Liquor Licenses

Obtaining a Liquor License

To obtain a liquor license in unincorporated Ouray County, call the Ouray County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 970-325-4961 for information. 

For licenses located within the City of Ouray or the Town of Ridgway, contact them directly.


Liquor License Renewals

All liquor licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Approximately 90 days prior to expiration, the Department of Revenue should send your renewal forms to you.


If you do not receive these, please contact Colorado Liquor Enforcement at 303-205-2300.


Please complete the renewal forms and return them to:

  Ouray Clerk and Recorder’s Office

  P.O. Box C

  Ouray, Colorado 81427


Please be sure to include two checks with your renewal, one for the State of Colorado and one for Ouray County. Contact the Ouray County Clerk and Recorder at 970-325-4961 for information on local renewal fees.


New Licenses & Transfers of Ownership

To apply for either a new liquor license or to transfer the ownership of an existing liquor license, you must complete the following forms, located online:

  • Individual History Record
  • Retail License Application or 3.2% Beer License Application

Checks & Fees


With your application you will need to submit three checks. See the fee list for appropriate amounts.


  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation for background checks
  • Colorado Department of Revenue for State fees
  • Ouray County Clerk and Recorder for County fees

Length of Process


The entire process for a new license or to transfer ownership of an existing license can take anywhere from 60-90 days. To expedite this process, it is recommended that new license applicants request a concurrent review by the State. Transfer of ownership applicants may request that a temporary permit be issued by the County. The cost for these is an additional $100.


Meeting with the Clerk & Recorder 

It is highly recommended that you meet with the Ouray County Clerk and Recorder when completing your application, as there are many requirements that must be met to obtain a liquor license. Failure to meet any of these requirements could delay processing of the application.


More Information

For further information visit the Colorado Department of Revenue Liquor Enforcement Division.