How to Get a Liquor License in Washington (2025)

If you’re planning to own a bar, run a restaurant that serves wine, or start a mobile cocktail cart in Washington State, there’s an exciting opportunity ahead. According to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, the state brought in over $244 million in total liquor revenues in 2023 alone, including fees, taxes, and markup from sales. That shows just how strong and steady the demand for alcohol service really is. 

But before that first pour, you’ll need to lock in your liquor license. It’s the first real step toward legally serving up what your customers will love.

Do you really need a liquor license in Washington?

Yes, you absolutely do. Washington requires anyone who manufactures, distributes, or sells alcohol to have a liquor license issued by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). That includes restaurants, bars, grocery stores, breweries, and even pop-up events serving alcohol.

Selling alcohol without a license isn’t just risky, but it’s illegal. And the penalties can be serious, from hefty fines to the shutdown of your entire operation.

List of common liquor license types in Washington State

If you’re trying to figure out which liquor license fits your business in Washington, you’re in the right place. The WSLCB offers a wide range of license types, each one made to support different kinds of businesses and setups. 

How to apply for a liquor license in Washington State

The application process can feel like a maze at first, but once you know the sequence, things get much more manageable. This guide walks you through every part of the application, giving you clear, helpful insight at every stage.

1. Choose your license type based on your business plan

Washington offers many types of liquor licenses, and choosing the right one is the foundation of the whole process. Don’t rush this part. Think about your business model. Are you opening a restaurant that wants to serve wine with dinner? Are you planning to host special events and provide full bar service? Maybe you’re launching a distillery or microbrewery with a tasting room. Each type of license has different privileges and responsibilities.

Spend some time on the WSLCB’s license directory. Read the license summaries and jot down a few that seem to align with your vision. If you’re stuck between two, it’s worth calling the WSLCB or consulting a licensing professional who can help you match your plans to the correct license.

2. Register your business and get your UBI number

Next up, you’ll need to register your business with the Washington Department of Revenue. This step gives you a Unified Business Identifier (UBI), essentially your business’s ID number across all state systems.

You’ll use this number in everything from your liquor license paperwork to your state taxes. Registering your business can be done online at dor.wa.gov, and you’ll get your UBI as soon as your application is processed. It’s a fast and essential step, so don’t skip it.

3. Apply for your liquor license

Once your UBI is in hand, it’s time to apply for your liquor license. Head over to the Washington Business Licensing Service (BLS) portal and start your application online. You’ll find a specific section for liquor licenses—just follow the steps and take your time. 

As you go through the application, make sure you have details ready about your business location, the license type you’re applying for, ownership information, and how you expect to sell or serve alcohol. Be precise. Errors or missing info can delay your approval.

Besides the state application, you’ll also need to complete a federal Alcohol Dealer Registration form. This form must be printed and mailed to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). 

You can access the form and instructions here: ttb.gov/alcohol/retail-liquors.

If you’re applying for a Spirits Retailer license and you want to sell to other licensed retailers (like restaurants or bars), or if you’re seeking a wine retailer/reseller endorsement, you’ll also need a federal basic permit under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act. This is what gives you permission to buy at wholesale prices and resell. And yes, you’ll need a separate permit for every business location that will be doing wholesale sales.

4. Prepare for background checks

Every owner or stakeholder with a 10% or greater ownership in your business will need to pass a criminal background check. The WSLCB reviews these to assess risk and ensure public safety.

Having a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you, especially for non-violent or older offenses. What’s more important is honesty. If you fail to disclose something and it turns up during the check, that’s when problems happen. Be transparent and provide any documents they ask for.

5. Post your public notice sign

Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a large, yellow sign from the WSLCB. This needs to be posted at your business address for at least 14 days. It lets your neighbors and community know that you’re applying for a liquor license and gives them a chance to provide feedback.

Put it somewhere clearly visible from the street or entrance. The clock doesn’t start ticking until it’s posted, so don’t leave this step sitting in a drawer. Local law enforcement may also stop by to check on it.

6. Prepare for inspections if needed

Depending on your license type and your setup, your business might require inspections from the health department, fire marshal, or building inspector.

If you’re running a restaurant or tasting room, make sure your food service areas are clean and compliant. If you’ve just renovated or built a new space, expect building code inspections. These inspections are all about safety and local compliance, so being well-prepared can speed things up significantly.

7. Pay your fees

Fees vary depending on the kind of license you applied for. A small café serving only beer and wine might owe just a few hundred dollars, while a large venue with full-service spirits could be looking at several thousand.

You can check the current fee structure here: Licensee List | Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. Be ready to pay when prompted as licenses won’t move forward until payment is received.

8. Local government review

Before the WSLCB finalizes your license, your city or county will likely conduct its own review. This can include zoning checks, fire codes, and public hearings. Some cities are quick and efficient, while others can take a bit longer.

If your area is known for being more cautious about liquor licenses, it’s a good idea to talk with city planning or permitting offices early. Ask if there are any additional forms or hearings you should expect.

What comes next after your liquor license is approved?

Getting your liquor license approved is a huge milestone, and you deserve a moment to celebrate. But now that you’ve crossed that big hurdle, what’s next? There’s still a bit of responsibility ahead, and how you handle it can make or break the smooth operation of your alcohol-serving business.

Keep your license active and renewed

Your liquor license isn’t a one-and-done deal. In Washington State, it’s valid for one year from the date of issuance. That means you’ll need to renew it annually to continue serving or selling alcohol legally. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) typically sends you a renewal notice about 45 days before your license expires. But don’t rely solely on that notice. It’s smart to add the expiration date to your calendar and set up a few reminders.

Many business owners use platforms like 7shifts or other digital tools to stay on top of renewal dates. These apps can track your license status, store scanned copies of permits, and help you manage compliance more efficiently. It’s an easy way to avoid fines, lapses, or accidental violations.

Maintain compliance year-round

Approval doesn’t mean you’re done with rules. You need to stay compliant with state laws, local ordinances, and health codes. That includes training your staff in responsible alcohol service, staying within your licensed hours, and making sure you don’t sell to minors. If you add a new service, like catering or online delivery, you may need an endorsement added to your existing license.

The WSLCB’s online portal makes it simple to request these changes. So if you expand your business, remodel your space, or want to offer a new service, you can often make those updates online. Just be proactive. Waiting too long could put you out of compliance

Train or re-train your team

After getting licensed, make sure your staff understands what it means. If they’re serving alcohol, they’ll likely need Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST). This isn’t a one-time thing either. MAST permits expire every five years, so it’s worth checking when your team’s permits are due for renewal.

You might also want to hold a short meeting or training session to review responsible service guidelines, how to manage difficult customer situations, and the proper way to check IDs. To keep your team’s certifications current and your training records in one place, use tools like 7shifts’ document storage feature. It lets you store your team’s service certifications and training materials securely online, so you’re always ready if regulators come calling. A well-trained and well-documented team keeps your business safe, professional, and fully compliant.

Ready to serve the Evergreen State?

Starting and running a business is enough of a juggling act already. If you want to avoid last-minute scrambles with paperwork or compliance checks, 7shifts can help you stay organized. It offers features like employee compliance training and secure document storage, which is perfect for keeping track of certifications like MAST permits and alcohol handling credentials for your entire team. Staying compliant is easier when everything’s in one place.

Getting your liquor license in Washington might take a bit of effort upfront, but it’s all worth it. Once it’s done, you’ll be pouring drinks, serving customers, and focusing on what you do best; running a great business.