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Processing Times for Original Permit Applications

Ready to apply for a TTB permit or registration?  Or waiting to hear about an application you submitted?

Check our Original Permit Processing Times for recent service times. Median days to process means that half of applications are issued within the posted times and half take longer. Learn more about reading the chart. 

Our customer service goal is to issue 85% of permits or registrations within:

75 days

Days to Process Permit Applications (in Calendar Days)

Alcohol Applications/Registrations Received Year-to-Date (4,177 as of 09/28/2026)

Application TypeJune 2026July 2026August 2026
Bonded Winery544835
Bonded Wine Cellar234925
Brewery433534
Distilled Spirits Plant494847
Importer (Alcohol)261913
Wholesaler (Alcohol)211715
Alcohol Fuel Plant67N/AN/A
Specially Denatured Spirits221114
Tax Free Alcohol39208

Tobacco Applications Received Year-to-Date (133 as of 09/28/2026)

Application TypeJune 2026July 2026August 2026
Tobacco Importer122125117
Export Warehouse346N/AN/A
Manufacturer of Tobacco ProductsN/AN/A145
Manufacturer of Cigarette Papers and TubesN/AN/AN/A

Firearms Registrations Received Year-to-Date (38 as of 09/28/2026)

Application TypeJune 2026July 2026August 2026
Firearms Tax Free6219169

 

Need a Status Check?

  • If you filed through Permits Online, log into your Permits Online account – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to check on the status of your application.
  • Remember: The time necessary to process an application varies depending on application type and submission volume. Typically, applications to operate a production or manufacturing plant take longer to review. We suggest that you only contact us to inquire about the status of your application if we exceed the customer service standard.

Reading the Chart

  • Application Type: Displays processing times for all original permit application types, grouped by industry – Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms – and includes the total number of applications received for the calendar year.  If we did not receive any applications for a particular permit type, it will say N/A.
  • Days to Process Permit Application (in Calendar Days): Defined as median number of days to process an original application – from the time we receive it until we approve it (excludes denied, withdrawn, and abandoned applications). This includes any time spent:
    • Evaluating the application for accuracy and completeness, and any back and forth for additional information and/or corrections,
    • Background checks,
    • Field investigations,
    • Examination of equipment and premises, and
    • Legal analysis of proposed operations.

We review applications in the order we receive them. To avoid delays on your application, make sure it is as complete and accurate as possible. Review our guidance on Applying for a Permit or Registration if you need help determining your permit type, gathering required documents, or information on how to file.

Ready to Apply?

  • Permits Online makes it easy for you to electronically apply for and update the permit or registration you need to operate a TTB-regulated business.
  • Once you have registered to use Permits Online, just log in and follow the instructions and prompts for submitting your application package.  There is no fee to apply.

Related Information

Last updated: September 29, 2026
Maintained by: Office of Permitting and Taxation