Quick Answer: Washington requires a MAST permit — by law, servers, bartenders and managers at on-premises licensed establishments must obtain one within 60 days of hire. A Class 12 permit is for workers 21 and older; Class 13 covers ages 18–20. Permits are valid for five years and are not renewable — you take a new course. Training must come through a WSLCB-licensed provider; Certification Experts offers Washington training through an approved third-party route.
Washington Alcohol Server Quick Facts
In this guide, we’ll explain
what an alcohol service permit is, who needs one, the difference between Class 12 and
Class 13 permits, and
how to get your MAST permit in Washington State step by step. You’ll also discover how the
Certification Experts’ online courses can help prepare you to pass your MAST training confidently.
An
Alcohol Service Permit—also called a
MAST Permit or an
Alcohol Server Permit—is a state-mandated certification required by the
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) for anyone who sells, serves, or supervises the sale of alcohol.
The purpose of the MAST program is to ensure alcohol servers understand:
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How to prevent over-service and intoxication
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How to verify IDs and prevent underage sales
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The legal responsibilities and liabilities tied to alcohol service
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How to handle intoxicated or aggressive customers safely
Holding a valid MAST permit demonstrates that you are trained in
safe, responsible alcohol service—a key factor in reducing workplace risk and protecting your employer’s liquor license.
In Washington State, alcohol service laws are strict. The
Revised Code of Washington (RCW 66.20.310) mandates that
any person who serves or sells alcohol must have a valid permit within
60 days of employment.
Failure to comply can lead to:
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Fines for both employees and employers
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License suspension or revocation for the business
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Legal liability in alcohol-related incidents
Beyond legality, employers often prefer staff who already have their permits—it’s a sign of professionalism and preparedness. For business owners and managers, ensuring all employees are properly permitted minimizes the risk of costly violations.
Washington divides its alcohol service permits into two categories, depending on the employee’s age and responsibilities:
- For individuals 21 years of age or older
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Required for bartenders, managers, and anyone who:
Mixes or pours alcohol
Draws from taps or operates dispensing devices
Supervises alcohol service or other staff
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Each licensed establishment must have at least one Class 12 permit holder on duty whenever alcohol is being served.
In short: If you’re 21 or older and working behind the bar, you’ll need a Class 12 MAST permit.
Also known as the
“Washington State Mixologist Permit”, this license gives you full serving privileges.
- For individuals 18 to 20 years old
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Allows serving alcohol but not mixing drinks or working behind the bar
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Holders can open and pour beer or wine at tables but cannot handle liquor or taps directly
Example: If you’re 19 and serving wine in a restaurant, a Class 13 permit is perfect. Once you turn 21, you can upgrade to a
Class 12 permit through an approved course.
You must obtain a MAST permit if you work in
any of the following roles:
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Bartenders and mixologists
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Servers and waitstaff in restaurants
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Bar managers and supervisors
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Store clerks selling alcohol in retail settings
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Casino or event staff serving alcohol
Essentially,
anyone who serves, sells, mixes, or supervises alcohol service at a licensed venue must hold a valid permit.
Employers are also responsible for maintaining records of employee permits and ensuring they are renewed on time.
Before receiving your Washington Alcohol Server Permit, you must complete a MAST permit course from a state-approved training provider.
A typical MAST training course covers:
- Washington alcohol laws and permit requirements
- Preventing underage alcohol service
- Recognizing fake or altered IDs
- Handling alcohol tastings and on-premises consumption
- Refusing service safely and legally
- Liability risks tied to a business liquor license
- Inspection by law enforcement and compliance expectations
The goal is to prepare alcohol servers to reduce violations and promote responsible alcohol service in bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels, and other licensed establishments.
Most providers offer multiple delivery formats, including:- Self-paced online course
- Classroom instruction
- Hybrid options
Online certification courses are especially popular because they allow students to:
- Complete training on their own schedule
- Pause and resume as needed
- Review interactive course content
- Participate in reinforcement quizzes
- Prepare thoroughly for the final exam
At the end of the course, students must pass a final exam to demonstrate knowledge of Washington alcohol regulations.
Once completed, the training provider submits the information to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB), and your official Alcohol Server Permit is issued.
Getting your MAST permit is simple—but you must follow the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board’s approved process.
