When a business with a liquor license is purchased by a new owner, the liquor license must be transferred to the name of the new owner. The time frame for transfer varies from state to state, but generally needs to be completed before 180 days has passed since the new owner takes over a business. The liquor license transfer process is also slightly different from state to state, and business owners will need to do the research with their state licensing board for exact requirements.

Obtain a liquor license transfer form from your state’s liquor license department. Fill out the form with the information of the current owner and the new owner and all of the pertinent and required business information regarding the business entity requesting the liquor license transfer.

Specify why the liquor license transfer is occurring, from the sale of business or the transfer of title or the moving of a business from one location to another.

Mail or take the liquor license transfer application to your state’s licensing department. Pay the fee that your state requires for a liquor license transfer. Applications will be reviewed and the business applicants will be notified as to whether or not the application for transfer has been approved.

Tip

Temporary liquor licenses are available in your state upon request. Contact your liquor license department for further information.