What a bartending license actually is
A bartending license is a permit issued by your state or local government that allows you to serve and sell alcohol in a bar, restaurant, or other licensed establishment. It is not the same as a driver's license — it is specific to alcohol service and is required by law in most states before you can work behind a bar.
The license proves you have completed training on responsible alcohol service, know the legal drinking age and hours of operation, and understand how to check identification. Some states call this a Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certificate or Alcohol Server Certification. The name varies, but the requirement is the same: you must have it before your employer can legally put you on the schedule.
Unlike a driver's license, which you renew every few years, a bartending license typically lasts three to five years depending on your state. You will need to renew it before it expires if you want to keep working in alcohol service.
Key Takeaways
- Most states require you to complete an alcohol server training course and pass a test before you can work as a bartender, though a few states do not mandate it.
- You can take the course online, in person, or sometimes both, and most courses take two to four hours to complete.
- The cost ranges from about $10 to $50 depending on the provider and your state, and some employers cover the cost for new hires.
- After you pass the test, you receive a certificate when ready or within a few days, and you can start working once your employer has a copy on file.
- Your license expires after three to five years, and you will need to renew it by taking the course again or completing a shorter renewal module.
Which states require a bartending license
Most states require some form of alcohol server training and certification before you can work as a bartender. However, a few states — including Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Missouri, and Wyoming — do not mandate state-level certification. Even in those states, individual cities or counties may require it, and many employers require it anyway as a liability precaution.
The best way to know what your state requires is to contact your state's Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) board or your local health department. You can find the ABC board's phone number or website by searching "[your state] ABC board" or "[your state] alcohol licensing." They can tell you whether certification is required in your area and which courses they recognize.
If you are moving to a different state for a bartending job, ask your new employer whether they need you to get certified in that state. Some employers will not hire you without proof of certification, even if the state does not technically require it.
How to find and take an alcohol server training course
Once you know your state requires certification, you need to find a course provider. Most states recognize courses offered by national companies like TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS), ServSafe Alcohol, ABC Bartending, and Responsible Beverage Service. Your state's ABC board website usually lists approved providers, or you can search "[your state] alcohol server certification approved courses."
Most courses are available online and take two to four hours to complete. You watch videos, read material about recognizing intoxication and checking ID, and learn your state's specific laws about hours of operation and who can serve alcohol. Some providers also offer in-person classes at community colleges or training centers, which may be useful if you prefer to learn in a classroom or have limited internet access.
The cost typically ranges from $10 to $50, depending on the provider and whether your state sets a price cap. Some employers cover the cost for new hires, so ask before you pay out of pocket. Once you enroll, you can usually start the course when ready and finish it the same day.
Taking the test and getting your certificate
After you complete the course material, you take a short test — usually 10 to 20 multiple-choice questions — that covers what you learned. The test is open-book in most online courses, meaning you can refer back to the material while you answer. You typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass, depending on the provider.
If you pass, you receive your certificate when ready (for online courses) or within a few days (for in-person courses). The certificate is either printed on the spot or mailed to you, and you can also read a digital copy. Your employer will ask to see this certificate before your first shift, so keep it somewhere safe and bring a copy to your first day of work.
If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test. Most providers let you retake it right away at no extra cost, though a few charge a small fee for a second attempt.
What happens after you get your certificate
Once you have your certificate, you can start working as a bartender. Your employer will keep a copy on file for their records — this is a legal requirement in most states. You should also keep a copy for yourself in case you change jobs and a new employer needs to verify your certification.
Your certificate is valid for three to five years depending on your state. When it is about to expire, you will need to renew it. Renewal usually involves taking a shorter refresher course (often one to two hours) and passing another test. Some states let you renew online, while others require you to renew in person at a specific location.
If your certificate expires and you continue to work as a bartender, you are working illegally and your employer is breaking the law. Check your certificate's expiration date well in advance so you have time to renew before it runs out.
Cost breakdown and payment options
The total cost of getting a bartending license is usually low. The course itself costs $10 to $50, and there are no additional government fees in most states — the state does not charge you to issue the certificate. Some providers offer discounts if you take the course with a group, or if you are a student or military member.
A few states do charge a small fee to register your certificate with the state, but this is rare and usually under $10. Ask the course provider whether your state charges a registration fee before you enroll.
Many employers cover the course cost for new hires as part of onboarding, so you may not have to pay anything out of pocket. If you are job-hunting, it is worth asking potential employers whether they will cover the cost if you do not have certification yet.
Renewing your bartending license
When your certificate is within six months of expiring, you should start the renewal process. Renewal involves taking a shorter course (usually one to two hours) that covers updates to your state's alcohol laws and refreshes the main concepts from your original training. You then take another short test and receive a new certificate valid for another three to five years.
You can renew through the same provider you used originally, or through a different approved provider — it does not matter. The renewal course costs about the same as the original course, $10 to $50. Some employers will cover renewal costs for current employees, so ask your manager before you pay.
If your certificate expires before you renew, you cannot legally work as a bartender until you complete the renewal course and pass the test. If this happens, you will need to take the full course again rather than the shorter renewal module, so it is worth renewing on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bartending license if I only work as a server, not a bartender?
It depends on your state and job. In most states, servers who do not pour drinks do not need a bartending license. However, some states require all staff who handle alcohol — including servers who deliver drinks — to have certification. Ask your employer or your state's ABC board to be sure.
Can I work as a bartender while I am waiting for my certificate to arrive?
No. You must have your certificate in hand before you start working. Your employer is legally required to have proof of your certification on file, and they can be fined if you work without it. Most online courses issue your certificate when ready after you pass the test, so you can start work the same day.
What if I move to a different state — do I need a new license?
Most states recognize certificates from other states, but some do not. Before you move, contact your new state's ABC board to ask whether they accept your current certificate or whether you need to get certified in the new state. If you need a new one, the process is the same as before.
How long does it take to get a bartending license from start to finish?
If you take an online course, you can complete the entire process in a few hours — take the course, pass the test, and receive your certificate the same day. If you take an in-person class, it may take a few days to a week to get your certificate in the mail. Plan ahead if you have a job start date coming up.
What happens if I fail the test?
You can retake the test, usually right away at no extra cost. The test is not difficult — it covers material from the course and is designed to make sure you understand basic alcohol service laws. Most people pass on their first try.