U.S. ALCOHOL LICENSING • STATE RECORD SEARCH
ABC License Lookup: Find Official State Alcohol License Records
Need to verify a liquor license for a restaurant, bar, liquor store, hotel, brewery, or another alcohol business? Start with the licensing authority in the state where the business operates.
This guide explains how to find the correct ABC license lookup, search by license number or business name, understand the result, and check whether the business has the privileges it needs.
How to Look Up an ABC License
Quick answer: Choose the state where the alcohol business is located, open its official alcohol licensing search, enter the license number or business details, and review the returned record. Confirm the legal licensee, business address, license class, current status, expiration date, and applicable restrictions.
There is no single nationwide ABC license database covering every U.S. state. California uses the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Texas uses the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, New York uses the State Liquor Authority, and Pennsylvania uses the Liquor Control Board. Other states operate different systems.
FOR CUSTOMERS
Verify a Business
Determine whether a restaurant, bar, package store, or other establishment appears in the issuing authority’s licensing records.
FOR BUSINESS OWNERS
Check License Status
Review license information before renewal, relocation, ownership changes, or questions about an existing permit.
FOR COMPLIANCE
Confirm Privileges
Check whether the license covers the correct premises and activities, rather than relying solely on an active status label.
ABC License Lookup by State: Official Alcohol Licensing Portals
Find the licensing authority for your state below. Some links lead directly to a public lookup; others lead to an official licensing page where the search, reports, or public records options are available.
California
Agency: California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
The official License Lookup supports searches by license number, licensee name, business name (DBA), and business address. California also offers license reports for cities, counties, ZIP codes, and statewide searches.
Texas
Agency: Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
TABC Public Inquiry provides information about pending, active, and inactive licenses and permits, along with license numbers, location reports, complaints, and administrative violations.
Florida
Agency: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco.
Use Florida’s licensee search and choose the appropriate licensing category. Search options include business name, license number, and available geographic filters.
New York
Agency: New York State Liquor Authority.
New York provides an official active-license dataset, while the Liquor Authority Mapping Project (LAMP) helps users locate licensing information by business and location.
New Jersey
Agency: New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
New Jersey uses the POSSE Online Licensing System for licensing activities. Availability of public searches and access requirements may differ from a general business-license directory.
Pennsylvania
Agency: Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
PLCB+ supports public searches of retail and wholesale liquor licenses and permits. The state’s licensing guidance distinguishes new licenses from ownership transfers and location transfers.
Virginia
Agency: Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority.
Virginia provides a public licensee search and a downloadable licensee file. Retail, industry, banquet, and other alcohol privileges have different licensing requirements.
Georgia
Agency: Georgia Department of Revenue.
Georgia handles state alcoholic-beverage licensing through its revenue and alcohol-tax systems. Local government approval may also be relevant, especially for retail businesses.
Ohio
Agency: Ohio Division of Liquor Control.
Ohio’s OPAL system provides liquor permit information and licensing-related public reports. Use the official portal to review available records and permit classes.
Washington
Agency: Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Washington liquor licensing may appear through the state’s business-license records and liquor endorsements. Follow the LCB’s instructions to identify the relevant record.
Arizona
Agency: Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.
Arizona offers a state liquor-license lookup with search criteria and special reports. Review the available filters to find a business or licensed location.
Illinois
Agency: Illinois Liquor Control Commission.
Illinois provides an official liquor-license lookup resource. State licensing should be considered separately from local liquor-control requirements.
How to Search an ABC License by Number, Name, or Address
These steps cover the usual public lookup process. Individual states may use different search screens, abbreviations, or record formats.
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Identify the correct state
Choose the jurisdiction where alcohol is being sold, served, manufactured, or distributed. For a chain restaurant or multi-location retailer, use the exact physical location you want to verify.
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Open the official licensing portal
Choose the state’s alcohol-control agency rather than a general business-license or professional-license website. Look for a feature named License Lookup, Public Inquiry, Search Licensees, or Public Reports.
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Enter the license or permit number
A complete, accurate license number is often the quickest option. Enter it in the required format. California’s license-number lookup, for example, specifies the last six digits for its search field.
