Who can apply for a transporter permit?
This permit covers three types of business operations:
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Commercial Transporters: Professional transportation and trucking companies wanting to haul alcohol through Connecticut or deliver to an address in Connecticut. Also includes third-party app-based delivery services.
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Boat Operators: Professional boat operators wanting to sell and serve alcoholic beverages to patrons while docked at or cruising through Connecticut rivers and waterways (e.g., ferries, tour boats, party boats).
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Livery Operators: Professional car service providers wanting to sell and serve alcoholic beverages to passengers who hired them to provide transportation services (e.g., limos, tour buses, party vans).
What are the costs for the permit?
This permit costs $1250 annually, plus a $100 nonrefundable application fee when you apply. Boats and livery operators have the option of adding additional boats and vehicles under the permit for an annual fee of $200 each. For example, a livery service has ten vehicles and the operators wants alcohol in every vehicle. When filing out the application, nine extra vehicles should be added. The total fee to apply would be $3,150 ($100 application fee + $1250 permit fee + 9 extra cars at $200/each). Commercial transporters need one permit to cover their entire fleet and do not need to add extra vehicles.
Is there a daily transporter permit?
Yes, effective October 1, 2025. Any business that qualifies for an annual transporter permit may apply for a daily permit subject to same rules and application requirements. The fee is $150 for each truck, vehicle, or boat to be used on the calendar day requested. Limited to 8 daily permits a year and may convert to an annual permit with credit of fees already paid.
What is the application process for a transporter permit and any special requirements?
Below is a brief overview the steps in the application process:
1. Begin an online application: Visit www.elicense.ct.gov and start an online application for a “Transporter Permit (LIQ-TRANS)." Fill out the application and upload the documents required. (Our application instructions contain more information about what documents are necessary.)
Commercial transporters: Must submit motor carrier permit from home state
Boat operators: Make, model, name, and Coast Guard registration for each boat
Livery operators: Make, model, VIN, and registration for each vehicle
2. Submit the application: After completing the on-line application, you will submit it and pay the $100 non-refundable application fee.
3. DCP review and permit fee: Your application will be reviewed by DCP staff for completeness. If there are any issues with your application or the documents submitted, you’ll receive a notice that explains what needs to be fixed. DCP staff will also email you the invoice for your permit fee.
4. Liquor Agent review and inspection: A Liquor Control Agent will be assigned to review your application in depth and check for any issues. The Agent will also schedule a time to meet with the permittee (if located in Connecticut).
5. Final approval: Once the Liquor Control Agent determines that your application is complete, your application will be submitted to the Liquor Control Commission or their designee for approval. If approved, you will receive your permit and can begin to sell and serve alcohol (or continue to serve alcohol if you had a provisional permit already.) If not approved for any reason, your application will be scheduled for an administrative hearing before the Liquor Control Commission.
How long does the application process take?
DCP can usually issue commercial transporters from outside Connecticut in about 3 weeks. Boats and livery operators located in Connecticut will take 1-2 months. Daily permits will be about 1 week.
What other permits can I have if I manufacture?
1. Other manufacturer permits: You may apply for any other type of manufacturing permit for use at either your main manufacturing premises or a new location.
2. Restaurant Permit: You must have a full kitchen, full menu, 400 square feet of dining and seating for 20 patrons. Allows you to have a full bar. May use at your main manufacturing premises or at an auxiliary location.
3. Connecticut Craft Café Permit: Allows you to sell any class of Connecticut-made alcohol that you do not produce. For example, if you are a brewery, you may sell Connecticut wine and spirits, but not beer. Requires some food availability. May use at your main manufacturing premises or at an auxiliary location.
4. Brand Registration: If you wholesaler yourself or appoint a wholesaler, your products must be brand registered.
5. Farmer’s Market Permit: This permit allows you to conduct retail sales of sealed alcohol you’ve manufactured at farmer’s markets. You must be invited to the farmer’s market and are limited to 10 locations a year.
6. Festival permit: You may attend a festival at the invitation of the organizer and holder of the festival permit. At the festival, you are allowed to conduct free or paid tastings, sell at retail for consumption at the festival, and sell at retail to go.
Does Connecticut allow alternating proprietorships or contract manufacturing?
Yes, both arrangements are allowed. There are many specific rules for each type of arrangement, so please review the pertinent laws and contact Liquor Control with specific questions.
1. Alternating Proprietorships: More than one manufacturer controls the premises and uses it to manufacture, but at different times. Each participant must hold a manufacturing permit with the shared space as the primary address. Applies to the manufacturing of all alcohol classes.
2. Contract Manufacturing: A primary manufacturer makes alcohol on behalf of a contracting party. The primary manufacturer must have a manufacturer permit. The contracting party must hold a shipper, wholesaler, or manufacturer permit themselves. Applies to the manufacturing of all alcohol classes.