Indiana requires an Employee Permit issued by the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission (ATC). To qualify, you must complete an ATC-approved Alcohol Awareness Training course. Fortunately, much of this process can be done entirely online.
- 19–20 years old: You’re eligible for a Restricted Permit (you can serve alcohol, but not bartend).
- 21 and older: You’re eligible for the Unrestricted Permit, which allows bartending and working behind the bar.
Indiana law requires all servers and bartenders to take state-approved training before applying for your permit.
Note: While our
Indiana Alcohol Awareness Training is not yet ATC-approved (we're working on it), it is a
valuable prep tool to build your knowledge, confidence, and job-readiness.
- Visit the IN ATC Licensing Portal
- Submit your certificate from an approved provider
- Pay your permit fee:
$30 (Restricted, valid for 2 years)
$45 (Unrestricted, valid for 3 years)
Once approved, log into your MyLicense account and print your permit. You must keep it on site while working.
While we are not currently listed as an ATC-approved provider, our Indiana Alcohol Awareness Training course is designed to help you:
- Understand key state alcohol laws
- Practice checking IDs and identifying intoxication
- Improve your skills before taking an ATC-approved exam
- Boost your hiring potential with supplemental alcohol service education
Pro Tip: Some employers even recommend preparatory training like ours before assigning official coursework.
| Step |
Required? |
Where/How |
| Age 21+ to bartend |
Yes |
N/A |
| Complete ATC-approved training |
Yes |
Online, via approved provider list |
| Apply for Employee Permit |
Yes |
ATC Licensing Portal |
| Pay permit fee |
Yes |
$45 (Unrestricted) / $30 (Restricted) |
| Keep permit onsite while working |
Yes |
Print from your MyLicense account |
- You must complete certified training within 120 days of hire, but most employers require it before you start.
- You can complete your training and permit application process fully online.
- If you've lived out of state within the last 10 years, you may need to submit a driving record.
- Past DUI/OWI offenses may affect your permit eligibility.
- Always confirm with your employer or the ATC which training is legally accepted.
Many future bartenders in Indiana get nervous before applying for their permit. Even if you’re planning to take an ATC-approved course,
our training helps you:
- Learn the laws before you're legally responsible
- Master responsible service principles early
- Build a professional resume before applying
- Feel more confident walking into your first bar shift
Consider this a head start on your legal certification and job readiness.
Once you enroll in an alcohol awareness course (whether through the Indiana ATC or an approved third-party provider), you’ll receive access to a self-paced online platform.
Expect short video lessons, ID checking scenarios, quizzes, and guidance on Indiana's liquor laws. Most programs take about 2–3 hours to complete and include an online exam.
Training is designed to be simple, mobile-friendly, and legally compliant—especially when taken through an ATC-approved provider.
Completing your alcohol awareness training and getting your Employee Permit unlocks a range of opportunities across Indiana’s hospitality scene:
- Bars and nightclubs (bartender, server, barback)
- Restaurants and breweries
- Concert venues and stadiums
- Hotels, resorts, and casinos
Want to stand out? Take prep training like ours before you apply. Employers appreciate staff who understand ID laws, intoxication management, and ABC compliance.
- Learn alcohol service laws ahead of time
- Improve your job readiness and confidence
- Get ahead of employer onboarding
Stay informed, get trained, and prepare to serve safely and professionally in Indiana.
Explore More Indiana Certification Topics:
Ready to enhance your skills and earn your certification? Explore Certification Experts’ offerings today and take the next step in your career.
