Texas TABC Surety Bonds
Need a TABC bond for your Texas liquor license or permit? Lavon Insurance issues TABC Conduct Surety Bonds and Performance Bonds online, starting at $100, and ready to upload to AIMS. In addition, we write Brewer Fee Interest Bonds.
Last updated October 2026.
From $100
Most TABC bond premiums
Fast Issuance
Most bonds issued online, often same day
AIMS-Ready
Bond form ready to upload to TABC
BBB Accredited
Local Texas agency
Which TABC Bond Do I Need?
TABC requires three types of bonds. Your license or permit type, Food and Beverage Certificate (FB) status and location determine which one applies. However, if TABC or AIMS has already told you the bond type and amount, use that.
Conduct Surety Bond
Required for most retail permits (MB, BE, BG, N, NB, NE, P, Q, BQ, TR) when the business doesn’t hold a Food and Beverage Certificate.
Find your conduct bond →Performance Bond
By contrast, this applies only to BE or BG businesses in Dallas, Tarrant, Harris or Bexar County that don’t hold an FB certificate.
Check performance bond rules →Fee Interest Bond
Meanwhile, this bond is for brewers (BW) and nonresident brewers (BN) in alternating proprietorship or contract brewing arrangements without a fee interest in the brewery.
See fee interest bonds →Instead, match it to the permit code on your TABC or AIMS paperwork. Not sure? Call us at (972) 853-8884 before you buy.
How Much Does a TABC Bond Cost?
You don’t pay the full bond amount. Instead, you pay a premium, a small fraction of the bond amount, for each bond term. In fact, most TABC bonds are issued at a flat rate for qualified applicants.
| TABC Bond | Bond Amount | Premium (1-Year Term)* |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct Surety Bond, more than 1,000 ft from a public school | $5,000 | From $100 |
| Conduct Surety Bond, within 1,000 ft of a public school | $10,000 | From $150 |
| Performance Bond, initial | $2,000 | From $100 |
| Performance Bond, increased (only if TABC requires it) | $4,000 / $6,000 | From $100 / $120 |
| Brewer Fee Interest Bond | $30,000 | Call for a quote |
Bond Amount
First, TABC sets the amount based on your permit, school distance and violation history.
Credit & History
Most conduct and performance bonds use standard rates. By contrast, the $30,000 fee interest bond is usually underwritten individually.
Term
Finally, TABC bonds must stay in force while your license or permit is active, so plan to renew each year.
TABC Conduct Surety Bond Requirements by Permit
This table reflects the current TABC Conduct Surety Bond form. Nevertheless, always follow the amount TABC asks for. School distance is measured property line to property line.
| License / Permit | Code | Bond Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Beverage Permit | MB | $5,000; $10,000 within 1,000 ft of a public school |
| Private Club Registration Permit | N | $5,000; $10,000 within 1,000 ft |
| Private Club Malt Beverage and Wine Permit | NB | $5,000; $10,000 within 1,000 ft |
| Private Club Exemption Certificate | NE | $5,000; $10,000 within 1,000 ft |
| Passenger Transportation Permit | TR | $5,000; $10,000 within 1,000 ft |
| Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit | BG | $5,000; $10,000 within 1,000 ft |
| Retail Dealer’s On-Premise License | BE | $5,000; $10,000 within 1,000 ft |
| Package Store Permit | P | $10,000 when within 1,000 ft of a public school |
| Wine-Only Package Store Permit | Q | $10,000 when within 1,000 ft of a public school |
| Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit | BQ | $10,000 when within 1,000 ft of a public school |
Under TABC’s Conduct Surety Bond instructions, you don’t have to submit the bond with an original application if you qualify for and are applying for a Food and Beverage Certificate. Likewise, the same applies at renewal when you’re also renewing the certificate. If the certificate isn’t approved, however, the bond may be required.
Get Your TABC Conduct Surety Bond
Each link opens our secure bond portal to the matching product. Simply confirm the product, then click Start Application.
Mixed Beverage Permit
Distilled spirits, wine and malt beverages for on-premise consumption at bars, restaurants and venues.
Get the MB Conduct Bond →Retail Dealer’s On-Premise License
Malt beverages for on-premise consumption, plus certain additional TABC privileges.
