Knowing your license status protects your business. An expired, suspended, or revoked license means you cannot legally sell alcohol. Selling without a valid license carries severe consequences including criminal penalties and inability to obtain a new license. Regular status checks help you avoid problems and ensure you maintain continuous authority to operate.
This guide explains how to verify your license status and what different status indicators mean.
Checking Status Through TABC’s Public Portal
TABC provides public access to license information through its online systems.
The Public License Search
TABC’s website includes a public license search function that allows anyone to look up the status of Texas alcohol licenses. This tool provides basic information about license holders without requiring login credentials.
To search:
Navigate to the TABC website.
Find the license search or public inquiry function.
Enter search criteria such as business name, license number, or location.
Review the results showing license status and details.
Information Available Publicly
The public search typically displays:
License or permit number.
Business name and location.
License type.
Current status (active, suspended, cancelled, expired).
Issue and expiration dates.
Permit holder information.
This public information helps you verify your own status and allows others (customers, suppliers, landlords) to confirm your license is valid.
Checking Status Through AIMS
For more detailed information about your own license, use the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS).
Accessing Your AIMS Account
Log into AIMS using your credentials. If you have not onboarded to AIMS, you will need to complete the registration process to access your account information.
Your AIMS account provides comprehensive information about:
Current license status and details.
Pending applications or renewals.
Violation notices requiring response.
Compliance history and records.
Upcoming deadlines and required actions.
AIMS Account Maintenance
Keep your AIMS account current:
Update contact information promptly when it changes.
Monitor the primary email address for TABC communications.
Check the account regularly for pending items.
Respond to notices within stated deadlines.
Missing TABC communications because your account information is outdated can lead to serious problems including default judgments on violations.
Understanding Status Indicators
Different status indicators mean different things for your authority to operate.
Active Status
An active license means you are currently authorized to sell alcohol under the terms of your permit. You may operate normally within the scope of your license type and location.
Active status requires:
Current license not yet expired.
No current suspension in effect.
All fees and requirements current.
No pending action that would affect status.
Expired Status
An expired license means your authorization to sell alcohol has lapsed. You cannot legally sell alcohol with an expired license.
If your license expires:
Stop all alcohol sales immediately.
Submit a renewal application if eligible.
Do not resume sales until renewal is approved and the license is reactivated.
Selling alcohol with an expired license is a violation that can result in criminal penalties and difficulty obtaining future licenses.
Suspended Status
A suspended license means your authorization to sell alcohol has been temporarily removed. During suspension, you cannot sell, serve, or give away alcohol.
Suspension may result from:
Penalty for a violation.
Emergency order under § 11.614.
Failure to meet compliance requirements.
Court order or other legal action.
Check your suspension order for the duration and any conditions. Selling alcohol during suspension can result in license cancellation under § 61.84.
Cancelled/Revoked Status
A cancelled or revoked license means your authorization has been permanently terminated. You no longer have any authority to sell alcohol at that location under that license.
Cancellation may result from:
Third offense or pattern of serious violations.
Criminal activity on premises.
Emergency action for continuing threat to public welfare.
Failure to renew within grace periods.
After cancellation, you may face waiting periods before applying for a new license, and the circumstances of cancellation affect future eligibility.
Pending Status
Pending status may indicate:
New application under review.
Renewal application being processed.
Status change being implemented.
Administrative action in progress.
If your status shows pending, verify what is being processed and whether you can continue operating. Contact TABC if the pending status is unclear.
When to Check Your Status
Regular Monitoring
Check your license status:
Monthly as part of routine compliance review.
Before any business changes or transactions.
After submitting applications or renewals.
Following any TABC contact or inspection.
When approached by suppliers or new business partners.
Critical Times to Verify
Always verify status:
Before renewal deadline. Ensure your renewal submitted properly and was received.
After violation resolution. Confirm suspension ended and active status restored.
Before business sale or transfer. Verify license is in good standing for transfer.
After receiving TABC communications. Check whether status was affected.
Before major events or inspections. Confirm no issues exist.
Addressing Status Problems
If you discover a status problem, act immediately.
Unexpected Expiration
If your license shows expired when you expected it to be active:
Stop alcohol sales immediately.
Log into AIMS to check for pending renewals or issues.
Contact TABC to understand what happened.
Submit renewal application if one was not filed.
Do not resume sales until status is resolved.
Unexpected Suspension
If your license shows suspended when you did not expect it:
Stop alcohol sales immediately.
Review any TABC communications you may have missed.
Check AIMS for violation notices or orders.
Contact an attorney if suspension resulted from action you want to contest.
Comply with suspension terms while seeking resolution.
Status Discrepancies
If online status information conflicts with what you believe is accurate:
Check multiple sources (public search and AIMS).
Review your records for recent communications.
Contact TABC to clarify.
Document the discrepancy and resolution.
Protecting Your License Status
Proactive Management
Maintain good status through:
Timely renewal applications submitted well before expiration.
Prompt response to all TABC communications.
Current contact information in AIMS.
Resolution of violations within required timeframes.
Compliance with all license conditions.
Early Warning Systems
Set up systems to catch problems early:
Calendar reminders for renewal deadlines.
Regular AIMS account checks.
Monitoring primary email for TABC communications.
Periodic public status verification.
Staff awareness of license status requirements.
Documentation
Keep records supporting your license status:
Copies of all TABC communications.
Renewal applications and confirmations.
Payment records for fees.
Resolution documentation for any violations.
Current license displayed on premises.
This article provides general information about checking TABC license status and is not legal advice. If you discover unexpected status issues or have questions about your license, contact TABC directly or consult with a qualified Texas attorney who handles TABC matters.