Securing your liquor license can feel like scaling a mountain of paperwork and regulations, but what happens when it’s time for renewal?
Don’t let all that initial effort to secure your license go to waste. Keep reading for a step-by-step approach on how to renew a liquor license, so you can continue serving your customers and keep your business running without interruptions.
Let’s get started.
First things first — liquor laws and regulations are state-specific, so the renewal process can look different based on your state, city, and county.
When in doubt, it’s always best to contact your local Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agency for specifics on alcohol production, sale, and distribution in your state.
Despite these variations, there are some general guidelines that can help business owners nationwide. Let’s explore these seven steps in more detail so you know what to expect when it’s time to renew your liquor license.
The specifics of how to renew a liquor license differ significantly state to state. A liquor retailer from California, for example, will have different prices and requirements than a business in Kentucky. Even regulations between cities and counties can vary greatly.
So, when considering how to renew a liquor license, your first step is to research the specific requirements for where your business operates.
Your primary point of contact and information source is your state’s ABC board or its equivalent agency. If you’re not sure where to start, the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau’s (TTB) website compiles all state-specific departments, plus a treasure trove of additional information, resources, and staff to contact for questions.
Investigate their resources to determine:
It’s important not to overlook any of these local additional requirements.
For example, California’s ABC has its own online system to manage licenses and renewals, whereas Texas uses the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS). Illinois requires specific tax identification numbers for renewal applications, and New York requires local board approval. Florida requires annual license renewals (usually by September 30th), in contrast to states like Pennsylvania that require you to apply at least 60 days before your license’s expiration.
These are just a few examples showing how varied the rules can be, so make contacting your state’s ABC the very first item on your renewal to-do list.
Related Read: ANSWERED: How Long Does It Take To Get a Liquor License?
Once you understand your state and local requirements for how to renew a liquor license, the next step is updating your calendar with all those important dates.
On average, businesses must renew their liquor license every one to three years. Missing deadlines can lead to penalties and business interruptions — a costly, time-consuming scenario you definitely don’t want to deal with.
Begin by noting the expiration date of your current liquor license, usually denoted on the license itself. Then, refer to the information you gathered from your state’s ABC board. What is the earliest date you can submit your renewal application?
Many states have specific windows, such as 30, 60, or even 90 days before expiration. Applying as early as permitted gives you a buffer for unforeseen issues or information requests.
Once you know the date you’ll need to submit your renewal application, implement a system of reminders so it doesn’t come up unexpectedly. Digital calendar alerts, recurring phone notifications, or even a physical note on your office wall can keep things more organized.
Pro tip: Consider setting multiple reminders at different intervals leading up to the submission deadline. For instance, you could set reminders at 90 days, 60 days, 30 days, and one week before the final date.
Pay close attention to any state-specific timelines you uncovered in step one. If your state, like Pennsylvania, mandates submitting your application a specific number of days in advance (e.g. 60 days), make that your primary deadline to work backward from. Proactive scheduling significantly increases your chances of a hassle-free renewal.
After marking your deadlines and understanding your state and local rules for how to renew a liquor license, you should prepare all the necessary paperwork.
Just like a chef’s “mise en place,” gathering all required documents and information beforehand will make your liquor license renewal process that much smoother.
Based on your research in step one, create a checklist of all required documents and information. Common items you might need to gather include:
When collecting all relevant documents, verify that they are all accurate and up to date — any incomplete or incorrect info can lead to delays in the processing of your renewal application.
Pro tip: Organize these materials in a secure folder or digital file for easy access when you begin filling out the renewal application in the next step.
Having these materials assembled in advance not only speeds up the application process, but also reduces the chances of last-minute scrambling and potential errors.
Now that you’ve gathered all your important documents, the next step to renew a liquor licence is tackling the actual renewal application itself.
Obtain the official renewal application form from your state’s ABC board. Unsurprisingly, each state’s renewal form includes its own requirements and renewal procedures, so make sure to read through thoroughly and pay attention to any specifics.
Usually, you can obtain the official renewal application form from your state’s ABC board, which may be available as a downloadable PDF on their website or accessible through an online licensing portal, like those used in California and Texas.
Related Read: How Much Does It Cost To Get a Liquor License?
Use the information and documents compiled back in step three to complete each section accurately. Follow all prompts carefully, and double-check names, addresses, license numbers, and all other identifying information against your official records.
If there have been any changes to your business structure, ownership, or contact information since your last application, make sure to reflect those updates clearly on your renewal form.
During step one, you should have identified the exact amount of your renewal fees and the acceptable methods of payment as specified by your state’s ABC board.
Renewal fees across the U.S. can range considerably, from a few hundred dollars to several thousands. In Texas, for example, a Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise renewal is about $60 every two years, but a Mixed Beverage Permit renewal costs $2,650 biennially.
Related Read: How To Get a Liquor License in Texas: 5 Simple Steps
In Florida, annual liquor license fees can range from as low as $25 for certain beer licenses in less populated counties to over $1,800 for specific full liquor licenses in larger counties. Some states also have surcharges or additional fees depending on specific license types or local regulations.
Make sure you understand the exact amount due and the acceptable payment methods well in advance of the deadline. Pay all fees promptly (online, check, or money order to the state agency) and keep proof of payment (confirmation email, check copy) for your records.
By now, you should have a good understanding of any city or county-specific rules for how to renew a liquor license that you uncovered in step one. Now, you need to take action on that knowledge.
Don’t assume that completing your state renewal is the finish line — your local government often has its own hoops to jump through, too.
Depending on your locality, this might involve:
These local requirements demand the same level of importance as your state requirements, so contact the relevant local departments early in the renewal process to understand their specific procedures and deadlines.
Failing to complete these local steps can cause significant delays or even prevent your state license from being fully renewed, leaving you unable to operate legally.
You’ve gathered your documents, filled out the application, paid your fees, and addressed any local requirements. The final step in renewing your liquor license is to submit everything correctly and securely.
Carefully review all completed forms and supporting documents one last time before submitting, making sure you’ve filled out all required fields, attached all necessary documentation, and properly signed and dated the application.
Additionally, keep copies of everything you submit, including the completed application itself, all attachments, and proof of payment. This documentation serves as your record if any questions or issues arise during processing.
Every business selling alcoholic beverages has to renew their license at some point, and the state-specific variations can naturally cause confusion. But with the right preparation and attention to detail, you can learn how to renew a liquor license in your municipality and keep your business running smoothly.
For additional guidance on opening and running a liquor store, download our free, comprehensive Guide to Opening a Liquor Store for more tips to set you up for success.