TABC License and Permit Types

Use this page to learn about the various licenses and permits we offer. Learn the do's and don'ts of each license or permit at the TABC Education Center.

Manufacturing

Authorizes the holder to manufacture malt beverages, import malt beverages from out of state, transport malt beverages from the place where the BW holder purchased them to the BW holder’s business, transfer malt beverages from the place of sale or distribution to the TABC-licensed or permitted purchaser, store malt beverages, and under certain conditions sell its malt beverages to consumers for on- or off-premise consumption.

Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

Brewer's License (BW) Forms

• Initial Application (Form L-IA)
• Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
• Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
  • Corporation (Form L-C)
  • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
  • Partnership (Form L-P)
  Winery Permit (G)

  Authorizes the manufacturing of wine. It includes the ability to transport alcoholic beverages from the place of purchase to the permit holder’s business and from the place of sale or distribution to the purchaser, store wine, sell to consumers for on- or off-premise consumption, conduct off-premise deliveries to consumers, and to conduct wine festivals (there will be an approval process G Permit holders must follow).

  Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

  Winery Permit (G) Forms

  • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
  • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
  • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
    • Corporation (Form L-C)
    • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
    • Partnership (Form L-P)
    Distiller's and Rectifier's Permit (D)

    Authorizes the holder to manufacture distilled spirits and to rectify, purify, refine, or mix distilled spirits and wines. Allows the distiller to contract with another distiller to conduct distilled spirit production activities at the other distiller’s premises. It includes the authority to transport alcoholic beverages from the place of purchase to the permit holder’s business and from the place of sale or distribution to the TABC-licensed or permitted purchaser, and to store the products produced by the permit holder. Under certain conditions, the holder can sell their alcoholic beverages to consumers for on- or off-premises consumption. It also includes the authority to conduct free tastings for consumers at a civic or distilled spirits festival, farmer’s market, celebration, or similar event (effective Sept. 1, 2023).

    Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

    Distiller’s and Rectifier’s Permit (D) Forms

    • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
    • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
    • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
      • Corporation (Form L-C)
      • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
      • Partnership (Form L-P)
      Out-Of-State Winery Direct Shipper's Permit (DS)

      Authorizes out-of-state wineries to ship wine directly to consumers.

      Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

      Out-Of-State Winery Direct Shipper’s Permit (DS) Form

      Nonresident Brewer’s License (BN)

      Authorizes out-of-state brewers to sell malt beverages to Texas-based TABC license holders that are authorized to import those beverages into Texas. It also authorizes transportation to those Texas importers. Authorized Texas importers of malt beverages hold a Brewer’s License (BW), General Distributor’s License (BB) or Branch Distributor’s License (BC).

      Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

      Nonresident Brewer’s License (BN) Forms

      • Nonresident Brewer's License Application (Form L-NRES)
      • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
        • Corporation (Form L-C)
        • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
        • Partnership (Form L-P)
        Nonresident Seller’s Permit (S)

        Authorizes the holder to sell and ship distilled spirits and wine to Texas-based TABC license or permit holders that are authorized to import those beverages into Texas. Authorized Texas importers of distilled spirits or wine include the holders of a:

        • Distiller’s and Rectifier’s Permit (D)
        • Winery Permit (G)
        • Wholesaler’s Permit (W)
        • General Class B Wholesaler’s Permit (X)

        Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

        Nonresident Seller’s Permit (S) Forms

        • Nonresident Seller’s Permit Application (Form L-NRES)
        • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
          • Corporation (Form L-C)
          • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
          • Partnership (Form L-P)

          Distribution

          General Distributor's License (BB)

          Authorizes the distribution of malt beverages. It includes the authority to import malt beverage products and transport products from the place of purchase to the permit holder’s business and from the place of sale or distribution to the purchaser. The license holder may also give malt beverage samples to license holders that are authorized to sell malt beverages at retail (effective Sept. 1, 2023).

          Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

          General Distributor’s License (BB) Forms

          • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
          • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
          • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
            • Corporation (Form L-C)
            • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
            • Partnership (Form L-P)
            Branch Distributor's License (BC)

            For holders of a General Distributor’s License (BB), it authorizes a general distributor to expand its distributing business to additional locations in any Texas county where the sale of malt beverages is legal.

            Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

            Branch Distributor's License (BC) Forms

            • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
            • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
            • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
              • Corporation (Form L-C)
              • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
              • Partnership (Form L-P)
              Wholesaler's Permit (W)

              Authorizes the distribution of distilled spirits and wine. It includes the authority to import distilled spirits and wine, transport products from the place of purchase to the permit holder’s business and from the place of sale or distribution to the purchaser, and to store products. The permit holder may also give liquor samples to permit holders that are authorized to sell liquor at retail.

              Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

              Wholesaler’s Permit (W) Forms

              • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
              • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
              • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                • Corporation (Form L-C)
                • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                • Partnership (Form L-P)
                General Class B Wholesaler’s Permit (X)

                Authorizes the distribution of wine. It includes the authority to import wine, transport wine products from the place of purchase to the permit holder’s business and from the place of sale or distribution to the purchaser, and to store the products.

                Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                General Class B Wholesaler’s Permit (X) Forms

                • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
                • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                  • Corporation (Form L-C)
                  • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                  • Partnership (Form L-P)

                  Retail

                  Mixed Beverage Permit (MB)

                  Authorizes the sale of distilled spirits, wine and malt beverages for on-premise consumption. It includes authority to transport alcoholic beverages from the place of purchase to the MB’s licensed premises, provide guestroom minibars (hotels), and hold events at a temporary location away from the primary MB premises (there will be an approval process MB Permit holders must follow).

                  Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                  Mixed Beverage Permit (MB) Forms

                  • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
                  • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                  • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                    • Corporation (Form L-C)
                    • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                    • Partnership (Form L-P)
                    Mixed Beverage Permit with Food and Beverage Certificate Required

                    See the Mixed Beverage Permit (MB) and Food and Beverage Certificate (FB) for descriptions of the authorities. In certain circumstances, Mixed Beverage Permit holder must have a Food and Beverage Certificate. The MB Permit With FB Required is a designation that notes this requirement.

                    Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                    Mixed Beverage Permit (MB) With Food and Beverage Certificate (FB) Forms

                    • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
                    • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                    • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                      • Corporation (Form L-C)
                      • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                      • Partnership (Form L-P)
                      Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit (BG)

                      Authorizes the sale of wine and malt beverages for on- and off- premise consumption. It also includes authority to hold events at a temporary location away from the primary BG premises (there will be an approval process BG Permit holders must follow).

                      Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                      Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit (BG) Forms

                      • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
                      • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                      • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                        • Corporation (Form L-C)
                        • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                        • Partnership (Form L-P)
                        Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit (BQ)

                        Authorizes the sale of malt beverages and wine for off-premise consumption.

                        Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                        Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit (BQ) Forms

                        • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
                        • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                        • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                          • Corporation (Form L-C)
                          • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                          • Partnership (Form L-P)
                          Retail Dealer's On-Premise License (BE)

                          Authorizes the sale of malt beverages for on-premise consumption. *Grandfathered BEs in beer-only local option areas can sell malt beverages of up to 5% alcohol by volume. It includes authority to hold events at a temporary location away from the primary BE premises (there will be an approval process BE License holders must follow).Allows the holder to sell beer for consumption on or off the premises where sold in a lawful container to the ultimate consumer. Holder can’t sell the beer for resale. The license requires an adequate seating area for customers.

                          Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                          Retailer’s On-Premise License (BE) Forms

                          • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
                          • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                          • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                            • Corporation (Form L-C)
                            • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                            • Partnership (Form L-P)
                            Retail Dealer's Off-Premise License (BF)

                            Authorizes the sale of malt beverages for off-premise consumption. *Grandfathered BFs in beer-only local option areas can sell malt beverages of up to 5% alcohol by volume.

                            Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                            Retailer’s Off-Premise License (BF) Forms

                            • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
                            • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                            • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                              • Corporation (Form L-C)
                              • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                              • Partnership (Form L-P)
                              Private Club Registration Permit (N)

                              Authorizes the storage and service of distilled spirits, wine and malt beverages for club members’ on-premise consumption, even in dry areas. It includes authority to transport alcoholic beverages from the place of purchase to the private club’s licensed premises and to hold events at a temporary location away from the primary N premises (there will be an approval process N Permit holders must follow).