Here’s the step-by-step guide:
The course typically takes
2–3 hours and covers key topics such as:
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State alcohol laws and regulations
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Checking IDs correctly
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Handling intoxicated guests
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Preventing sales to minors
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Responsible service techniques
After completing the training, you’ll need to pass a final assessment. Most providers allow you to retake the test if needed.
Once you pass, your course provider will report your completion directly to the WSLCB. You’ll receive your physical or digital MAST permit in the mail (or via email) shortly afterward.
You can confirm your permit status using the
MAST Permit Checker on the WSLCB website.
Pro Tip:
Always double-check that your information is correct—errors in your name or birthdate can delay permit verification.
Your MAST permit is valid for
five years from the date of issue. After it expires, you must
retake the entire course and exam—
it cannot be renewed automatically.
To avoid interruptions in your employment:
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Keep track of your expiration date
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Retake the course a few weeks before your permit expires
You can verify your expiration at any time using the WSLCB’s
permit checker tool.
This is a popular question—and an important compliance requirement.
According to WSLCB regulations:
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You must carry your permit (or a copy) while on duty
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It must be available for inspection by enforcement officers or supervisors at all times
Tip for managers: Keep employee permits on file at your establishment and ensure copies are updated regularly. This simple step prevents potential fines during inspections.
Even seasoned servers make errors when applying or renewing their permits. Avoid these common pitfalls:
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Taking a course that isn’t WSLCB-approved
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Missing the 60-day deadline after hire
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Using a nickname or incorrect birthdate during registration
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Forgetting to carry your permit at work
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Letting the permit expire without retaking the course
By staying proactive, you’ll remain compliant and avoid unnecessary delays in your career progression.
Washington State offers two types of alcohol service permits under the MAST program—Class 12 and Class 13—each designed for different age groups and job responsibilities.
The Class 12 MAST Permit is for individuals 21 years of age or older. It grants full privileges to mix and pour alcoholic drinks, serve beer and wine, and supervise alcohol service in bars, restaurants, or other licensed establishments. This permit is also required for managers or anyone responsible for overseeing staff who handle alcohol. Because of its broader scope, every establishment must have at least one Class 12 permit holder on duty whenever alcohol is being served.
The Class 13 MAST Permit, on the other hand, is intended for employees aged 18 to 20. It allows younger servers to serve beer and wine to customers but does not permit mixing drinks, drawing from taps, or supervising alcohol service. Holders of a Class 13 permit can gain hands-on experience in hospitality while preparing for expanded duties later. Once they turn 21, they can upgrade to a Class 12 permit to take on bartending or managerial roles.
Quick takeaway:
If you’re under 21, start with a Class 13 permit—you’ll still gain valuable experience and meet legal requirements. Once you reach 21, upgrading to Class 12 unlocks full bartending privileges and career flexibility in Washington’s alcohol service industry.
At
Certification Experts, we understand the challenges of starting or advancing your career in Washington’s hospitality industry. That’s why we offer
comprehensive online alcohol awareness training designed to prepare you for your
Class 12 or Class 13 MAST permit.
Our courses are:
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100% online and self-paced – study anytime, anywhere
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Perfect preparation for MAST permit exams – so you can confidently earn your certification
Even though our courses are currently pending state-approval, they’re an excellent way to
build foundational knowledge and gain an edge in your hospitality career.
Explore our courses:
You need a MAST Permit (Mandatory Alcohol Server Training) issued by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
If you’re 21 or older, you’ll need a Class 12 permit; if you’re 18–20, you’ll need a Class 13 permit.
Keep your permit on your person or easily accessible while on duty—it must be available for inspection by state officers or management.
Most online courses take 2–3 hours, and your permit is typically issued within 30 days after passing your exam.
Yes. If you’re between
18 and 20 years old, you can serve alcohol with a
Class 13 permit—but
you can’t mix drinks or work behind the bar until you’re 21.
Earning your
Alcohol Service Permit in Washington State is a career investment for your future. With the hospitality and nightlife scene thriving across Seattle, Spokane, and the rest of the Evergreen State, having your
MAST permit ensures you can work confidently, responsibly, and legally.
Whether you’re an aspiring bartender or a restaurant manager, taking the right training is your first step.
Get started today with the
Certification Experts’ Washington Alcohol Awareness Training and prepare to earn your
Class 12 or Class 13 MAST Permit—the smart, professional, and compliant way to serve alcohol safely.
