Alcohol Delivery in Montana: What Delivery Drivers Need to Know

Montana is entering a new chapter in its alcohol laws. Beginning January 1, 2026, delivery drivers will be allowed to deliver beer and table wine directly to customers’ doors under House Bill 211. This change modernizes Montana’s liquor laws, creating new opportunities for drivers and businesses—but also new responsibilities.
Sep 22
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If you’re a delivery driver, business owner, or manager, you must understand the state’s strict rules on ID verification, intoxication checks, delivery restrictions, and mandatory alcohol training. Failure to follow the law could result in fines, license suspensions, or even criminal charges.

For those preparing to work in alcohol delivery or the hospitality industry, the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification is an excellent way to get ready. Business owners and on-premise staff can also benefit from the Montana Alcohol Awareness Training—a useful program for bartenders, sellers, and managers, though it is not yet state-approved.

Montana’s Newest Alcohol Delivery Law

What Changed?
In April 2025, the Governor signed HB 211, making it legal for third-party platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Instacart to deliver beer and table wine starting in 2026. Prior to this, only licensed retailers could deliver directly.

Key Rules for Delivery Drivers
  1. Must be 21 years old to deliver alcohol.
  2. Complete responsible alcohol sales and service training (state-approved).
  3. Verify customer ID by scanning or inspecting a government-issued photo ID.
  4. Do not deliver to intoxicated persons.
  5. Alcohol must be transported in the trunk or a non-passenger area of the vehicle.
  6. No delivery to campuses, P.O. boxes, or unmarked addresses.

According to Montana law (MCA 16-4-1005), licensees are responsible for ensuring that delivery drivers complete training before their first shift and renew it every three years.

Why Is Training Mandatory?

Montana requires all employees selling, serving, or delivering alcohol to complete state-approved Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (RASS) training.

What Training Covers
  • State alcohol laws and penalties.
  • How to properly check IDs and detect fakes.
  • Identifying intoxicated customers.
  • Legal responsibilities of drivers and licensees.
  • Safe delivery practices.

This ensures that drivers are not only delivering alcohol legally but also helping prevent underage sales and alcohol abuse.

Delivery Hours and Restrictions

How Late Can You Have Alcohol Delivered in Montana?

Deliveries will align with retail sales hours: Monday–Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. (subject to local ordinances).

Delivery Limitations

  • Only beer and table wine are allowed. Spirits (liquor) cannot be delivered.
  • Alcohol must be factory-sealed in original packaging.
  • Deliveries must be made to residential or business addresses with a valid number.
  • College campuses and dormitories are off-limits.

Step-by-Step: How Drivers Can Deliver Alcohol Legally

  1. Get Hired by a Licensed Business or Platform (2026)
    DoorDash, Grubhub, and Instacart will require drivers to meet state training standards.

  2. Complete State-Approved Alcohol Training
    Training must be finished before the first alcohol delivery.
    Renew every three years.

  3. Verify ID at the Door
    Scan or check a valid, government-issued photo ID.
    Confirm the customer is 21 or older.

  4. Assess Sobriety
    If the customer appears intoxicated (slurred speech, staggering), refuse delivery.

  5. Transport Properly
    Store alcohol in the trunk or separate cargo area.

  6. Keep Records
    Employers must keep proof of employee training completion.

FAQs: Montana Alcohol Delivery

  • Is it legal to deliver alcohol in Montana?
    Licensed retailers (such as grocery and liquor stores) can deliver alcohol themselves under existing laws, but third-party delivery services are not legally allowed to deliver alcohol yet.

  • When will third-party alcohol delivery become legal in Montana?
    Starting January 1, 2026, third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats will be permitted to deliver beer and table wine on behalf of licensed retailers, following Montana’s new laws (House Bill 211).

  • What types of alcohol will be allowed for delivery under the new law?
    Only beer and table wine will be allowed for delivery by third-party services and licensed retailers. Delivery of spirits is not included.

  • How late can you have alcohol delivered in Montana?
    Until 2:00 a.m., consistent with retail sales hours, unless restricted by local ordinances.

Opportunities and Challenges for Delivery Drivers

New Opportunities
  • More delivery orders = more earning potential.
  • Demand will increase in cities like Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, and Helena.
  • Restaurants and retailers gain new revenue streams.

Increased Responsibilities
  • Higher risk of penalties for mistakes.
  • Greater scrutiny by law enforcement and employers.
  • Training is not just a formality—it protects both drivers and businesses.

Compliance for Business Owners and Managers

If you own or manage a bar, restaurant, or retail store in Montana:

  • You are responsible for ensuring employees complete training.
  • You must keep documentation of employee certification.
  • You face liability if your staff delivers alcohol illegally.

Employers should train drivers and staff proactively, even before HB 211 takes effect.

Get Certified to Confidently Deliver Alcohol in Montana

Montana’s new alcohol delivery law creates exciting opportunities but also serious responsibilities for delivery drivers and businesses. From January 1, 2026, drivers will be legally permitted to deliver beer and table wine—but only if they are 21+, properly trained, and compliant with state laws.

For delivery drivers working with platforms like DoorDash, Instacart, or Grubhub, getting trained now is the best way to prepare. The National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification equips drivers with practical, nationwide skills for ID verification, safe delivery, and compliance. On-premise staff such as bartenders, servers, managers, and sellers can benefit from the Montana Alcohol Awareness Training—a strong resource for alcohol service professionals, though not yet state-approved.

By staying informed and trained, Montana drivers and businesses will be ready to meet customer demand while ensuring alcohol is delivered safely, responsibly, and legally.

Get Trained at Your Convenience and Get Certified in Montana

Whether you’re seeking convenience, affordability, or specialized training in Montana to be an alcohol server, seller, or a bartender, we are here to help. With the Montana Alcohol Awareness Training, you can gain the skills and certification needed to provide safe and responsible alcohol service as a bartender or as an alcohol server.


Ready to enhance your skills and earn your certification? Explore Certification Experts’ offerings today and take the next step in your career.