How to Get a Liquor License in Wyoming: A Complete Guide for Bar Owners and Managers

Here’s what many don’t realize: the Wyoming Liquor Division doesn’t directly issue your license. Instead, your local city or county council handles approvals, while the state ensures compliance with key statutes. Costs range anywhere from $10 for a limited license to over $1,000 for transportation permits.

And if you're hiring bartenders, alcohol servers, or retail staff, they need to understand the law too. That’s where alcohol training certification comes in. For example, the Wyoming Alcohol Awareness Training is designed to help staff serve responsibly and protect your business from liability.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the types of licenses available, costs, how to apply, renewal tips, and the difference between licensing and alcohol certification—so you’re fully prepared to operate in Wyoming's regulated alcohol industry.

Unlike other states with centralized boards, Wyoming follows a decentralized model. Here’s what that means:

• Local Licensing Authorities: City councils and county commissioners are responsible for issuing liquor licenses. They decide how many licenses can be granted based on population formulas defined in state law.
  
  
• Wyoming Liquor Division: A department within the Wyoming Department of Revenue, this body ensures that local decisions comply with state alcohol laws (W.S. Title 12).
  
  
• No WSLCB Here: Many confuse Wyoming with Washington, where the WSLCB (Liquor and Cannabis Board) oversees licenses. Wyoming does not have a WSLCB.
  
  

To apply, you’ll typically start by contacting your city or county clerk. They’ll walk you through local requirements before your application is reviewed by the Liquor Division.

These licenses allow selling alcoholic beverages for on-site and off-site consumption, typically for businesses like bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and clubs. The fee range varies based on license type, location, and business size.

• Retail Liquor License: Around $750 annually.
  
  
• Resort Retail Liquor License: $2,000 to $3,000 annually.
  
  
• Restaurant Liquor License: $2,000 to $2,500 annually.
  
  
• Limited (Club) Retail Liquor License: $750 to $1,500 annually.
  
  
• Bar and Grill Liquor License: $1,500 to $2,500 annually.
  
  

License availability is based on population quotas defined by local authorities. Fees are payable at application time with no refunds after issuance. (See W.S. 12-4-201, 12-4-301, 12-4-405, 12-4-411, 12-4-413)

Issued to entities involved in wholesale sales of beer to retailers.

• Annual fee: Approximately $250 to $500 depending on the license specifics. (W.S. 12-2-201)

For businesses involved in brewing, distilling, or importing alcoholic beverages.

• Fee: Generally around $250 annually. (W.S. 12-2-203)

Required for lawful transportation of alcohol within Wyoming, especially for commercial vehicles like charter buses or limousines.

• Fees may be up to $1,000. (W.S. 12-2-202)

The application process involves both local and state steps. Here's a general roadmap:

1. Determine Your License Type: Identify which license suits your business best.
   
   
2. Contact Your Local Authority: Reach out to your city clerk or county commission.
   
   
3. Gather Documentation:
   
        Proof of business registration
   
         Floor plan of premises
   
         Financial disclosures
   
         Background checks (in some municipalities)
   
   
4. Submit Application Locally: Pay fees, attend public hearings if required.
   
   
5. State-Level Review: Your approved local application is sent to the Wyoming Liquor Division for review.
   
   
6. Final Approval: Once cleared by the Division, you’ll receive your license and can legally begin operations.
   
   

Pro Tip: Visit the Wyoming Liquor Division Portal to download application forms and review current regulations.

Licenses are not set-and-forget. You’ll need to renew periodically:

• Frequency: Most licenses renew annually.
  
  
• Renewal Process: 
  
       Submit renewal forms to your local licensing authority.
  
       Pay associated renewal fees.
  
       Ensure there are no compliance issues.
  
  
• Late Fees and Suspensions: Failing to renew on time can result in fines or, worse, license revocation.
  
  

Tip: Set calendar reminders and keep a renewal checklist. Your local authority may not remind you.

While Wyoming doesn't mandate alcohol server training at the state level, some cities, such as Rawlins, have local requirements for this training. Beyond legal compliance, training makes great business sense:

• Liability Protection: Trained servers know how to identify fake IDs, handle intoxicated customers, and avoid overserving.
  
  
• Local Mandates: Cheyenne, Torrington, and Douglas require training for off-sale establishments.
  
  
• Insurance Benefits: Some insurers offer discounts for businesses with certified staff.
  
  

One recommended program is the Wyoming Alcohol Awareness Training. It’s ideal for bartenders, sellers, and managers, with a 3-year validity and mobile-friendly modules.
Even if not legally required, it's a smart way to keep your team sharp and your business protected.

1. Choosing the Wrong License Type: Don’t assume all retail licenses are the same—check if you need on-premise, off-premise, or dual-use.
   
   
2. Forgetting the Renewal Date: One of the top reasons for suspension is failing to renew on time.
   
   
3. Skipping Staff Training: Untrained employees put your license—and reputation—at risk.
   
   
4. Ignoring Local Requirements: Always check local quotas and zoning rules before leasing a space.
   
   
5. Assuming It’s a State-Issued License: Applications start locally. Don’t send forms to the Wyoming Liquor Division first.

1. Do a Local Ordinance Check First: Each Wyoming city or county has its own licensing process and population-based quota.
   
   
2. Use the State Portal: Save time and confusion by accessing documents through the Wyoming Liquor Division Portal.
   
   
3. Choose the Right License Type: If unsure, consult your local clerk or a licensing consultant.
   
   
4. Plan for Training: Require certification for all alcohol-serving staff.
   
   
5. Mark Your Calendar: Set renewal reminders for at least 60 days in advance.

Getting a liquor license in Wyoming involves more than just paperwork—it’s about protecting your business, serving responsibly, and following both state and local laws. Whether you're managing a team of bartenders or launching your first restaurant, knowing the license types, fees, and renewal process is essential.

Just as important as getting licensed is making sure your team understands their role in responsible alcohol service. That’s why certifications like the Wyoming Alcohol Awareness Training are crucial. They help bartenders, sellers, and servers protect your establishment from fines and build safer communities.

Remember, while we don’t issue liquor licenses ourselves, we provide the training your team needs to serve alcohol confidently and compliantly. Follow the steps, stay informed, and you’ll be ready to navigate Wyoming’s alcohol landscape with ease.