Guidelines for Required Documents

When uploading the required documents for your permit application, please ensure that you follow the instructions carefully to avoid any delays in processing your application. Make sure that the documents are in the correct format. It is also important to double-check that you have uploaded all the necessary documents before submitting your application.

If you need any assistance with uploading your documents, please don't hesitate to contact our support team. Support is available via phone and email.

Your Signed & Notarized Permit Application

Printing Instructions

Ensure the application is printed clearly on 8.5" x 11" white paper. Review for accuracy and completeness.

Notarization Process

Locate a notary public, commonly available at banks or law offices, and sign the document in their presence. A valid photo ID is required for identity verification. Anticipate a possible notarization fee.

Scanning and Submitting

Scan all pages of the notarized application, making sure to include the notarized page. Save the entire document as a PDF. Ensure the file is named clearly, for instance, "BusinessName_Application.pdf", to facilitate a smooth review process.

Ensuring your application is accurately prepared and submitted allows our permit specialists to process your application more swiftly, reducing the need for corrections.

Government Issued ID (Driver's License or Passport)

All applicants listed on the application must upload a clear image or scan of either a valid Driver's License or Passport.
Driver's License Upload

For your driver's license, scan both the front and back, ensuring all text and images are clear. Combine both sides into a single PDF file to ensure they are not separated. Name the file with your last name followed by "_DriversLicense", e.g., "Smith_DriversLicense.pdf".

Passport Upload

To upload your passport, ensure it is valid and clearly legible. Open to the photo page and scan the entire page, capturing all four corners. Save the scan as a PDF or high-quality JPEG. Name the file with your last name followed by "_Passport", e.g., "Smith_Passport.pdf".

Finger Printing & Fingerprint Card

In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 18B-902 each person applying for an ABC permit must submit fingerprints to be used for a criminal background check.

Original fingerprint cards must be mailed to the ABC Commission along with the Authority for Release form.

Obtain Fingerprint Card Authority For Release Form

If you are sending the fingerprint card via the US Postal Service (regular mail), then mail to:

NC ABC Commission
4307 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4307

If you are sending the fingerprint by US Postal Service EXPRESS MAIL or by FEDEX/UPS, then mail to:

NC ABC Commission
400 East Tryon Road
Raleigh, NC 27610

You must upload the following fingerprinting materials:

Copy of Fingerprint Card

Upload a copy of a completed fingerprint card for each person required to submit an application for the business' permit (s). The fingerprint card must be completed (signed and filled out)

The applicant's fingerprints shall be forwarded to the State Bureau of Investigation for a search of the State's criminal history record file, and the State Bureau of Investigation shall forward a set of the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history check. The Commission shall keep all information privileged and confidential, in accordance with applicable State law and federal guidelines, and it shall not be a public record under Chapter 132 of the General Statutes.


Lease or Rental Agreement

Applicants would need to upload a copy of the executed lease or rental agreement, or a copy of the registered deed, specifying the applicant(s). (Corporate/LLC name, if not an individual ownership or partnership)

All applicants must include a copy of a deed, lease or rental agreement showing the applicant, whether you are an individual, corporation, or LLC, etc., is in lawful ownership or possession of the premises. This document must include the address of the location or a property description and the date the deed, lease or rental agreement commenced.

This document must include the address of the business or a legal description of the property. The lease or rental agreement must include the effective beginning date and term of agreement.

Applicant must have possession of the property at the time the application is submitted.


Local Government Opinion

Upload a completed copy of the Local Government Opinion form signed by the appropriate official. Information on the designated official may be found on our website, using the search function in “Local Government Opinion”.

Inspection and Zoning Compliance

Upload a completed copy of the Inspection / Zoning Compliance form signed by the appropriate officials.

Training Certification

Proof of Alcohol Seller Server Training

The North Carolina ABC Commission requires the completion of alcohol education prior to the issuance of a temporary retail permit. Applicants applying for retail or delivery permits are required to provide proof of Responsible Alcohol Seller/Server training prior to obtaining their ABC permit.

Upload a completed copy of the Seller/Server Training Form.

Seller/Server Training Form

Acceptable proof of training may also be in the form of a certificate of training, transcript, or other document provided by the course provider, or corporate/delivery permittee. The applicant may also have the course provider sign a form attesting to completion of this training.

