California ABC License Fee Estimator
Estimate your California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license application and annual renewal fees based on license type, county population tier, and business characteristics.
Formula
Grand Total = Application/Transfer Fee + Annual License Fee + Occupancy Surcharge + Production Surcharge + State Surcharge + Fingerprint Fees
- Application Fee = Base app fee (new) or Base app fee × 50% (transfer); $0 for renewal
- Annual License Fee = Base annual fee × County Population Multiplier (1.0× – 3.0×)
- Occupancy Surcharge = max(0, Capacity − 50) × $1.50/seat (on-sale licenses only)
- Production Surcharge = max(0, Volume − threshold) × rate/unit (manufacturer licenses only)
- State Surcharge = Annual License Fee × 10%
- Fingerprint Fee = $86 × number of principals (DOJ $32 + FBI $17 + Live Scan service ~$37)
Assumptions & References
- Base application and annual fees sourced from the CA ABC Fee Schedule (2024) — abc.ca.gov/licensing/license-fees
- County population multipliers (1.0× – 3.0×) reflect the ABC's tiered fee structure under Business & Professions Code §23320, which scales fees by county population.
- Fees are subject to change. Always verify current fees directly with the CA ABC at abc.ca.gov or call 1-800-858-0715.