Quick answer
Anyone intending to sell alcoholic beverages at retail needs a state license.
Renewal
The state retail alcoholic beverage license must be renewed on or before December 31st each year
View official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
How do I get this license?
Check the licensing authority
Board
North Dakota Attorney General.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
must be licensed by the Attorney General
Official sourcePrepare your application
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
Anyone intending to sell alcoholic beverages at retail needs a state license.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Any person who intends to engage in the retail sale of alcoholic beverages must be licensed by the Attorney General.
Official sourceAgency guidance
A state applicant must also provide the beer and/or liquor license issued by the local city, county or tribal authority in the applicant's name.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
A copy of the beer and/or liquor licenses issued from the local city, county, or tribal authority in the applicant’s name.
Official sourceAgency guidance
The new-license fee schedule depends on the month sales begin, the establishment's location and the beverage types approved by the local license.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Pay only the month in which alcoholic beverage sales will begin based on the location of the establishment and type of alcoholic beverages approved by local license.
Official source When do I renew, and is CE required?
Renewal
The state retail alcoholic beverage license must be renewed on or before December 31st each year
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The state retail alcoholic beverage license must be renewed on or before December 31st each year
Official sourceHave 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 North Dakota?
The state retail alcoholic beverage license must be renewed on or before December 31st each year
Source and quotation
The state retail alcoholic beverage license must be renewed on or before December 31st each year
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Which official sources support this guide?
Official sources and verification (7)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
BoardNorth Dakota Attorney General.
North Dakota Attorney General.
must be licensed by the Attorney General
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Apply with the agencyOpen the official agency page
https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/licensing-and-gaming/licensing/retail-alcoholic-beverage-license/
To apply for a new state retail alcoholic beverage license, complete and submit the following:
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
RenewalThe state retail alcoholic beverage license must be renewed on or before December 31st each year
The state retail alcoholic beverage license must be renewed on or before December 31st each year Applies to: State retail alcoholic beverage licenses.
The state retail alcoholic beverage license must be renewed on or before December 31st each year
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceAnyone intending to sell alcoholic beverages at retail needs a state license.
Anyone intending to sell alcoholic beverages at retail needs a state license.
Any person who intends to engage in the retail sale of alcoholic beverages must be licensed by the Attorney General.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceA state applicant must also provide the beer and/or liquor license issued by the local city, county or tribal authority in the applicant's name.
A state applicant must also provide the beer and/or liquor license issued by the local city, county or tribal authority in the applicant's name.
A copy of the beer and/or liquor licenses issued from the local city, county, or tribal authority in the applicant’s name.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceThe new-license fee schedule depends on the month sales begin, the establishment's location and the beverage types approved by the local license.
The new-license fee schedule depends on the month sales begin, the establishment's location and the beverage types approved by the local license.
Pay only the month in which alcoholic beverage sales will begin based on the location of the establishment and type of alcoholic beverages approved by local license.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Not yet verified: license fee, required hours, exam, continuing education — see the official agency.