Proof of Alcohol Seller/Server Training

The NC ABC Commission's Education Outreach Section provides (free) online responsible alcohol seller/server training for delivery service businesses and on/off-premise businesses.

More information: Education Outreach & Register for Seller / Server Training Program


Recycling Compliance

On-premise applicants include a completed copy of the appropriate Recycling form.

North Carolina General Statutes § 18B -1006.1 require holders of certain Alcohol Beverage Commission on-premise permits to recycle beverage containers generated on-site. A statewide disposal ban also applies to these materials. ABC on-premise permit holders must submit a recycling plan as part of their annual permit renewals with the ABC Commission.

You must upload one of the following Recycling Compliance forms:

Recycling Compliance Form

This form is to be completed by a business when a private hauler or a city/county (government) will pick up the required containers for recycling.

​Recycling Compliance Form

- or -

Recycling Self-Hauling Form

§ 18B-1006.1. Additional requirement for certain permittees to recycle beverage containers. Holders of on-premises malt beverage permits, on-premises unfortified wine permits, on-premises fortified wine permits, and mixed beverages permits shall separate, store, and provide for the collection for recycling of all recyclable beverage containers of all beverages sold at retail on the premises. A permittee has satisfied the requirements of this section if it implements a recycling program that meets the minimum standards of the model recycling program developed by the Commission pursuant to G.S. 130A-309.14(m). Failure to comply with the requirements of this section shall not be grounds for revocation of a permit. A conviction for violation of this section shall not constitute an alcoholic beverage offense within the meaning of G.S. 18B-900(a)(4). (2005-348, s. 1; 2007-402, s. 2(a); 2008-187, s. 35.5.) This form is to be completed by a business that plans to separate recyclable beverage containers as required by NCGS 18B-1006.1 and the business itself transport those containers to a facility for recycling. (Do not use this form if recycle pickup will be by the city, county or other service provider.)

Recycling Self-hauling Form

Any business affected by NCGS 18B-1006.1 may apply for a one-year exemption. Exemptions are granted based on the lack of availability of recycling services close to the business. Partial exemptions may be granted. The Commission will grant exemptions on a case by case basis. Recycling Exemption Request Form

More information: Recycling Requirements FAQs & DEQ - ABC Containers


Premises Diagrams

Upload a detailed diagram of the premises (standard size, not over-sized and it may be hand drawn). Diagrams must include all entrances/exits, bar area(s), kitchen (if applicable), and office (if applicable).

Add photographs - Include photos of the exterior front of the building with entrance and the interior of the business.


Operating Agreement (For LLCs)

Operating Agreement must have an effective date and be signed by all applicable parties.


Articles of Organization (For LLCs)

Must be registered with NC Secretary of State (in an Active status).

LLC's include a copy of the Articles of Organization (registered with the NC Secretary of State with Active status) and a copy of the Operating Agreement.


Articles of Incorporation (For Corporations)

Corporations must include a copy of the Articles of Incorporation (registered with the NC Secretary of State with Active status).


Articles (For Limited Partnerships)

Certificate of Limited Partnership with NC Secretary of State (in an Active status).


Certificate of Authority (If out of State corporation)

If an out of state corporation, you must submit a Certificate of Authority.

For more information on how to register a foreign business or to obtain a NC Certificate of Authority visit Secretary of State: Register a Foreign Business


Ownership Verification (For LLC or Corporations)

Corporations and LLCs must complete an Ownership Verification form.

Corporations must list all LLC members, their interest within the LLC and be signed and

Limited Liability Companies must list all interest/stockholders, all officers, and be signed and notarized


Food Menu (Resterants and Hotels)

Upload the following:
  1. A copy of the food menu (standard size, not over-sized)
  2. A price list of the common or popular mixed beverages
  3. Additional photographs showing:
    • All dining areas, including patios and outdoor areas
    • The bars, counters and mixing stations
    • The storage area(s) for alcoholic beverages
    • The entire kitchen with all equipment

Membership Information (Private Clubs)

For private clubs Upload the following:
  1. A copy of the membership card or certificate.
  2. A copy of the membership application form.
  3. A copy of the written policy granting full and limited memberships.
  4. A copy of the written policy on use of the facilities by members and their guests.
  5. A copy of the charter, constitution, and by-laws if any are applicable.
  6. A copy of the organization’s 501(c)(3) tax exempt letter from the Internal Revenue Service.