Alcohol Transport and Transfer Permits
Do you need a permit to transport, transfer or move alcohol in Maryland?
You may need a permit to transport, transfer, or sell alcohol in Maryland. Use this page to understand which permit applies to your situation and how to get started.
When you need a permit
You may need a permit depending on how you transport, transfer, or sell alcohol.
Business and commercial activities
You may need a permit if you:
- Transport alcohol for a business or another party
- Operate as a third-party transporter
- Deliver alcohol across or through Maryland
- Sell or acquire a retail alcohol business with inventory
- Transfer alcohol outside what your license allows
Personal or one-time situations
You may need a permit if you:
- Sell a private collection of alcohol
- Move personal alcohol into Maryland
- Transport alcohol you personally own in certain situations
Common examples
- Contracted to deliver beer to Maryland from Oregon → Public transportation permit
- Driving through Maryland to deliver alcohol to Delaware → Public transportation permit
- Selling a restaurant, bar, or liquor store → Bulk transfer permit
- Selling a wine collection → Private bulk sale permit
- Moving to Maryland from overseas → Change of domicile permit
Types of permits
Choose the permit that matches your situation.
Use this permit if you transport alcohol for others as part of a business or service.
This includes moving alcohol between licensed locations when you do not own the alcohol.
Use this permit if you transport alcohol you personally own.
This may apply to one-time or limited transportation within or through Maryland.
Use this permit to sell your personal alcohol collection, such as the contents of a wine cellar.
This often applies when selling a home or large collection.
You may use an auctioneer or sales agent, but it is not required.
In Maryland, any sale of alcohol requires a license or permit.
You may only obtain this permit twice per year.
Use this permit when a retail business transfers alcohol inventory as part of a sale or ownership change.
This commonly applies when a restaurant, bar, or liquor store is bought or sold.
Retail-to-retail transfers are not allowed without this permit.
Use this permit if you are moving your personal alcohol into Maryland from another location, such as from another country.
This often applies to people returning after living overseas, including members of the armed forces.
You must pay Maryland excise tax on the alcohol after receiving the permit.
Moving companies may require this permit before they transport your alcohol.
You do not need this permit if you will live on a military installation in Maryland.
If you need confirmation that no permit is required, contact ATCC.
Use this permit if you transport and store alcohol for others as part of your business.
Use this permit if you deliver alcohol directly to customers as a common carrier.
This does not apply to license holders or their employees delivering to customers. Those deliveries require a separate direct delivery permit.
Before you apply
Before you apply, make sure you have:
- Business or personal information
- Details about the alcohol being transported or transferred
- License information (if applicable)
- Payment method
How to apply
You will apply through Maryland OneStop.
- Search for the permit you need
- Complete the application
- Upload any required documents
- Submit payment
Need Help?
Bulk transfer permits are valid for 10 days.
Private bulk sale permits are valid for 60 days.
All other permits are annual and expire on October 31 each year.
Each vehicle does not need its own permit.
However, if you have a transportation permit, each vehicle must have a Vehicle Identification (VID).
VIDs cost $10 and expire at the same time as the permit.
Yes. If you are transporting alcohol through Maryland as part of a delivery, you need a public transportation permit.
Yes. Any sale of alcohol in Maryland requires a license or permit.
You may need a private bulk sale permit.
If you need assistance choosing the correct permit or completing your application, please contact the ATCC's Licensing Unit at (410) 260-7314 ext. 4 or email us at [email protected].
For other question or inquiries, please visit our support directory.