Bar permits and licenses, by state
A bar runs on its liquor license, but most states also make you serve real food, permit every bartender, and carry liquor liability insurance. Here is every credential you need to open and pour, broken down by state and city.
These federal credentials apply to every bar in the United States. State, county, and city requirements stack on top of them. Pick your state below to see what your state adds, then drill into your city for the local permits.
Federal requirements for bars
These apply nationwide, so they are the same in every state. Your state and local guides below cover everything that stacks on top.
Federal level
2 credentials
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
A nine-digit federal tax ID for your business. Required for businesses with employees, partnerships, and corporations to file payroll taxes and open bank accounts.
- Issued by
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Fee
- $0 (free)
- Renewal
- None (one-time)
- Processing
- Immediate online
Federal Alcohol Dealer Registration (TTB)
A retail bar that serves distilled spirits, beer, wine, or cider must register as a retail alcohol dealer with the TTB before opening. This is a federal registration, not a federal liquor permit. A retail-only bar does not need a federal Basic Permit, which applies to producers, importers, and wholesalers.
- Fee
- $0 (no fee; registration only)
- Renewal
- Update only when registration details change
- Processing
- Register before you commence business
Select a state
Each state guide covers the statewide credentials every bar needs, plus city-by-city specifics for the cities we cover.
Run a bar across more than one city?
Every jurisdiction has its own renewal calendar. CredentiAlert tracks them all in one dashboard so nothing slips.