
a 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
MinnesotaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
MississippiNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetThis application must be filed thirty (30) days before the expiration of your permit.
Source
This application must be filed thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of your permit.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
MissouriNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetApplications for renewal of licenses must be filed on or before the first day of May of each calendar year.
Source
Applications 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
MontanaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetRenewals are due June 30.
Source
Renewals are due June 30.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
NebraskaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetClass C Licenses Renewal period: August 1 – October 31 Non-Class C Licenses Renewal period: February 1 – April 30
Source
Class C Licenses Renewal period: August 1 – October 31 Non-Class C Licenses Renewal period: February 1 – April 30
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
NevadaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
New HampshireNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetThe renewal applicant's application to the division office in Concord must be postmarked at least 30 days before the expiration date of their license
Source
The renewal applicant's application to the division office in Concord shall be postmarked at least 30 days before the expiration date of their license
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
New JerseyNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
New MexicoNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetDispenser, 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.
Source
The 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 YorkNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetA renewal application must be filed before the expiration of the current license period.
Source
A renewal application must be filed before the expiration of the current license period.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
North CarolinaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetThe deadline for Renewal & Registration is April 30
Source
The deadline for Renewal & Registration is April 30
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
North DakotaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetThe state retail alcoholic beverage license must be renewed on or before December 31st each year
Source
The state retail alcoholic beverage license must be renewed on or before December 31st each year
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
OhioNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
OklahomaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
OregonNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetThe license applicant must submit their online renewal application via CAMP at least 20 days before the license expires to avoid late fees.
Source
The 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
PennsylvaniaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetDistricts 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.
Source
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.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Rhode IslandNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
South CarolinaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetThe 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.
Source
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.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
South DakotaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetThe usual license year ends December thirty-first. Manufacturer licenses and the specified statutory category use a June thirtieth year-end.
Source
The 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
TennesseeNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
TexasNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetRenew 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.
Source
You 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
UtahNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetJanuary 31: beer-only restaurant, recreational on-premise beer, off-premises beer and tavern. May 31: bar. September 30: full-service and limited-service restaurant.
Source
Beer-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 30
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
VermontNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetAll permits, licenses, and certificates must expire one year after the date of issuance.
Source
All permits, licenses, and certificates shall expire one year after the date of issuance.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
VirginiaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetMost 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.
Source
The 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
WashingtonNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetYou must pay your annual license fee before or on your expiration date to avoid late renewal penalties.
Source
A 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 VirginiaNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetThe 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.
Source
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 shall be computed semiannually in proportion to the remainder of the fiscal year.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
WisconsinNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet
WyomingNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yetNot verified yet

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Last verified Oct 25, 2026.

Official sources (166)

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