What you need to do to bartend legally
A bartending license is a permit issued by your state or local government that allows you to serve and sell alcohol. The process varies significantly by state — some states require a formal license, others require only a food handler card or alcohol server certification, and a few have no statewide requirement at all. You will need to complete an approved training course, pass a test, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes two to six weeks from start to finish.
Most states require you to be at least 18 or 21 years old (21 is more common). You will also need a clean background — felony convictions, particularly those involving violence or theft, can disqualify you. Some states allow you to work under supervision while waiting for your license to arrive, but do not assume this; check with your state's alcohol beverage control board first.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's alcohol beverage control board or department of health sets the rules for bartending licenses, and requirements differ widely by state.
- Most states require you to complete an approved bartending or alcohol server course before you can take the licensing test.
- You will pay a fee to take the test and another fee to receive your license; these amounts vary by state but typically range from $15 to $100 combined.
- Your license is usually valid for one to three years and must be renewed; renewal often requires taking a refresher course or paying a renewal fee.
Find your state's specific requirements
Start by contacting your state's alcohol beverage control board or the equivalent agency — the name varies by state. Some states call it the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, others the Liquor and Cannabis Board, and still others the Alcohol Beverage Commission. A web search for "[your state] alcohol beverage control" will get you to the right office.
That office will tell you whether your state requires a bartending license at all, what age you must be, whether you need a background check, and which training courses are approved. Some states have a single statewide requirement; others let counties or cities set their own rules on top of the state rule. If your state allows local variation, you will also need to contact your city or county health department or alcohol licensing office.
Write down the specific requirements for your state before you spend money on a course. A course that is approved in one state may not be approved in another, and taking an unapproved course means you will have to take it again.
Complete an approved bartending or alcohol server course
Most states require you to take a course on responsible alcohol service before you can test for a license. These courses cover topics like checking ID, recognizing signs of intoxication, understanding local laws, and refusing service to someone who is drunk or underage. The course is usually online and takes two to four hours to complete.
Your state's alcohol beverage control board publishes a list of approved course providers. Common providers include TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS), ServSafe Alcohol, and state-specific programs run by health departments. Do not take a course from a provider not on your state's approved list — you will not be able to use it toward your license.
When you finish the course, you will receive a certificate or completion card. Keep this document; you will need to show it when you explore for your license or take the test. Some courses issue the certificate when ready online, others mail it to you, and a few require you to pick it up in person.
Take and pass the licensing test
After you complete your approved course, you will take a written test administered by your state or a testing vendor contracted by your state. The test covers the material from your course — ID checking, intoxication signs, local alcohol laws, and responsible service practices. Most tests have 20 to 50 questions and you usually need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass.
Some states allow you to take the test online at home; others require you to test at a specific location like a health department office or testing center. Check your state's requirements to find out where and when you can test. Testing fees range from $15 to $50 depending on your state.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can usually retake the test after a waiting period of a few days to a week. You may have to pay the testing fee again. Most people pass on the first try if they paid attention during the course.
Submit your process and pay the license fee
Once you pass the test, you will submit an process to your state or local alcohol licensing authority. The process asks for your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. You will need to provide proof of your test passage and your course completion certificate. Some states also require you to submit to a background check at this stage; others do it before you take the course.
The process fee and license fee vary by state. Some states charge one combined fee of $25 to $75; others charge separately for the process and the license. A few states charge annual renewal fees of $10 to $50. Ask your alcohol beverage control board what the total cost will be before you explore.
Processing time is usually two to four weeks. Some states issue licenses faster if you explore online. You will receive your license by mail or be told to pick it up at a local office. Do not start bartending until you have your license in hand, even if your employer says it is okay — working without a license can result in fines for both you and the bar.
Renew your license before it expires
Bartending licenses are not permanent. Most states issue licenses valid for one to three years. Your license will have an expiration date printed on it. Mark that date on your calendar.
Renewal usually requires you to pay a renewal fee, which is often lower than the original license fee. Some states require you to take a refresher course or retake the test to renew; others do not. Check your state's rules at least two months before your license expires so you have time to complete any required steps.
If your license expires before you renew it, you cannot legally bartend. If you are still working at a bar, you will need to stop serving alcohol when ready and notify your employer. Renewing after expiration may require you to retake the full course and test, not just pay a renewal fee.
What happens if your state has no statewide requirement
A handful of states do not require a bartending license at all. These include Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. However, even in these states, individual cities or counties may require a license, and your employer may require you to have one anyway.
If you work in a state with no statewide requirement, contact your city or county alcohol licensing office to find out whether a local license is required. If no license is required anywhere in your area, you may still want to take a responsible alcohol service course — many employers prefer or require it, and it makes you a safer, more knowledgeable bartender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bartend while I wait for my license to arrive?
This depends on your state. Some states allow you to work under supervision while your process is being processed, as long as you have passed the test and have your course completion certificate. Others do not allow this. Contact your state's alcohol beverage control board or ask your employer before you assume it is okay.
What if I have a criminal record?
Most states will deny a bartending license if you have a felony conviction, particularly for crimes involving violence, theft, or drugs. Some states have waiting periods — for example, you may be able to get a license five years after a conviction. Contact your state's alcohol beverage control board with details of your record; they can tell you whether you are disqualified.
Do I need a bartending license if I only work at a private club?
Private clubs sometimes have different rules than bars open to the public. Some states exempt private clubs from licensing requirements; others do not. Check with your state's alcohol beverage control board and your club's management to find out what applies to you.
How much does a bartending license cost in total?
Total cost varies by state but typically ranges from $30 to $150 when you combine the course fee, test fee, process fee, and license fee. Some states charge less, others more. Your state's alcohol beverage control board website will list the exact fees.
Can I transfer my bartending license to another state?
No. Each state sets its own requirements and issues its own licenses. If you move to another state, you will need to get a new license in that state. You may be able to use your course certificate from your previous state if that state's course is approved in your new state, but you will still need to take the test and pay the fees in your new state.