WA MAST Renewal/Retake: How Long is a MAST Permit Good For?

Let’s be clear right up front: A MAST permit is valid for five years from the date you pass the exam. It cannot be renewed and can only be retaken. That means you must complete the full training and test again to get a new five-year permit.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• How expiration works,
  
  
• What the law requires for retakes,
  
  
• When to act before losing your job or license, and
  
  
• Where to get fast, WSLCB-certified training online.

If you’re in the alcohol industry, whether you own a bar or serve drinks behind it, this is information you can’t afford to miss.

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) requires individuals who serve, mix, sell, or supervise alcohol service to complete a Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) course. Once you complete the training and pass the exam, you receive either a:

• Class 13 Permit – For individuals 18–20 years old (limited duties, no alcohol mixing).
  
  
• Class 12 Permit – For individuals 21+, allowing full bartending and alcohol sales responsibilities.

Before your Washington MAST permit expires, it's important to understand how long it's valid, how expiration is calculated, and what the law requires once it expires. Let’s break it down clearly so you can stay compliant and avoid any work disruptions.

• A MAST permit is valid for 5 years from the date you pass the final exam.
  
  
• This applies to both Class 12 and Class 13 permits.
  
  
• You can use the MAST permit checker to verify the status.

• Your permit expires on the first day of the month following the month you took the test.
  
  
• Example: If you took the test on August 24, 2025, your permit expires September 1, 2030.

• There is no renewal.
  
  
• You must retake the full MAST course and pass the final exam again to get a new permit.

Requirement	Details
Validity Period	5 years
Expiration Date Calculation	First day of the month after your test month
Renewal Process	Full course retake and exam required (no shortcuts or refreshers)

Start now with our WSLCB-approved courses:

• Washington Class-13 Alcohol Server Permit (MAST)
  
  
• Washington Class-12 Alcohol Server Permit (MAST)

If you’re turning 21 soon, you may want to retake the course to upgrade to a Class 12 permit as this unlocks full bartending privileges.

Under WSLCB regulations, MAST permits are non-renewable. This prevents outdated practices or changes in alcohol law from going unaddressed.
Even if you’ve held your permit responsibly for five years, the state requires that you retake the complete training and test again—no partial reviews or shortcut refreshers are allowed.

Letting your permit lapse means:

• You cannot legally work until you’ve completed the training again.
  
  
• Your employer may be fined or penalized for letting you work unlicensed.
  
  
• You could lose shifts or job opportunities in the interim.

Here’s how to plan your retake without disrupting your income or staffing:

• 30 to 60 days before your expiration date.
• This gives ample time for training, exam processing, and issuing your new permit.

• You must stop serving alcohol immediately.
  
  
• You’ll need to retake the full MAST course and pass the exam before returning to duty.
  
  
• Your employer is legally required to remove you from alcohol duties until you’re re-certified.

If your job involves serving, selling, or supervising alcohol in Washington, staying certified isn’t optional. Here's a list of who needs MAST permit and the future retake:

• Bartenders working in restaurants, bars, clubs
  
  
• Servers selling alcohol on-premise
  
  
• Retail workers in liquor stores and convenience shops
  
  
• Supervisors or managers overseeing alcohol service
  
  
• Event staff at catered functions with alcohol service

This list includes both first-time and previously certified workers whose permit has expired or is about to.

Permit Type	Age Group	Duties Allowed	Retake Required?
Class 13	18–20 yrs	Serve alcohol, but not mix or pour	Yes, every 5 yrs
Class 12	21 +	Serve, mix, pour, and supervise alcohol sales	Yes, every 5 yrs

Navigating Washington’s MAST permit rules doesn’t have to be stressful—especially when you plan ahead. Below are simple yet essential actions you can take to ensure you remain compliant, protect your job, and avoid disruptions in alcohol service.

Set a Calendar Reminder 60 Days Before Expiration

Don’t rely on memory alone. Add a calendar alert (digital or paper) to remind you 60 days before your permit expires. This gives you a buffer to complete your training, pass the test, and receive your new permit before it becomes an urgent issue.

Retake Early to Avoid Gaps in Employment

Waiting until your permit is about to expire—or worse, has already expired—can lead to lost shifts or legal violations. Retaking the course early ensures you stay certified and remain eligible to work without interruption.

Choose a WSLCB-Certified Provider

Not all online courses are legally recognized. Make sure the training provider is WSLCB-approved to guarantee your new permit will be valid statewide. Certification Experts offers fully approved Class 12 and Class 13 courses you can complete online at your convenience.

Keep Both Digital and Printed Copies of Your Permit

Once you receive your MAST permit, store it safely in more than one format. Keep a printed copy in your wallet or at your workplace, and save a digital backup on your phone or cloud storage in case it’s ever lost, stolen, or needed for verification.

Upgrade to Class 12 at 21 (Don’t Wait)

If you hold a Class 13 permit and recently turned 21, don’t wait until your current permit expires. You’ll need a Class 12 permit to legally perform full bartending duties—including mixing and serving drinks. Retake the course early so you can legally access expanded responsibilities and better job opportunities.

A Washington MAST permit is valid for 5 years but it doesn’t renew automatically. If you're a bartender, server, or alcohol-selling manager, the law requires that you retake the full training course and exam before your permit expires.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Whether you're a business owner keeping staff compliant or a server keeping your job, now is the time to act.

✅ Get your WSLCB-approved permit online today:

• Class-13 MAST Permit for Servers Aged 18–20
  
  
• Class-12 MAST Permit for Bartenders & Supervisors 21+

Serving alcohol in Washington? Then knowing how long your MAST permit is good for—and how to retake it—is a legal and professional must.