Follow These Steps To Get Your Bartending License or Alcohol Server Certification in Maryland
Thinking about bartending or serving alcohol in Maryland? Unlike some states, Maryland does not issue a statewide “bartending license.” Instead, the law requires that every licensed alcohol-serving establishment has at least one person on duty who holds a valid Alcohol Awareness Certification. Many people confuse this certification with a “license,” so this guide breaks down the difference and shows you step by step how to get certified.
Aug 30
Bartender License vs. Alcohol Server Certification
Before we dive into Maryland’s requirements, it’s important to understand the difference between these two terms:
Bartender License
- In some states, a bartender license is a government-issued credential that allows individuals to legally serve alcohol.
- It often involves meeting state requirements such as completing training, passing a background check, and meeting minimum age restrictions.
Alcohol Server Certification
- Alcohol server certification is earned by completing an approved training course on responsible alcohol service.
- This training covers skills such as ID verification, preventing underage sales, handling intoxicated patrons, and understanding liability laws.
In Maryland
- Maryland does not issue a statewide bartender license to individuals.
- Instead, the state requires that at least one certified staff member is present at all times in alcohol-serving establishments.
- Many people call this a “bartender license,” but technically it is alcohol awareness training certification, not a government-issued license.
- Local county boards may impose stricter requirements, and most employers expect all servers and bartenders to be certified, not just one person per shift.
Does Maryland Require a Bartending License or Alcohol Server Certification?
The short answer: Maryland does not issue a bartender license.
Instead, establishments must comply with the Alcoholic Beverages Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, which requires that at least one person on duty holds a valid Alcohol Awareness Certification at all times during alcohol sales. This certified individual can be the licensee, a manager, or a designated employee.
Employers often go further, requiring every bartender and server to be certified to protect the business, reduce liability, and maintain insurance coverage.
Maryland Alcohol Server Certification Requirements
To serve alcohol legally and responsibly in Maryland, here’s what you should know:
- Minimum age to serve alcohol: 18 years old (some counties may impose stricter minimums).
- Certification validity: Typically valid for four years (renewal requirements may vary by county).
- On-premise requirement: At least one certified person must always be present during alcohol service.
- Local rules: Some counties (e.g., Montgomery, Talbot, Baltimore County) require all servers and bartenders to be certified.
How To Get Alcohol Server Certification in Maryland
When people ask “how do I get a bartending license in Maryland?” what they really mean is completing Alcohol Awareness Certification. Here’s the process:
- Complete a state-approved training course.
Training may be offered online or in person by approved providers. - Learn key topics.
Courses cover responsible alcohol service, checking IDs, recognizing intoxication, and legal liability. - Pass a proctored exam.
Exams confirm both your identity and your knowledge. - Pay certification fees.
Fees vary depending on the provider, but typically range from $45 to $65. - Receive your certification.
Once completed, your certification is valid statewide and satisfies Maryland’s legal requirement for on-premise alcohol service.
But Why Employers Still Require Certification?
Even though Maryland law only requires one certified individual per shift, many employers make certification mandatory for all servers and bartenders. This is because:
- Liability protection: Certified staff reduce the risk of alcohol-related incidents.
- Insurance requirements: Many insurance companies require proof of training for coverage.
- Professionalism: Certified bartenders and servers are more competitive in the job market.
- Consistency: Training ensures all staff understand safe and legal serving practices.
Our Maryland Alcohol Awareness Training
Our Maryland Alcohol Awareness Training equips bartenders, servers, and managers with the essential knowledge to serve alcohol responsibly.
Transparency Note: While our course is not yet officially state-approved in Maryland, it provides valuable preparatory and supplementary training for anyone pursuing Alcohol Awareness Certification.
- Skill building: Learn ID checking, recognizing intoxication, and safe serving practices.
- Professional development: Improve your job readiness and stand out to employers.
- Flexible online learning: Train at your own pace, anywhere and anytime.
This training helps Maryland bartenders and servers build confidence before pursuing state-approved certification and serves as ongoing education for those who want to reinforce best practices.
Summary Table: Maryland Bartending License vs. Alcohol Server Certification
| Requirement Category | Maryland Requirement |
| Bartender License | ❌ Not issued by the state |
| Alcohol Server Certification | ✅ Required for at least one staff member per shift |
| Certification Validity | Typically 4 years (check local rules) |
| Approved Providers | Must be Maryland state-approved |
| Employer Standards | Most require all bartenders and servers to be certified |
FAQs About Maryland Bartending Licenses and Certification
- Do you need a bartending license in Maryland?
No. Maryland does not issue a statewide bartending license. Instead, Alcohol Awareness Certification is required. - How old do you have to be to serve alcohol in Maryland?
You must be at least 18 years old, though some counties set stricter minimums. - How long is Maryland Alcohol Awareness Certification valid?
Typically four years, with renewal requirements depending on the county. - Can employers require certification for all bartenders and servers?
Yes. Many employers mandate certification for every employee to reduce liability and meet insurance requirements. - Is a bartending license the same as alcohol server certification in Maryland?
No. What many people call a “bartending license” is actually Alcohol Awareness Certification obtained through a state-approved training program.
Key Alcohol Training Takeaways
- Maryland does not issue a bartender license, what’s really required is Alcohol Awareness Certification.
- At least one certified individual must be present during alcohol sales, though most employers require all staff to be certified.
- Certification is valid for about four years and is obtained by completing a Maryland-approved training program.
Our Maryland Alcohol Awareness Training provides valuable preparation and ongoing education to help bartenders and servers build skills and professionalism.
See More Topics Related to Alcohol Certifications in Maryland
Whether you’re seeking convenience, affordability, or specialized training in Maryland to be a bartender or an alcohol server, we are here to help:
Ready to enhance your skills and earn your certification? Explore Certification Experts’ offerings today and take the next step in your career.