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How to Get a Retail alcohol License in Delaware (2026)

Quick answer

On-premises retail categories include restaurants, hotels and taprooms. Off-premises retail includes stores. Fees vary by category.

Renewal

Every two years, based upon the schedule outlined in OABCC Rule 701.

View official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

How do I get this license?

  1. Check the licensing authority

    Board

    Delaware Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC)

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner
    Official source

    Official agency page

    Open the official agency page

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    FAQ
    Official source
  2. Check your qualifications

    Education

    Anyone selling or serving alcohol must complete approved server training. The agency reports a new 2026 requirement for training every two years.

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    Delaware requires anyone who sells or serves alcohol to complete an approved server training course. New in 2026, the General Assembly has mandated that server training be taken every two years.
    Official source
  3. Prepare your application

    Apply with the agency

    Open the official agency page

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    New Applicants: Submit applications for new on-premises, off-premises and craft manufacturer licenses
    Official source
  4. Confirm your next step with the agency

    Review the official instructions for your situation before applying.

    Open the official agency page

What else should I know?

Agency guidance

On-premises retail categories include restaurants, hotels and taprooms. Off-premises retail includes stores. Fees vary by category.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
On-Premises Retail Licenses Restaurant Hotel Taproom Off-Premises Retail Licenses Store
Official source

Agency guidance

Applications include criminal background checks, ownership and entity documents, a lease or deed allowing alcohol sales, proof of financial responsibility and local approval.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The documents include: official criminal background checks; information about the owners of the business; corporate documents including an operating agreement and certificate of formation; a lease or deed for the property permitting the sale and service of alcohol; proof of financial responsibility; and local government approval.
Official source

Agency guidance

Use the online licensing page for new applications and renewal payments.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Existing Licensees: Pay for renewals, purchase decals, and pay fines for violations.
Official source

Agency guidance

Listed retail license fees include $1,000 for a restaurant, hotel, taproom or off-premises store; the beer-and-wine-only tavern category is $500. Other categories and endorsements have separate charges.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Restaurant | | $1000 Beer and wine only (Tavern) | $500 Hotel | | $1000 Taproom | | $1000 Off-Premises Retail Licenses Store | | $1000
Official source

When do I renew, and is CE required?

Renewal

Every two years, based upon the schedule outlined in OABCC Rule 701.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Every two years, based upon the schedule outlined in OABCC Rule 701. All licenses must be renewed or will be cancelled.
Official source

License term in years

2 years

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The renewal of a license will be for two years
Official source

Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.

What does it cost?

Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.

What are the common questions?

How often do I renew a retail alcohol license license in Delaware?

Every two years, based upon the schedule outlined in OABCC Rule 701.

Source and quotation
Every two years, based upon the schedule outlined in OABCC Rule 701. All licenses must be renewed or will be cancelled.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Which official sources support this guide?

Official sources and verification (10)

Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.

Board

Delaware Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC)

Delaware Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC)

Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Official agency page

Open the official agency page

https://oabcc.delaware.gov/faq/

FAQ
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Apply with the agency

Open the official agency page

https://oabcc.delaware.gov/online-licensing/

New Applicants: Submit applications for new on-premises, off-premises and craft manufacturer licenses
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

License term in years

2 years

2

The renewal of a license will be for two years
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Renewal

Every two years, based upon the schedule outlined in OABCC Rule 701.

Every two years, based upon the schedule outlined in OABCC Rule 701. Applies to: Licenses follow the location-specific OABCC renewal schedule.

Every two years, based upon the schedule outlined in OABCC Rule 701. All licenses must be renewed or will be cancelled.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Qualifications / Education

Anyone selling or serving alcohol must complete approved server training. The agency reports a new 2026 requirement for training every two years.

Anyone selling or serving alcohol must complete approved server training. The agency reports a new 2026 requirement for training every two years.

Delaware requires anyone who sells or serves alcohol to complete an approved server training course. New in 2026, the General Assembly has mandated that server training be taken every two years.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

On-premises retail categories include restaurants, hotels and taprooms. Off-premises retail includes stores. Fees vary by category.

On-premises retail categories include restaurants, hotels and taprooms. Off-premises retail includes stores. Fees vary by category.

On-Premises Retail Licenses Restaurant Hotel Taproom Off-Premises Retail Licenses Store
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Applications include criminal background checks, ownership and entity documents, a lease or deed allowing alcohol sales, proof of financial responsibility and local approval.

Applications include criminal background checks, ownership and entity documents, a lease or deed allowing alcohol sales, proof of financial responsibility and local approval.

The documents include: official criminal background checks; information about the owners of the business; corporate documents including an operating agreement and certificate of formation; a lease or deed for the property permitting the sale and service of alcohol; proof of financial responsibility; and local government approval.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Use the online licensing page for new applications and renewal payments.

Use the online licensing page for new applications and renewal payments.

Existing Licensees: Pay for renewals, purchase decals, and pay fines for violations.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Listed retail license fees include $1,000 for a restaurant, hotel, taproom or off-premises store; the beer-and-wine-only tavern category is $500. Other categories and endorsements have separate charges.

Listed retail license fees include $1,000 for a restaurant, hotel, taproom or off-premises store; the beer-and-wine-only tavern category is $500. Other categories and endorsements have separate charges.

Restaurant | | $1000 Beer and wine only (Tavern) | $500 Hotel | | $1000 Taproom | | $1000 Off-Premises Retail Licenses Store | | $1000
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Not yet verified: license fee, required hours, exam, continuing education — see the official agency.

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What should I explore next?

Retail alcohol license in neighboring states

Neighboring states use Census adjacency data, including water and point boundaries.

What’s my next step?

Last verified Oct 25, 2026.

Official sources (3)

Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.