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Try business name or DBA when the number is unknown
Search the public business name, then the legal licensee name if necessary. DBA means “doing business as.” A restaurant operating as Harbor Grill, for example, might be licensed under an LLC with a different legal name.
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Confirm the exact premises
Compare the street number, unit, city, and other address details. A corporate mailing address or the address of a related branch may not be the licensed premises.
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Check the class, status, and dates
Review the authorized alcohol activities, current status, effective date, expiration date, and restrictions. Do not assume that any active license authorizes every type of alcohol sale.
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Document your verification
Record the issuing agency, date checked, license number, legal name, business address, license type, status, and any relevant conditions. Obtain official confirmation when an important legal or commercial decision depends on the result.
Understanding an ABC License Search Result
Finding a matching business name does not automatically establish that the company holds the correct alcohol license. Several fields should be reviewed together.
| Record field | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| License number | Identifier assigned by the licensing authority. | Compare the number with the license document or information provided by the business. |
| Legal licensee | Person, company, or other entity holding the authorization. | Confirm the licensee matches the actual operator. |
| DBA or trade name | Public-facing name used by the establishment. | Compare both the DBA and legal company name. |
| Premises address | Business location associated with the authorization. | Verify the street address, city, and exact branch. |
| License type | Category defining permitted alcohol activities. | Determine whether the establishment may serve, sell, manufacture, or distribute the intended products. |
| Status | Current administrative standing of the license. | Look for active, pending, expired, suspended, inactive, or other state-specific terms. |
| Expiration date | End date of the listed licensing term. | Review any renewal or continuation information. |
| Conditions | Restrictions or special requirements attached to authorization. | Determine whether any condition limits the intended activity. |
Different Types of ABC and Liquor Licenses
State alcohol regulators issue different categories of licenses because alcohol businesses perform different activities. License classifications, beverage limits, and privileges vary by jurisdiction.
ON-PREMISES
Restaurant Liquor License
Generally covers alcoholic beverages sold for consumption at an approved restaurant location. Some categories authorize beer and wine, while others also cover distilled spirits.
ON-PREMISES
Bar or Tavern License
Typically relates to service of alcohol at bars or taverns. The exact category can determine permitted beverages, food-service requirements, and other operating conditions.
OFF-PREMISES
Liquor Store License
Commonly authorizes retail alcohol sales intended for consumption away from the premises. Beer, wine, and spirits permissions depend on the license class.
MANUFACTURING
Brewery or Winery License
Manufacturers may need specific state permissions for producing beverages and additional permissions for tastings, direct sales, or distribution.
DISTRIBUTION
Wholesale Alcohol License
Used for activities involving distribution or wholesale transactions. It should not be confused with a restaurant or consumer-facing retail license.
TEMPORARY
Special Event Permit
Events, banquets, festivals, and certain nonprofit activities may require temporary permits. Review the approved location, event dates, and authorized activities.
California ABC License Type Examples
California assigns numeric types to many alcohol licenses. The following examples illustrate why the class code matters.
| California type | General classification | Common business use |
|---|---|---|
| Type 20 | Off-Sale Beer and Wine | Retail sale of beer and wine for consumption away from the store. |
| Type 21 | Off-Sale General | Retail sales of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for off-premises consumption. |
| Type 41 | On-Sale Beer and Wine — Eating Place | Beer and wine sales at a qualifying eating establishment, subject to the class’s requirements. |
| Type 47 | On-Sale General — Eating Place | Beer, wine, and distilled spirits at a qualifying eating establishment. |
These codes are California-specific examples, not national categories. Consult the relevant state’s official license-type descriptions when interpreting another jurisdiction’s record.
ABC License Status: Active, Pending, Expired, or Suspended
State databases can include both current and historical license records. A search result should be interpreted using the regulator’s exact status definitions.
| Status | General meaning | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Active | The license appears currently issued and effective. | Confirm the premises, license class, conditions, and dates. |
| Pending | An application or requested change is awaiting further action. | Do not assume operating authority exists simply because an application was filed. |
| Expired | The displayed license term has ended. | Check current renewal rules and any authorized continuation. |
| Suspended | The authority has imposed a temporary restriction on the license. | Review the official suspension order and effective period. |
| Revoked | The regulator has terminated the authorization. | Do not treat the record as permission for ongoing alcohol sales. |
| Inactive or surrendered | The license may no longer be in normal operation. | Determine whether any privileges remain through the issuing agency. |
How to Check a Pending ABC License Application
Pending applications are important when a restaurant is preparing to open, a business is changing ownership, or a buyer is purchasing an existing alcohol-licensed establishment.