                              Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                              Private Club Registration Permit (N) Forms

                              • Private Club Registration Permit Application
                              • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                              • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                                • Corporation (Form L-C)
                                • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                                • Partnership (Form L-P)
                                Private Club Malt Beverage and Wine Permit (NB)

                                Authorizes the storage and service of malt beverages and wine for club members’ on-premise consumption, even in dry areas. It includes authority to transport alcoholic beverages from the place of purchase to the private club’s licensed premises and to hold events at a temporary location away from the primary NB premises (there will be an approval process NB Permit holders must follow).

                                Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                                Private Club Malt Beverage and Wine Permit (NB) Forms

                                • Private Club Registration Permit Application
                                • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                                • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                                  • Corporation (Form L-C)
                                  • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                                  • Partnership (Form L-P)
                                  Private Club Exemption Certificate (NE)

                                  Authorizes fraternal and veterans organizations to serve alcoholic beverages to the organization’s members and their guests. It includes authority to transport alcoholic beverages from the place of purchase to the private club’s licensed premises and to hold events at a temporary location away from the primary NE premises (there will be an approval process NE Permit holders must follow).

                                  Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                                  Private Club Exemption Certificate (NE) Forms

                                  • Private Club Registration Permit Application
                                  • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                                  • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                                    • Corporation (Form L-C)
                                    • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                                    • Partnership (Form L-P)
                                    Package Store Permit (P)

                                    Authorizes the sale of distilled spirits, wine and malt beverages to consumers for off-premise consumption. It includes authority for the package store to transport its inventory between its other licensed locations within the same county, to transport alcoholic beverage orders to its end-consumer customers (certain limitations apply), and to conduct product tastings on the package store premises.

                                    Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                                    Package Store Permit (P) Forms

                                    • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
                                    • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                                    • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                                      • Corporation (Form L-C)
                                      • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                                      • Partnership (Form L-P)
                                      Wine-Only Package Store Permit (Q)

                                      Authorizes the sale of malt beverages and wine to consumers for off-premise consumption. It includes authority for the Q Permit holder to transport its inventory between its other licensed locations within the same county, to transport alcoholic beverage orders to its end-consumer customers (certain limitations apply), and to conduct product tastings on the permitted premises.

                                      Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                                      Wine Only Package Store Permit (Q) Forms

                                      • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
                                      • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                                      • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                                        • Corporation (Form L-C)
                                        • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                                        • Partnership (Form L-P)
                                        Passenger Transportation Permit (TR)

                                        Authorizes airlines, buses, boats, and trains to sell and serve distilled spirits, wine and malt beverages for onboard consumption.

                                        Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                                        Passenger Transportation Permit (TR) Forms

                                        • Passenger Transportation Permit Application
                                        • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                                          • Corporation (Form L-C)
                                          • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                                          • Partnership (Form L-P)

                                          Other License and Permits

                                          Nonprofit Entity Temporary Event Permit (NT)

                                          Authorizes certain organizations to sell, serve and auction alcoholic beverages at a temporary event.

                                          Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                                          Nonprofit Entity Temporary Event Permit (NT) Form

                                          Consumer Delivery Permit (CD)

                                          Authorizes retailers and delivery companies, and their delivery drivers, to deliver alcoholic beverages sold by a retailer from the retailer’s premises to the ultimate consumer.

                                          Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                                          Consumer Delivery Permit (CD) Form

                                          Bonded Warehouse Permit (J/JD)

                                          Authorizes the holder to store distilled spirits and wine for producers and wholesalers.

                                          Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                                          Bonded Warehouse Permit (J/JD) Forms

                                          • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
                                          • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                                          • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                                            • Corporation (Form L-C)
                                            • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                                            • Partnership (Form L-P)
                                            Manufacturer's Agent's Warehousing Permit (AW)

                                            Authorizes the holder to store malt beverages imported from Mexico for export out of Texas.

                                            Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                                            Manufacturer’s Agent’s Warehousing Permit (AW) Form

                                            Carrier's Permit (C)

                                            Authorizes the holder to take possession of and deliver distilled spirits and wine from the sender to a pre-determined recipient. Carrier’s Permit may be issued to a water carrier, airline, railway, motor carrier registered under Chapter 643 of the Transportation Code, or a common carrier operating under a certificate issued by the Interstate Commerce Commission.

