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California liquor license — buyer guide
California is a quota state for full-liquor licenses, so a Type 47 or Type 48 in a built-out county is a tradeable asset, not a form you file. Beer/wine licenses (Type 41, Type 20) are not quota-limited and cost only state fees.
For sale
License types & resale prices
Open →How to buy
Step-by-step transfer
Open →Cost
Resale vs. state fee
Open →By county / market
- Los Angeles County — Largest market; Type 47 resale commonly $150k–$500k. CUP from the city/county is the gating step, not the license itself.
- San Diego County — Coastal demand keeps Type 47/48 in the $120k–$400k band; beach-area premises carry a premium.
- Orange County — High-demand suburban county; Type 47 commonly $150k–$450k.
- Kern County — Inland county — general-license resale is materially cheaper than the coast; check current ABC quota before buying.
- San Francisco County — Extreme scarcity; full-liquor licenses among the priciest in the state.