Change in corporate or limited liability structure

A change in corporate structure exists where there is a change of corporate officers, directors, stockholders, managers and/or members holding 10% or greater financial interest in a limited liability company, corporation or partnership.

Reporting

  • Transfers or changes of financial interest in a license must be reported to the Colorado State Liquor Licensing Division within 30 days.
  • Changes in corporate or limited liability structure related to a retail license must be reported to the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses within 30 days.

Online form application

Step 1.Before you apply

Read the ordinance for this license under "Municipal Code" on the right side of the page to make sure this license is right for you.

Step 2.Find your state license number

State license number

Step 3.Pay state renewal fees

Receipt of payment of state fees will need to be uploaded. This link will help take you to where you can pay the state fees.

Step 4.Do you have a cabaret license?

If you have a cabaret license with your liquor license and there is a change in ownership by more than 50%, you must submit a new cabaret application with the change in corporate or limited liability structure application.

Step 5.Fingerprint process

  • Need to provide Notice to Applicants(PDF, 99KB) for all owners. The document must be signed by the owner. One document per owner.
    • All officers and directors.
    • Members and shareholders who own 10% or more of the business entity.
  • The Notice to Applicants(PDF, 99KB) must be submitted at time of application.
  • Once the application has been processed and all fees have been paid, Excise and Licenses will email the applicant with their codes to go get their fingerprints. Same code may be used for everyone on the application. This code informs CBI where to send the background check.
  • It can take 10-15 days for fingerprints to be processed.
  • If your fingerprints have not been completed, your application will not be processed.

Any questions, email [email protected].

Step 6.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below.

Important notes to keep in mind about your documents:

  • All materials must be digital files saved as a .pdf or .jpg. Do not include any other file types. The Department of Excise and Licenses cannot accept other file types.
  • Use numbers or letters but not characters such as symbols (/ ? < > \ : * | “ ^) or spaces that could cause complications.
    • For example:
      • Good filename: drivers-license-name-2022.pdf
      • Bad filename: last name/ id.pdf
  • In some cases, you might need to combine documents and upload them in a single .pdf. You can use a free, online tool to merge documents into a single file. 
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (such as a lease) must be included in the application.
  • All materials must be legible. 
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 7.Submit an application

To submit your application, please go to this online application, fill it out, attach all required documents and submit online.

Please make sure that you have all of your required documents and information ready when you start your application. If you need to gather the information during the application process you can "Save" and resume the application at a later date.

After applying, you will receive an invoice to pay fees. You cannot pay fees until you have received an invoice. Visit the online payment process page or watch the "How to pay online" video for more information.

  • Make sure that you have a bank account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card to pay online. 

For questions, email [email protected] or call 311.

Step 8.Pay required fees

Individual history form:  $100 per individual who completes the individual history form. Checks should be made payable to the Manager of Finance.

Master file applicant must include a fee of $250 for each person listed, payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Step 9.City application review and next steps

Excise and Licenses tries to conduct an initial review of a complete application within seven business days. The review process might take longer if it is incomplete or requires police review (if applicable).

  • All application-related communications will be sent through email, from [email protected]. Do not respond to these emails as this inbox is not monitored.
  • If the application is incomplete, the applicant will receive a "notice of deficiency" email. This allows 14 days for corrections. License endorsement requests and incidents on a background check need police review.
  • All applications will be closed if they are not completed within 12 months.

Step 10.License issuance

After all the steps below are complete, email [email protected] to let the Department know you want your license emailed. Include the business file number (BFN), and the name and address of the business.

  1. All required documents are complete and submitted (if applicable).
  2. Fees are paid in full.
  3. All required inspections are passed (if applicable).

The licensee should read "Once you have your license" below and follow the requirements.

Mail application

Step 1.Before you apply

Read the ordinance for this license under "Municipal Code" on the right side of the page to make sure this license is right for you.

Step 2.Find your state license number

State license number

Step 3.Pay state renewal fees

Receipt of payment of state fees will need to be uploaded. This link will help take you to where you can pay the state fees.

Step 4.Do you have a cabaret license?

If you have a cabaret license with your liquor license and there is a change in ownership by more than 50%, you must submit a new cabaret application with the change in corporate or limited liability structure application.

