Renew a liquor license

The Colorado State Liquor Enforcement Division will notify the licensee 90 days before the expiration of an existing license by first-class mail at the business' last-known address.

Online form application

Step 1.Before you apply

You can renew a license as early as 90 days before it expires. The Department will try to remind license holders of the approaching deadline to the email provided at application. Failure of a reminder does not excuse any applicable late penalty.

Step 2.Find your state license number

State license number

Step 3.Pay state renewal fees

Receipt of payment of state fees will need to be uploaded. This link will help take you to where you can pay the state fees.

Step 4.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below.

Important notes to keep in mind about your documents:

  • All materials must be digital files saved as a .pdf or .jpg. Do not include any other file types. The Department of Excise and Licenses cannot accept other file types.
  • Use numbers or letters but not characters such as symbols (/ ? < > \ : * | “ ^) or spaces that could cause complications.
    • For example:
      • Good filename: drivers-license-name-2022.pdf
      • Bad filename: last name/ id.pdf
  • In some cases, you might need to combine documents and upload them in a single .pdf. You can use a free, online tool to merge documents into a single file. 
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (such as a lease) must be included in the application.
  • All materials must be legible. 
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 5.Submit an application

To submit your renewal application, please go to this renewal online application, fill it out and submit online.

Please make sure that you have all of your required documents and information ready when you start your application. If you need to gather the information during the application process you can "Save" and resume the application at a later date.

After applying, you will receive an invoice to pay fees. You cannot pay fees until you have received an invoice. Visit the online payment process page or watch the "How to pay online" video for more information.

  • Make sure that you have a bank account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card to pay online. 

For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311.

Step 6.City application review and next steps

Excise and Licenses tries to conduct an initial review of a complete application within seven business days. The review process might take longer if it is incomplete or requires police review (if applicable).

  • All application related communications will be sent through email, from EXLNotifications@denvergov.org. Do not respond to these emails as this inbox is not monitored.
  • If the application is incomplete, the applicant will receive a "notice of deficiency" email. This allows 14 days for corrections. License endorsement requests and incidents on a background check need police review.
  • All applications will be closed if they are not completed within 12 months.

Step 7.License issuance

After all the steps below are complete, email licenses@denvergov.org to let the Department know you want your license emailed. Include the business file number (BFN), and the name and address of the business.

  1. All required documents are complete and submitted (if applicable).
  2. Fees are paid in full.
  3. All required inspections are passed (if applicable).

The licensee should read "Once you have your license" below and follow the requirements.

Mail application

Step 1.Before you apply

You can renew a license as early as 90 days before it expires. The Department will try to remind license holders of the approaching deadline to the email provided at application. Failure of a reminder does not excuse any applicable late penalty.

Step 2.Find your state license number

State license number

Step 3.Pay state renewal fees

Receipt of payment of state fees will need to be uploaded. This link will help take you to where you can pay the state fees.

Step 4.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below. 

Remember:  
  • All materials must be printed and legible. 
  • Do not use staples in the documents.
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (like a lease) must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.
 

Step 5.Submit an application

Applicants can mail their application with fees to:
City and County of Denver
Department of Excise and Licenses
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 206
Denver, CO 80202
  • Make checks payable to: Manager of Finance
  • Include a current email address in case the Department needs to reach out with questions.
  • If renewing, include your business file number.
For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311.

Step 6.City application review and next steps

Excise and Licenses tries to conduct an initial review of a complete application within seven business days. The review process might take longer if it is incomplete or requires police review (if applicable).

  • All application related communications will be sent through email, from EXLNotifications@denvergov.org. Do not respond to these emails as this inbox is not monitored.
  • If the application is incomplete, the applicant will receive a "notice of deficiency" email. This allows 14 days for corrections. License endorsement requests and incidents on a background check need police review.
  • All applications will be closed if they are not completed within 12 months.

Step 7.License issuance

After all the steps below are complete, email licenses@denvergov.org to let the Department know you want your license emailed. Include the business file number (BFN), and the name and address of the business.

  1. All required documents are complete and submitted (if applicable).
  2. Fees are paid in full.
  3. All required inspections are passed (if applicable).

The licensee should read "Once you have your license" below and follow the requirements.

Apply in person

Step 1.Before you apply

You can renew a license as early as 90 days before it expires. The Department will try to remind license holders of the approaching deadline to the email provided at application. Failure of a reminder does not excuse any applicable late penalty.

Step 2.Find your state license number

State license number

Step 3.Pay state renewal fees

Receipt of payment of state fees will need to be uploaded. This link will help take you to where you can pay the state fees.