Get the BE Conduct Bond →Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit
Wine and malt beverages for on- or off-premise consumption.
Get the BG Conduct Bond →Package Store Permit
Liquor stores selling distilled spirits, wine and malt beverages for off-premise consumption.
Get the Package Store Bond →Wine-Only Package Store Permit
Wine and malt beverages sold to consumers for off-premise consumption.
Get the Q Conduct Bond →Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit
Off-premise wine and malt beverage sales. The portal may use the older “Wine & Beer” name.
Get the BQ Conduct Bond →Private Club Registration Permit
Private clubs storing and serving distilled spirits, wine and malt beverages to members.
Get the N Conduct Bond →Private Club Malt Beverage and Wine Permit
Likewise, for private clubs storing and serving malt beverages and wine to members.
Get the NB Conduct Bond →Private Club Exemption Certificate
Qualifying fraternal and veterans organizations serving members and guests.
Get the NE Conduct Bond →Passenger Transportation Permit
Similarly, for airlines, buses, boats and trains serving alcohol for onboard consumption.
Get the TR Conduct Bond →Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit, Railway Car
A specialized, legacy permit type. Therefore, confirm with TABC that it applies before buying.
Get the Railway Car Bond →Need Help Choosing?
Tell us the permit code on your AIMS application, and we’ll match the right bond before you apply.
Call (972) 853-8884 →Do You Need a TABC Performance Bond?
Performance bonds apply to far fewer businesses than conduct bonds. According to TABC, all three of these must be true. As a North Texas agency, we write performance bonds for many Dallas and Fort Worth area bars, restaurants and venues.
1. Location
Your business is in Dallas, Tarrant, Harris or Bexar County.
2. Permit
In addition, you hold or are applying for a BE license or BG permit.
3. No FB Certificate
Finally, you don’t hold a Food and Beverage Certificate.
The initial performance bond is $2,000. TABC raises it only after violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Code or TABC rules. Therefore, choose a higher amount only if TABC has told you to.
| Permit | $2,000 Initial (Standard) | $4,000 (Only if TABC Requires) | $6,000 (Only if TABC Requires) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BE: Retail Dealer’s On-Premise License | Get BE $2,000 Bond | Get BE $4,000 Bond | Get BE $6,000 Bond |
| BG: Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit | Get BG $2,000 Bond | Get BG $4,000 Bond | Get BG $6,000 Bond |
TABC Brewer Fee Interest Bond ($30,000)
TABC requires a $30,000 fee interest bond from Brewer’s License (BW) and Nonresident Brewer’s License (BN) holders that operate under an alternating proprietorship or contract brewing arrangement and don’t own a fee interest in the brewery premises.
Because of the larger bond amount, the fee interest bond is usually underwritten individually. Simply call with your license type and brewing arrangement, and we’ll quote it quickly.
- BW or BN license holders
- Alternating proprietorship or contract brewing
- No ownership interest in the brewery premises
- Individually underwritten
How to Get a TABC Bond and File It in AIMS
Identify Your Permit Code
First, find the license or permit code (MB, BE, BG, P, N and so on) on your AIMS application or TABC paperwork.
Check Your FB Certificate Status
Next, note that holding or applying for an FB certificate can remove the conduct bond and rules out the performance bond.
Confirm the Amount
Then use the amount TABC requires. For conduct bonds, school distance decides $5,000 vs. $10,000.
Buy the Matching Bond
After that, choose your bond above and complete the short online application.
Submit the Bond to TABC
Next, upload the signed bond in AIMS. Paper submissions are accepted; however, they take longer to process.
Keep It in Force
Finally, renew on time. If a bond is cancelled, TABC notifies you, and you must replace it promptly.
How a TABC Surety Bond Works
Principal
You, the license or permit holder, promise to follow the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code and TABC rules.
Obligee
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which requires the bond and can make a claim on it.
Surety
The company that issues the bond and guarantees payment to TABC if a claim is valid.
If a covered violation leads TABC to forfeit the bond, the surety pays TABC and you must repay the surety. For coverage that protects you, see our commercial insurance and general liability options.