                                            Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                                            Carrier’s Permit (C) Form

                                            Promotional Permit (PR)

                                            Authorizes the holder to conduct product tastings on behalf of manufacturing tier licensees and permittees.

                                            Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                                            Promotional Permit (PR) Form

                                            Third-Party Local Cartage Permit (ET)

                                            Authorizes warehouses and transfer companies to transport and deliver distilled spirits and wine on behalf of other regulated businesses inside the corporate limits of any city or town in Texas.

                                            Or use each of the links below to complete your paper application. If you decide to submit a paper application instead of using AIMS, it will take considerably longer to obtain your license or permit.

                                            Third-Party Local Cartage Permit (ET) Forms

                                            • Initial Application (Form L-IA)
                                            • Required Certifications (Form L-CERT)
                                            • Business Entity Forms (L-C, L-LLC, L-P)
                                              • Corporation (Form L-C)
                                              • Limited Liability Corporation (Form L-LLC)
                                              • Partnership (Form L-P)

                                              Subordinate Licenses and Permits

                                              Brewer’s Self-Distribution License (SD)

                                              For holders of a Brewer’s License (BW) that meet certain production thresholds, it authorizes brewers to sell malt beverages that they produce to retailers, distributors and wholesalers who are authorized to sell malt beverages in Texas.

                                              Forwarding Center Authority (FC)

                                              For holders of a Brewer’s License (BW), Distiller’s and Rectifier’s Permit (D), Winery Permit (G), Nonresident Brewer’s License (BN), or Non-Resident Seller’s Permit (S). It authorizes a holder who is transporting alcoholic beverages into and around the state to temporarily hold the beverages in a regional forwarding center. The center must be located in an area that allows the sale of the type of alcoholic beverages (aka “wet”) temporarily held in the forwarding center. City and county certifications are required.

                                              Forwarding Center Authority (FC) Form

                                              Brewpub License (BP)

                                              For holders of a Mixed Beverage Permit (MB), Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit (BG), or Retail Dealer’s On-Premise License (BE). It authorizes a holder to brew, bottle, can, package, and label malt beverages. It authorizes the holder to sell the malt beverages it produces to ultimate consumers at the brewpub for on- or off-premise consumption.

                                              Food and Beverage Certificate (FB)

                                              For holders of a:

                                              • Mixed Beverage Permit (MB)
                                              • Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit (BG)
                                              • Retail Dealer’s On-Premise License (BE)
                                              • Private Club Registration Permit (N)
                                              • Private Club Malt Beverage and Wine Permit (NB)
                                              • Private Club Exemption Certificate (NE).

                                              To qualify for this certificate, a business must either be defined as a “restaurant” under the law or keep the business’s alcohol sales to 60% or less of its total sales, along with other requirements (see Senate Bill 911, 87R and TABC Rule 33.5)

                                              Late Hours Certificate (LH)

                                              For holders of a:

                                              • Mixed Beverage Permit (MB)
                                              • Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit (BG)
                                              • Retail Dealer’s On-Premise License (BE)
                                              • Private Club Registration Permits (N/NB/NE)
                                              • Private Club Malt Beverage and Wine Permit (NB)
                                              • Private Club Exemption Certificate (NE)

                                              It authorizes the holder to sell and/or serve between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m.

                                              Water Park Permit (WP)

                                              For holders of a Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit (BG) that operate a water park located primarily along the banks of the Comal River. If the holder has a WP at two or more water park locations, the holder may transport alcoholic beverages between the premises of all water parks for which the holder has a WP.

                                              Local Distributor's Permit (LP)

                                              For holders of a Package Store Permit (P), it authorizes holders to sell all types of alcoholic beverages to Mixed Beverage Permits (MB) and Private Club Registration Permits (N/NB/NE).

                                              Local Cartage Permit (E)

                                              Holders of a Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit (BG) may acquire a Local Cartage Permit (E), which authorizes them to deliver alcoholic beverage products to consumers that are within the same county as the BG Permit holder’s licensed premises — or if the BG Permit holder’s premises is within a city that crosses into an adjacent county, the retailer may deliver into that adjacent county up to 2 miles beyond the retailer’s city limits.

                                              A warehouse or transfer company may acquire a Local Cartage Permit (E), which authorizes them to transport alcoholic beverages for hire inside the corporate limits of any city or town within Texas, but not between cities or towns in Texas.