Basic Permit Number
A basic permit is the federal authorization required by the FAA Act for any person or entity to engage in the business of importing, producing, or wholesaling distilled spirits, wine, or malt beverages in interstate commerce.
In Plain English
A basic permit is your license to operate in the alcohol business at the federal level. Before you can produce, import, or wholesale any alcohol for sale across state lines, you need a basic permit from the TTB. It is different from a state liquor license, which is issued by your state government. You need both federal and state authorization to operate legally. The basic permit is specific to your business and location. If you move your operations, you need a new permit. If you want to add a new type of activity (say an importer also wants to start producing), you need an additional permit. The TTB maintains a public list of all active basic permit holders, which BevAlc Intelligence syncs every Tuesday.
Technical Detail
Basic permits are required under Section 203 of the FAA Act (27 U.S.C. 203) and regulated under 27 CFR Part 1. There are several types: Importer of Distilled Spirits, Wine, and Malt Beverages; Domestic Producer of Wine, Distilled Spirits, or Malt Beverages; and Wholesaler of Distilled Spirits, Wine, or Malt Beverages. The application process (TTB Form 5100.24) requires disclosure of ownership, principal officers, business location, and types of operations planned. Background investigations are conducted on all applicants. Permits may be conditioned on compliance requirements and can be suspended or revoked for violations. Permits are not transferable between persons or locations. The TTB publishes a weekly update of active permit holders, which is the data source for the BevAlc Intelligence permits feature.
Why It Matters
Basic permit data is a goldmine for service providers because it identifies every federally authorized alcohol business in the country. Unlike COLA data which shows product-level activity, permit data shows the businesses themselves: their names, addresses, and permit types. For compliance consultants, attorneys, and industry service providers, the permit database is a prospecting tool identifying potential clients. BevAlc Intelligence matches permit records to companies in the COLA database, creating a more complete picture of each company's operations.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a basic permit?
The TTB targets 75 to 120 days for processing new permit applications, but actual times vary based on the completeness of the application and the results of the background investigation. Complex applications or those with ownership issues can take significantly longer.
Do I need both a federal permit and a state license?
Yes. Federal permits authorize operations under federal law, but you must also obtain all applicable state and local licenses for your jurisdiction. Some states have additional requirements that go beyond federal regulations.
What happens if my permit is revoked?
If your basic permit is revoked, you must immediately cease all activities covered by that permit. Continued operation without a valid permit is a federal offense. The revocation decision can be appealed through the TTB administrative process.