TABC also accepts an acceptable letter of credit or an assignment of a certificate of deposit. However, a surety bond is usually the lowest-cost option because it doesn’t tie up cash.
TABC Surety Bond FAQs
How much does a TABC bond cost?
Most TABC conduct and performance bonds start at $100 for the term. The price depends on the bond amount TABC requires ($2,000 to $10,000 for most retailers) and surety underwriting. The $30,000 brewer fee interest bond is quoted individually.
Does every TABC license require a surety bond?
No. Bond requirements depend on the license or permit, Food and Beverage Certificate status, location and other TABC requirements. Your AIMS application or TABC will identify the required bond.
What is a TABC Conduct Surety Bond?
A conduct surety bond guarantees that the license or permit holder will comply with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code and TABC rules, subject to the terms of the bond.
Is a TABC Conduct Bond always $5,000?
No. It’s $5,000 for most covered permits, rising to $10,000 when the business is within 1,000 feet of a public school, measured property line to property line. P, Q and BQ permits are listed at $10,000 when the school-distance rule applies.
Does a Food and Beverage Certificate affect my bond?
Yes. Qualifying applicants applying for a Food and Beverage Certificate, and holders renewing one, generally don’t have to submit a conduct surety bond. In addition, an FB certificate means a performance bond doesn’t apply. If the certificate isn’t approved, however, the bond may be required.
Who needs a TABC Performance Bond?
Businesses that meet all three conditions: located in Dallas, Tarrant, Harris or Bexar County; holding or applying for a BE license or BG permit; and not holding a Food and Beverage Certificate.
Should I choose the $4,000 or $6,000 Performance Bond?
Only if TABC has told you the increased amount applies. The initial performance bond is $2,000, and TABC raises it only after violations. In other words, the higher amounts aren’t optional coverage levels.
What is a TABC fee interest bond?
It’s a $30,000 bond required from brewers (BW) and nonresident brewers (BN) operating under an alternating proprietorship or contract brewing arrangement without a fee interest in the brewery premises.
How do I submit my TABC bond?
Upload the signed bond in TABC’s Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS). Paper submissions are accepted but take longer to process.
How long is a TABC bond good for, and does it renew?
TABC bonds must stay in force as long as your license or permit is active. Typically, they’re written for one year and renewed annually. If a bond is cancelled, TABC notifies you, and you must replace it promptly to protect your license.
Can I get a TABC bond with bad credit?
Usually, yes. Most TABC conduct and performance bonds are small bonds written at standard rates. By contrast, larger bonds such as the $30,000 fee interest bond may require a credit review.
Can I use a letter of credit instead of a surety bond?
Yes. TABC accepts an acceptable letter of credit or an assignment of a certificate of deposit instead of a surety bond, subject to TABC requirements. However, a surety bond is usually cheaper because it doesn’t tie up cash.
What happens if a claim is made on my TABC bond?
If TABC forfeits the bond because of a covered violation, the surety pays TABC and you must repay the surety. The bond guarantees your compliance; it doesn’t insure your business.
What if I’m not sure which TABC bond I need?
Don’t guess. Instead, check your AIMS application or TABC paperwork for the permit code and required amount, or call Lavon Insurance at (972) 853-8884 and we’ll match the right bond before you apply.
Official TABC Resources & Related Coverage
Ultimately, TABC decides whether your license or permit requires a bond and the amount. When in doubt, rely on your AIMS application and current TABC instructions.
TABC Bond Requirements
TABC’s official page on conduct, performance and fee interest bonds.
TABC Bonds →TABC License & Permit Types
Similarly, look up every TABC license and permit code.
License & Permit Types →Utility Deposit Bonds
Opening a new location? In that case, avoid large utility deposits.
Utility Deposit Bonds →License & Compliance Bonds
Other Texas license bonds, from health spas to athlete agents.
License & Compliance Bonds →Get the Right TABC Bond the First Time
Have your TABC license or permit code and required bond amount ready. Not sure which bond applies? Call us before you apply, and we’ll match it for you.
TABC determines licensing, permit and bond requirements. Bond approval and premium are subject to surety underwriting. Always follow the current requirement shown by TABC or AIMS.