In Indiana the number of full-liquor licenses is capped (a quota state), so most bars buy an existing license on the secondary market — typically $50,000–$200,000+ (Marion/Indy ~$80k–$130k+, Hamilton ~$90k–$150k; county-dependent) — rather than getting a new one from the state. The state's own application fee is Type 210 annual state fee $1,000 (Indiana ATC fee schedule) — government fee only; in quota-exhausted counties the permit itself costs much more on the market.
Bottom line: issuing body is the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC); the license most bars/restaurants need is the Type 210 — Liquor, Beer & Wine Retailer, Restaurant (the 'three-way' permit); typical timeline About 10–12 weeks; the Commission votes monthly; state fee $1,000; existing-license resale $50,000–$200,000+ (Marion/Indy ~$80k–$130k+, Hamilton ~$90k–$150k; county-dependent).
High-level overview of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) process — your exact path depends on license type, city/county, and whether you're applying new vs. transferring an existing license.
| State application / license fee | Type 210 annual state fee $1,000 (Indiana ATC fee schedule) — government fee only; in quota-exhausted counties the permit itself costs much more on the market |
| Existing license (secondary market) | $50,000–$200,000+ (Marion/Indy ~$80k–$130k+, Hamilton ~$90k–$150k; county-dependent) |
| License type (bar/restaurant) | Type 210 — Liquor, Beer & Wine Retailer, Restaurant (the 'three-way' permit) |
| Quota state? | Yes — supply is capped |
| Typical timeline | About 10–12 weeks; the Commission votes monthly |
Indiana caps three-way (beer/wine/liquor) on-premises permits by county population, so in built-out counties operators buy an existing permit and transfer it — that's the secondary market.
A liquor-license consultant / expediter handles the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) application, public notice, background packet, and (in quota states) the transfer paperwork — typically $2,000–$10,000 depending on complexity. Worth it if you're on a build timeline and can't afford a rejected application.
Start at the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) →
Tip for the owner: set AFFILIATE_LIQUOR_PRO_URL to a licensing-consultant lead-gen/affiliate link to monetize this CTA. Until then it points to the official Indiana board.
Indiana issues quota-exempt permits for certain riverfront-development, economic-development, and arts districts — a path to a new permit where the county quota is full.
See the full per-step requirements: Indiana liquor license requirements → · Cost detail: Indiana liquor license cost →
Apply to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC). The license most bars and restaurants need is the Type 210 — Liquor, Beer & Wine Retailer, Restaurant (the 'three-way' permit). Because Indiana caps the number of these licenses, you usually buy an existing one (about $50,000–$200,000+ (Marion/Indy ~$80k–$130k+, Hamilton ~$90k–$150k; county-dependent)) and transfer it, then get state approval. Expect roughly About 10–12 weeks; the Commission votes monthly from a complete application to issuance.
Two numbers: the state application/license fee is Type 210 annual state fee $1,000 (Indiana ATC fee schedule) — government fee only; in quota-exhausted counties the permit itself costs much more on the market; the real cost in a quota state is the price of an existing license on the secondary market, typically $50,000–$200,000+ (Marion/Indy ~$80k–$130k+, Hamilton ~$90k–$150k; county-dependent), because the state caps how many exist.
Typically About 10–12 weeks; the Commission votes monthly from a complete application, per the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) process — longer if there's a public-notice/protest period or local council approval. Indiana issues quota-exempt permits for certain riverfront-development, economic-development, and arts districts — a path to a new permit where the county quota is full.
Usually both. The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) issues the state license (Type 210 — Liquor, Beer & Wine Retailer, Restaurant (the 'three-way' permit)); your city or county typically requires a separate local permit, zoning sign-off, or council approval. Confirm local requirements with your city before you apply to the state.
Looking in California instead? LiquorDesk also tracks surrendered & transfer-pending California liquor licenses by county, live from the CA ABC export — often a faster route than a new quota license.
Regulatory facts on this page are from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) (Indiana's official alcohol-licensing authority). Verified against the board's published material on 2026-06-22. Fees, quotas and rules change — always confirm the current figures with the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) before you apply. This is informational regulatory content, not legal advice; for a transfer or contested application consult a licensed attorney or licensing consultant.