Step 5.Fingerprint process

  • Need to provide Notice to Applicants(PDF, 99KB) for all owners. The document must be signed by the owner. One document per owner.
    • All officers and directors.
    • Members and shareholders who own 10% or more of the business entity.
  • The Notice to Applicants(PDF, 99KB) must be submitted at time of application.
  • Once the application has been processed and all fees have been paid, Excise and Licenses will email the applicant with their codes to go get their fingerprints. Same code may be used for everyone on the application. This code informs CBI where to send the background check.
  • It can take 10-15 days for fingerprints to be processed.
  • If your fingerprints have not been completed, your application will not be processed.

Any questions, email [email protected].

Step 6.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below. 

Remember:  
  • All materials must be printed and legible. 
  • Do not use staples in the documents.
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (like a lease) must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 7.Submit an application

Applicants can mail their application with fees to:
City and County of Denver
Department of Excise and Licenses
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 206
Denver, CO 80202
  • Make checks payable to: Manager of Finance
  • Include a current email address in case the Department needs to reach out with questions.
  • If renewing, include your business file number.
For questions, email [email protected] or call 311.

Step 8.Pay required fees

Individual history form:  $100 per individual who completes the individual history form. Checks should be made payable to the Manager of Finance.

Master file applicant must include a fee of $250 for each person listed, payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Step 9.City application review and next steps

Excise and Licenses tries to conduct an initial review of a complete application within seven business days. The review process might take longer if it is incomplete or requires police review (if applicable).

  • All application-related communications will be sent through email, from [email protected]. Do not respond to these emails as this inbox is not monitored.
  • If the application is incomplete, the applicant will receive a "notice of deficiency" email. This allows 14 days for corrections. License endorsement requests and incidents on a background check need police review.
  • All applications will be closed if they are not completed within 12 months.

Step 10.License issuance

After all the steps below are complete, email [email protected] to let the Department know you want your license emailed. Include the business file number (BFN), and the name and address of the business.

  1. All required documents are complete and submitted (if applicable).
  2. Fees are paid in full.
  3. All required inspections are passed (if applicable).

The licensee should read "Once you have your license" below and follow the requirements.

Apply in person

Step 1.Before you apply

Read the ordinance for this license under "Municipal Code" on the right side of the page to make sure this license is right for you.

Step 2.Find your state license number

State license number

Step 3.Pay state renewal fees

Receipt of payment of state fees will need to be uploaded. This link will help take you to where you can pay the state fees.

Step 4.Do you have a cabaret license?

If you have a cabaret license with your liquor license and there is a change in ownership by more than 50%, you must submit a new cabaret application with the change in corporate or limited liability structure application.

Step 5.Fingerprint process

  • Need to provide Notice to Applicants(PDF, 99KB) for all owners. The document must be signed by the owner. One document per owner.
    • All officers and directors.
    • Members and shareholders who own 10% or more of the business entity.
  • The Notice to Applicants(PDF, 99KB) must be submitted at time of application.
  • Once the application has been processed and all fees have been paid, Excise and Licenses will email the applicant with their codes to go get their fingerprints. Same code may be used for everyone on the application. This code informs CBI where to send the background check.
  • It can take 10-15 days for fingerprints to be processed.
  • If your fingerprints have not been completed, your application will not be processed.

Any questions, email [email protected].

Step 6.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below. 

Remember:  
  • All materials must be printed and legible. 
  • Do not use staples in the documents.
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (like a lease) must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 7.Submit an application

Applicants can come to the office to submit their documents in person. Customers seeking in-person customer service should make an appointment. To make an appointment, visit the appointments website. The Excise and Licenses office is at 201 W Colfax Ave., on the second floor of the Wellington Webb Municipal Building. 

Customers can pay their fees after they receive an invoice. Visit the online payments process page for more information.

  • Make sure that you have a bank account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card to pay online. 

Applicants are encouraged to pay their fees online, but in-person payments are available. After receiving an invoice, customers can go to the Community Planning and Development cashier counter on the second floor of the Wellington Webb Municipal Building. Cashiers are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

  • Cash, checks (payable to “Manager of Finance”), Visa, Mastercard, and Discover card are all accepted.

For questions, email [email protected] or call 311.