Some states publish application details directly in their licensing search or licensing reports. California ABC, for example, provides public licensing resources covering applications, issued licenses, and status changes.
Information to check before approval
- Applicant’s legal name and DBA.
- Proposed licensed premises.
- Application or tracking number.
- Requested alcohol license type.
- Current application stage.
- Required local approvals.
- Public notice or hearing information, where applicable.
Information to confirm after approval
- Issued license number.
- Current license status.
- Approved premises address.
- Effective and expiration dates.
- Permitted alcohol activities.
- License conditions and restrictions.
- Any additional permits required locally.
ABC License Lookup Fees, Renewals, and Transfers
Looking up a public alcohol license record is different from applying for a new license, transferring ownership, or renewing an existing authorization.
Many agencies allow the public to inspect license information without a search fee. Applications, renewals, records requests, and license transfers may involve separate charges.
| Service | Important consideration | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Public license lookup | Often available without a lookup charge; access and search functions vary. | Use the official public-search option. |
| New alcohol license | Fees and qualification rules depend on jurisdiction and license type. | Review the current agency application and fee schedule. |
| Renewal | License terms, payment dates, and continuation rules differ. | Check the renewal notice and official licensing account. |
| Ownership transfer | A buyer may need regulatory approval before using the seller’s license. | Review person-to-person transfer requirements. |
| Location transfer | A license may not automatically authorize a different address. | Review place-to-place transfer rules and local approvals. |
| Certified records | Official copies, certification, or records processing may involve charges. | Request the appropriate document through the issuing agency. |
Why License Transfer Rules Matter
Buying a bar or restaurant does not necessarily mean the buyer can immediately operate under the seller’s alcohol license. The licensing authority may need to approve the new owner, the premises, or both.
Pennsylvania’s Liquor Control Board distinguishes person-to-person transfers, place-to-place transfers, and double transfers involving both ownership and location. Other states use different systems, so the applicable regulator’s instructions control.
ABC License Lookup Not Working? Common Problems and Solutions
If an alcohol license search returns no result or confusing information, check the following issues before assuming a business is unlicensed.
| Problem | Possible reason | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Business not found | The license is under a different legal name. | Try the DBA, LLC name, address, or license number. |
| Too many matches | Search terms are too broad. | Add the city, ZIP code, street address, or license type. |
| Recently approved license missing | Public records have not yet been updated. | Check the portal’s update information or contact the regulator. |
| Wrong location | The record belongs to another branch or reflects a mailing address. | Compare the actual licensed premises address. |
| Expired license displayed | Historical records remain visible or a renewal is unresolved. | Review renewal status and ask the authority about current authorization. |
| Login required | The page is designed for applications or license management. | Look for Public Inquiry, Public Search, or Search Licenses. |
| Violation details unavailable | The public lookup does not display full enforcement records. | Check the regulator’s enforcement reports or public-records process. |
| State license active but local permission unclear | Local authorization is recorded separately. | Check city or county requirements with the appropriate local authority. |
Searching by Address
If a business name is unknown, an address search can be useful. California specifically supports looking up a licensed location by business address and city.
Use the business’s operating address, not simply the corporate headquarters. If an exact address produces no result, try another available search method before concluding that no alcohol license exists.
Searching for Violations or Disciplinary Actions
Some licensing authorities publish administrative violations, suspensions, complaints, or enforcement actions. Texas TABC Public Inquiry, for example, provides searches involving administrative violations and public complaints.
A clean or incomplete public search result does not necessarily mean no complaint has ever been made. For a more complete history, check the agency’s official enforcement records or public-records request procedure.
State Alcohol License vs. Local City or County Permit
In some jurisdictions, permission to operate an alcohol business involves more than a state ABC license. A city, county, or other local authority may have additional requirements.
What a state alcohol record may establish
- Identity of the state license holder.