Step 4.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below. 

Remember:  
  • All materials must be printed and legible. 
  • Do not use staples in the documents.
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (like a lease) must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.
 

Step 5.Submit an application

Applicants can come to the office to submit their documents in person. Customers seeking in-person customer service should make an appointment. To make an appointment, visit the appointments website. The Excise and Licenses office is at 201 W Colfax Ave., on the second floor of the Wellington Webb Municipal Building. 
 
Customers can pay their fees after they receive an invoice. Visit the online payments process page for more information.
  • Make sure that you have a bank account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card to pay online. 
Applicants are encouraged to pay their fees online, but in-person payments are available. After receiving an invoice, customers can go to the Community Planning and Development cashier counter on the second floor of the Wellington Webb Municipal Building. Cashiers are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
  • Cash, checks (payable to “Manager of Finance”), Visa, Mastercard, and Discover card are all accepted.
For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311.
 

Step 6.City application review and next steps

Excise and Licenses tries to conduct an initial review of a complete application within seven business days. The review process might take longer if it is incomplete or requires police review (if applicable).

  • All application related communications will be sent through email, from EXLNotifications@denvergov.org. Do not respond to these emails as this inbox is not monitored.
  • If the application is incomplete, the applicant will receive a "notice of deficiency" email. This allows 14 days for corrections. License endorsement requests and incidents on a background check need police review.
  • All applications will be closed if they are not completed within 12 months.

Step 7.License issuance

After all the steps below are complete, email licenses@denvergov.org to let the Department know you want your license emailed. Include the business file number (BFN), and the name and address of the business.

  1. All required documents are complete and submitted (if applicable).
  2. Fees are paid in full.
  3. All required inspections are passed (if applicable).

The licensee should read "Once you have your license" below and follow the requirements.

Application forms and business entity documents are required for the applications process.

Licenses must be renewed on or before the expiration date to avoid penalty fees.

90-day grace period

  • There is a 90-day grace period from the expiration date during which licenses can be renewed by paying the license fee and a penalty fee.
  • Late application fee: $500 made payable to the Manager of Finance
  • A licensee who has filed a late renewal application and paid the requisite fees can continue to sell alcohol until the state and city have approved the renewal application and the licenses are issued.

Expired licenses

  • If the liquor license is expired, the licensee must stop the sale of all alcohol.
  • The Department of Excise and Licenses can determine a valid basis exists to conduct a public hearing on an application to renew a liquor or beer license. 
  • Procedures will be followed regarding posting, publication, and notification of the public hearing.
  • An area is designated around the location where residents and business owners/mangers can sign petitions and testify.
  • The licensee must post a sign on the premises with notice of the hearing for at least 20 days before the hearing.  Upon written request of a relevant registered neighborhood organization, the posting will be extended and the hearing rescheduled, for an additional 25 days.
    • The posting sign must:
      • Be white, sturdy, and measure 22 inches wide by 26 inches high with letters not less than 1 inch high.
      • Show the type of license to be renewed, the date and time of the hearing, the name and address of the licensee and any partners or officers of the licensee.
      • Be posted in a conspicuous place so it is plainly visible and legible.
      • Content to be included on the posting sign will be established by the Department of Excise and Licenses.
    • A licensee who has timely submitted a renewal application can continue to sell alcohol pending the outcome of the renewal hearing even if the license has expired.
    • Failure to post correctly will result in the public hearing being postponed.  If the hearing is postponed for this reason, the licensee will not be allowed to sell alcohol until the Department has issued a ruling on the renewal.
  • The city bears the burden of proof in a renewal hearing.
  • Presentation of evidence at the hearing will be limited to allegations concerning good cause for non-renewal.
  • Parties who can present evidence at a renewal hearing include:
    • The licensee or an attorney representing the licensee.
    • The Department of Excise and Licenses.
    • A representative of a registered neighborhood group whose boundaries encompass any portion of the designated area for the licensed location.
    • Residents and business owners/managers in the neighborhood.
  • Once the public hearing is held, the presiding hearing officer will issue a written recommended decision.
  • Applicant, any party in interest who testified at the hearing, and the City Attorney's Office will have 10 calendar days from the date of mailing the decision to file objections to the recommended decision.
  • The director of Excise and Licenses will issue a final decision.

Read more about public hearings.

Hours of operation

Office hours (Schedule an appointment)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Liquor office hours (Schedule an appointment)

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday

State statutes

Municipal Code

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