Step 8.Pay required fees

Individual history form:  $100 per individual who completes the individual history form. Checks should be made payable to the Manager of Finance.

Master file applicant must include a fee of $250 for each person listed, payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Step 9.City application review and next steps

Excise and Licenses tries to conduct an initial review of a complete application within seven business days. The review process might take longer if it is incomplete or requires police review (if applicable).

  • All application-related communications will be sent through email, from [email protected]. Do not respond to these emails as this inbox is not monitored.
  • If the application is incomplete, the applicant will receive a "notice of deficiency" email. This allows 14 days for corrections. License endorsement requests and incidents on a background check need police review.
  • All applications will be closed if they are not completed within 12 months.

Step 10.License issuance

After all the steps below are complete, email [email protected] to let the Department know you want your license emailed. Include the business file number (BFN), and the name and address of the business.

  1. All required documents are complete and submitted (if applicable).
  2. Fees are paid in full.
  3. All required inspections are passed (if applicable).

The licensee should read "Once you have your license" below and follow the requirements.

For a corporation

  • Limited Liability Company and Corporate Report of Changes(PDF, 1MB)
  • Bed and Breakfast Permit Application(PDF, 245KB)
  • State license number
  • Receipt of payment of state fees will need to be uploaded. This link will help take you to where you can pay the state fees.
  • Notice to applicant(PDF, 99KB)
  • Names and addresses of all the corporation's officers and directors.
  • Certificate of incorporation (or) date stamped articles.
  • Certificate of good standing dated within the last two years.
  • Certificate of authority (only if a foreign corporation).
  • Copies of minutes of meetings by the corporation supporting the changes reflected on the front of the application. This includes letters of resignation, or appointment of any officers, or directors of a corporation.
  • Names, addresses, and Individual History Form(PDF, 1MB)  of all people owning 10% or more of the outstanding or issued capital stock
  • People new to the corporation who have not previously been qualified must be fingerprinted for the following:
    • All officers and directors.
    • Members and shareholders who own 10% or more of the business entity.
    • If an officer or manager of a licensee has already been qualified and is only changing positions within the licensee entity, they will not have to be requalified, and no fee will be charged unless the Department has reason to suspect that there has been a change in the record of the individual since the last qualification.

For a limited liability company

  • Limited Liability Company and Corporate Report of Changes(PDF, 1MB) 
  • A copy of the purchase agreement or equivalent thereto.
  • Names, addresses, and Individual History Form(PDF, 1MB) of all people owning 10% or more of the outstanding or greater interest.
  • Partnership agreement (limited and general partnerships).
  • Certificate of authority (only if a foreign corporation).
  • Certificate of good standing dated within the last two years.
  • Articles of organization.
  • Copies of minutes of meetings by the limited liability company or partnership supporting the changes reflected on the front of the application. This includes letters of resignation, or appointment of any managing member or members of a limited liability company, or any general or limited partner in a partnership (including husband and wife partnerships).
  • People new to the limited liability company who have not previously been qualified must be fingerprinted for the following:
    • All officers and directors.
    • Members and shareholders who own 10% or more of the business entity.
    • If an officer or manager of a licensee has already been qualified and is only changing positions within the licensee entity, they will not have to be requalified, and no fee will be charged unless the Department has reason to suspect there has been a change in the record of the individual since the last qualification.

If the licensee as listed on Line 1 has a sole stockholder that is a corporation, or LLC, or partnership, include a letter designating one officer, or managing member or the general partner to be the "principal person" for the applicant. This person must also fill out an Individual History Form(PDF, 1MB) and be fingerprinted for background investigation.

For Cabaret (if there is a cabaret and ownership structure is changing by more than 50%)

License must be displayed

Excise and Licenses will email a professional license to all licensees. This license (or a clear picture of it) must always be displayed.

Requirement to keep contact information up to date

Email [email protected] to notify the Department of any contact information changes (place of business, onsite manager, etc.). These updates must be submitted within 72 hours of the change. 

Requirement to renew annually

Licenses expire annually. It is unlawful to operate with an expired license. A renewal application must be filed before the license expires.

Hours of operation

Office hours (Schedule an appointment)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Liquor office hours (Schedule an appointment)
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday

State Statutes

Municipal code

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