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California liquor license cost

Resale price is set by county scarcity, not the state fee. The annual ABC application fee for a general license (when a county is under quota or in the priority drawing) is roughly $15,000–$17,000 — a fraction of the open-market resale price in a built-out county.

LicenseTypeTypical costNotes
Type 47On-Sale General — Eating Place$60k–$500k resale (county-dependent)The license everyone means by 'restaurant liquor license.' Quota-limited → resale market.
Type 48On-Sale General — Public Premises$80k–$450k resaleQuota-limited. Most expensive in coastal metros.
Type 21Off-Sale General$40k–$350k resaleQuota-limited off-sale.
Type 41On-Sale Beer & Wine — Eating Place~$1,000–$3,000 state fees (no resale needed)NOT quota-limited. Apply directly to ABC — do not buy on the open market.
Type 20Off-Sale Beer & Wine~$1,000 state fees (no resale needed)NOT quota-limited. Apply directly.

Figures are 2025–2026 market ranges and the agency's published fees; resale prices move. Confirm on the official registry.

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FAQ

Why are liquor licenses so expensive in California?

Because California caps the number of general licenses by population. Scarcity — not a state fee — sets the six-figure resale price.

What is the cheapest liquor license in California?

NOT quota-limited. Apply directly.