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M. BURR KEIM AGENCY · License & Permit Surety Bonds · Reviewed November 2026

Federal and State Liquor, Alcohol, Winery and Brewer Bond

A federal or state liquor bond is a surety bond required for certain alcohol manufacturers, wineries, breweries, distributors, and retailers. It protects the government against unpaid alcohol excise taxes and other covered obligations under the license.

Apply for This Bond Online How to Apply Questions

At a glance

Product
Federal and State Liquor, Alcohol, Winery and Brewer Bond
Category
License & Permit Surety Bonds
Required amount
The federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and state alcohol control boards set their own bond amounts. The amount can be a fixed sum or based on tax liability, production volume, or the type of license. Confirm the exact amount and obligee with each authority.
Online issue
Instant issue up to $10,000. With acceptable credit, instant issue is available above $10,000 up to $100,000. Larger or specialized alcohol bonds may require underwriting review and additional financial information.
Term
Liquor bonds are usually written for a one-year term and renewed with the license or permit. Some authorities require a bond that runs for the full license period or a continuous term. Follow the applicable federal and state instructions.

Who needs a federal and State Liquor, Alcohol, Winery and Brewer Bond?

  • Wineries, breweries, distilleries, and alcohol manufacturers required to file a federal or state alcohol bond.
  • Liquor distributors, wholesalers, and retailers whose license requires a surety bond.
  • Businesses applying for a new alcohol license or renewing a license where a bond must be in force.

Why is a federal and State Liquor, Alcohol, Winery and Brewer Bond required?

Alcohol excise taxes and licensing rules are enforced at both the federal and state level. The bond protects the taxing authority if the business fails to pay taxes or comply with the applicable alcohol law. The required amount can be based on tax liability, production volume, or a fixed schedule.

Federal and state alcohol requirements are separate. A federal bond does not automatically satisfy a state requirement, and a state bond does not satisfy the federal requirement. Confirm each obligee and bond form with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the state alcohol control board.

How much bond do I need?

The federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and state alcohol control boards set their own bond amounts. The amount can be a fixed sum or based on tax liability, production volume, or the type of license. Confirm the exact amount and obligee with each authority.

Instant issue up to $10,000. With acceptable credit, instant issue is available above $10,000 up to $100,000. Larger or specialized alcohol bonds may require underwriting review and additional financial information.

Bond amount is not the premium. The required amount is the maximum the surety could pay under the bond. The premium you pay is a separate charge based on the bond amount, the risk, the term, and your credit. The online application shows the premium before you bind coverage.

How much does a federal and State Liquor, Alcohol, Winery and Brewer Bond cost?

Premium depends on the bond amount, the taxing authority, the license type, the term, and the applicant’s credit and financial condition. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm the required federal and state forms.

How to apply online

  1. Confirm the bond amount and obligee. Use the amount and legal name of the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires the bond. The obligee name must match the requiring party’s records.
  2. Gather the application information. Have the legal business or entity name, address, license or case number, ownership information, and the required bond amount ready.
  3. Start the CNA Surety application. Use the online application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency.
  4. Pay the premium and bind coverage. If the bond is eligible for instant issue, the application will show the premium and let you complete the purchase online. Otherwise, the surety will review the application and contact you if additional information is needed.
  5. File the bond. Provide the issued bond to the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires it, and keep a copy for your records.
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Federal and State Liquor, Alcohol, Winery and Brewer Bond term and renewal

Liquor bonds are usually written for a one-year term and renewed with the license or permit. Some authorities require a bond that runs for the full license period or a continuous term. Follow the applicable federal and state instructions.

Good to know

  • Wineries, breweries, and distilleries may need both a federal bonded premise bond and a state license bond. Confirm both requirements before applying.
  • Have your federal permit number, state license number, tax liability information, and required bond amount ready before starting the application.

Federal and State Liquor, Alcohol, Winery and Brewer Bond questions

A federal or state liquor bond is a surety bond required for certain alcohol manufacturers, wineries, breweries, distributors, and retailers. It protects the government against unpaid alcohol excise taxes and other covered obligations under the license.

Wineries, breweries, distilleries, and alcohol manufacturers required to file a federal or state alcohol bond. Liquor distributors, wholesalers, and retailers whose license requires a surety bond. Businesses applying for a new alcohol license or renewing a license where a bond must be in force.

Premium depends on the bond amount, the taxing authority, the license type, the term, and the applicant’s credit and financial condition. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm the required federal and state forms.

The federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and state alcohol control boards set their own bond amounts. The amount can be a fixed sum or based on tax liability, production volume, or the type of license. Confirm the exact amount and obligee with each authority. Instant issue up to $10,000. With acceptable credit, instant issue is available above $10,000 up to $100,000. Larger or specialized alcohol bonds may require underwriting review and additional financial information.

Apply online through CNA Surety using the application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency. Complete the application, pay the premium online if the bond is eligible for instant issue, and then file the bond with the agency, court, or client that requires it.

Many wineries, breweries, and distilleries need a federal bond as a condition of their Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau permit, and some states require a separate state bond. The required amount and form depend on the permit type and the applicable federal and state rules.

No. A liquor bond is a surety bond that protects the government against unpaid taxes and certain license violations. Liquor liability insurance covers claims arising from serving alcohol to customers. A business may need both.

Online application and important note

Bond requirements, forms, amounts, and fees are set by the requiring agency, court, or carrier and can change. This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current requirement with the agency, court, client, or your attorney before applying. M. BURR KEIM AGENCY is an insurance and surety bond agency; the bond or policy is issued by the carrier named on the document.