Apply for a Liquor License
Portal status information is found here.
More information and user guides are available on the Portal Resources page.
If your business includes the importation, manufacture, distribution, or sale of alcohol in Washington State, you must have a liquor license.
If you are new to the licensing process, please view our Starter’s Guide. It will take you step-by-step through the process of getting a liquor license in the State of Washington. Click here to view the Starter’s Guide.
If you have applied for a license before or need quick access to our resources, review the brief overview below on how to submit your application.
When to Apply
Apply for a liquor license about 90 days before your planned opening date. If you apply too far in advance, we may withdraw the application, and you will be encouraged to apply closer to your opening date. If you are applying for a non-retail liquor license, you must get an approved TTB Federal Permit (information below) before applying.
Two Categories of Liquor Licenses
- Retail (restaurants, theaters, nightclubs, grocery stores, etc.)
- Non-retail (wineries, breweries, distributors, out of state licenses, etc.).
Some liquor license types allow for added activities. You can find more information on those activities here.
Not finding a liquor license that fits your business?
Alcohol permits cover a wide variety of activities and can be issued to both businesses and private citizens. You can find a list of permits and application instructions here.
How to Apply for a License
You can apply online through Business Licensing Services (BLS). Go to the liquor licenses section to complete your application.
You also need to complete this Alcohol Dealer Registration form and mail it to the U.S. Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) at the address on the form.
Note: If you are applying for a Spirits Retailer liquor license and intend to sell to on-premises liquor retailers for resale at their licensed premises, or for a Wine Retailer/Reseller Endorsement, you also need a federal Basic Permit under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act. This allows you to purchase product for resale at wholesale prices, and a permit is required for each location where you plan to sell to another retailer. Please post this permit on your premises with your other licenses.
The LCB expanded its online Portal to allow current liquor licensees to request many changes to their license (e.g. added endorsements, alteration requests, etc.), see their application status, or submit documents for pending applications, and pay license fees owed online with a credit or debit card.
Temporary Licenses
Based on industry request, we revisited a past practice on the ability to issue a temporary liquor license. Temporary licenses are valid for up to 30 days and are only available for retail liquor licenses in unique situations for example a business being able to continue operations while their application is in process. Other than distributors, non-retail applications such as breweries, wineries and distilleries do not qualify.
To qualify, you must meet all the licensing requirements below:
- Cleared background checks
- Approved floor and operating plans
- Preliminary documents showing right to real and business property
- Approval from the local government authority
If you have a pending application and want to get a temporary license, work with your assigned Licensing Specialist who will determine if your application qualifies and if requirements have been met.