- State license or permit number.
- Authorized alcohol license category.
- Associated premises address.
- Current state license status.
- Relevant conditions or administrative actions.
What may require separate verification
- Local alcohol permit or approval.
- General business license.
- Zoning or land-use authorization.
- Building, occupancy, or fire approvals.
- Food-service or health permits.
- Special-event or outdoor service permissions.
Local requirements should be checked before opening, purchasing, relocating, or substantially changing a licensed establishment. A current state license does not automatically establish compliance with every separate local rule.
How to Document an ABC License Verification
For business purchases, leasing, insurance, suppliers, employment, or internal compliance reviews, record the actual information obtained from the issuing authority.
Recommended verification checklist
- Official licensing agency.
- Date the record was checked.
- License or permit number.
- Legal licensee name.
- DBA or public business name.
- Complete licensed premises address.
- License type and authorized activities.
- Current status and expiration date.
- Conditions or enforcement information.
Information that is not sufficient by itself
- A business’s own statement that it is licensed.
- An outdated image of a liquor license.
- A Secretary of State business registration.
- An ordinary sales-tax registration.
- A license issued to another premises.
- A pending application without operating authority.
- A seller’s license before transfer approval.
Official Sources for ABC License Search and Licensing Requirements
The following official resources are useful for checking license records, understanding license types, or reviewing applications and enforcement information.
California ABC License Lookup
Search by license number, business name, licensee, or address, including location-based license reports.
California ABC License Types
Review the state’s official descriptions of license classes, including Type 20, Type 21, Type 41, and Type 47.
California Licensing Reports
Review available reports on licensing activity, existing licenses, and geographic license information.
Texas TABC Public Inquiry
Search license holders, status, permit types, locations, administrative violations, and public complaints.
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
Search retail and wholesale liquor licenses and permits through the official PLCB+ system.
Virginia ABC
Search Virginia licensees, review available license records, or access a downloadable licensee file.
Florida DBPR
Search official license records, including available alcoholic-beverage licensing categories.
Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control
Search for liquor licenses using the state’s official license lookup and special reports.
New York State Liquor Authority
Access the state’s published active alcohol license records.
ABC License Lookup: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one ABC license lookup for all U.S. states?
No. Alcohol licensing is administered by different state agencies and sometimes local authorities. Use the official agency for the state where the business operates.
Can I search an alcohol license by business name?
Yes. Many state systems support searches using a business name or DBA. If there is no match, try the legal entity name, license number, or licensed premises address.
How do I look up a California ABC license?
Open the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control License Lookup and search by license number, licensee name, business name, or address. California also provides geographic licensing reports.
Can I check a Texas TABC license online?
Yes. Texas TABC Public Inquiry provides information about pending, active, and inactive licenses and permits, as well as additional public information about licensees.
What does an active liquor license mean?
It generally indicates that the licensing authority lists the authorization as currently effective. You should also check the licensed premises, permit class, expiration date, conditions, and applicable local requirements.
Can alcohol be sold while an ABC application is pending?
A pending application alone does not establish permission to sell alcohol. An issued license or another valid authorization recognized by the jurisdiction is required.
Is an ABC license lookup free?
Many state agencies offer public license searches without a search fee. Charges may apply for certified records, new applications, renewals, transfers, and other licensing services.
Why is a business missing from the ABC license search?
The license may use a different legal name, DBA, address, or number. The record may also be inactive or not yet published. Try another search method and contact the issuing agency when necessary.
Can I check liquor license violations or suspensions?
Some state systems publish disciplinary or violation information. Texas TABC offers public inquiry features involving administrative violations and complaints. Other agencies may require a separate enforcement search or public-records request.
Does a state liquor license replace a city alcohol permit?
Not always. Certain cities and counties have separate alcohol licensing, business licensing, zoning, or operating requirements. Confirm local obligations with the applicable authority.
Find the Correct State Alcohol License Record
For a reliable ABC license lookup, start with the official alcohol regulator in the state where the business operates. Search using the license number or business details, match the exact premises, confirm the license type and current status, and review any conditions or local requirements.
The key is not simply finding a license number. It is confirming that the right business holds the right authorization for the right location and activity.