Which Do I Need to Bartend or Serve Alcohol in Washington State? Class 12 or Class 13 MAST Permit?

If you're planning to bartend or serve alcohol in Washington State, one question will define your eligibility: Do I need a Class 12 or Class 13 MAST permit? This distinction matters—not just to you, but also to employers who are legally required to ensure staff are properly certified.
Jul 29
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In Washington, the Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) program certifies alcohol handlers through two permit types. Your age and job duties determine which one you need. While both permits require the same training course, only one of them grants full bartending authority.
In this guide, we’ll break down:

  • The difference between Class 12 and Class 13 MAST permits

  • What duties each allows (and restricts)

  • Which permit is right for your role

  • How to get certified quickly and legally


For fast, online, WSLCB-approved training, Certification Experts offers both permit options:



If you're a worker—or a business owner hiring one—this is must-know information for staying compliant.

🚧 6 Common Pain Points for Staff and Employers

  1. Permit Confusion – Many assume that a single "bartending license" covers all roles, unaware of the age-based Class 12 vs. Class 13 breakdown.

  2. Hiring Mistakes – Employers sometimes schedule staff under 21 for duties they can’t legally perform, like mixing drinks.

  3. Grace Period Misunderstandings – New hires think they can serve indefinitely without a permit; the law only allows a 60-day window post-hiring.

  4. Mislabeled Courses – Some online providers offer vague training options without specifying which permit their course qualifies you for.

  5. Lost or Delayed Permits – Workers often assume they'll receive the permit instantly, when it's actually mailed by WSLCB.

  6. Outdated Staff Records – Managers may not track permit expirations, risking fines or violations during inspections.

🧭 Understanding Class 12 vs. Class 13 MAST Permits

✅ Class 12 MAST Permit

Age Requirement: 21 years or older

What It Allows:

  • Mix and serve drinks

  • Pour alcohol from taps

  • Supervise other alcohol servers

  • Perform all bartending duties


If your role involves bartending, supervising, or serving without restriction, Class 12 is the correct permit.

✅ Class 13 MAST Permit

Age Requirement: 18 to 20 years old

What It Allows:

  • Take alcohol orders

  • Serve drinks at tables

  • Open and pour bottles at a table (not behind the bar)


What It Prohibits:

  • Mixing or pouring drinks at the bar

  • Drawing beer or wine from taps

  • Bartending or supervising other staff


This permit is ideal for young food servers working in restaurants or casual dining environments.

⚖️ Summary Comparison

Permit Type Age Bartending Mixing Supervising
 Table Service
Class 12 21+ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
Class 13 18–20 ❌ ❌ ❌ ✅

📝 How to Get Your MAST Permit (Class 12 or Class 13)

The process is identical for both permits—your age determines which one you receive.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Choose a WSLCB-Approved Provider
    Make sure your course is legally recognized. Certification Experts is fully approved.

  2. Take the Course
    Usually 3–4 hours long, it covers Washington alcohol laws, responsible service, checking IDs, and preventing over-service.

  3. Pass the Exam
    You must complete a short test to verify your knowledge.

  4. Get Your Permit by Mail
    Your provider reports your results to WSLCB, and they send your official permit within 30 days.

  5. Renew Every 5 Years
    Don’t let your permit lapse—mark your calendar and set your reminder!

📈 Trends and Innovations in Washington Alcohol Training

  1. Online Training Surge – A growing number of alcohol handlers now choose online courses for speed and convenience.

  2. Class 13 Growth – Restaurants are hiring more 18–20-year-olds, increasing demand for Class 13 permits.

  3. WSLCB Modernization – Tools like the MAST Permit Checker allow instant verification of permit status.

  4. Employer Dashboards – Businesses are adopting training trackers to automate permit renewal and validation.

🔄 FAQs: What Washington Workers and Employers Need to Know

What is the difference between Class 12 and Class 13 permits?
Class 12 allows full bartending and supervisory duties; Class 13 is limited to serving drinks at tables.

Can someone under 21 tend bar if they’ve completed the training?
No. Even with the training, a person under 21 can only receive a Class 13 permit and is not allowed to bartend.

Does the course determine the permit class?
No. The course is the same for both; your age at completion determines whether you receive a Class 12 or Class 13. This is to ensure all alcohol servers and bartenders have the same foundational training before receiving their appropriate legal authorization.

Can I switch from Class 13 to Class 12 once I turn 21?
Yes, but you must retake the training to receive a new Class 12 permit.

Can employers be penalized if they assign staff to duties outside their permit scope?
Absolutely. The WSLCB can fine or sanction establishments that violate permit regulations.

✅ Practical Tips for Staff and Employers

  • 🧠 Know your permit class before accepting a role or assigning tasks.

  • 📋 Verify provider approval through the WSLCB website.

  • 🕒 Don’t wait until the 60-day grace period ends—train early.

  • 🧾 Managers should document permit types during onboarding.

  • 🔁 Set renewal reminders—permits expire every five years.

  • 📱 Keep a digital copy of your permit in case the original is lost.

  • 🔍 Use the MAST Permit Checker to verify permit authenticity.


More employers are automating this process with compliance tracking tools to avoid gaps and protect their business.

🍻 Make the Right Choice for Your Role

In Washington State, whether you need a Class 12 or Class 13 MAST permit comes down to your age and duties. If you’re 21 or older and want to bartend, mix drinks, or supervise others, you must have a Class 12 permit. If you’re between 18 and 20, you’re eligible for a Class 13 permit, which allows limited service duties only.

Regardless of which permit you need, Certification Experts provides fast, online, state-approved MAST training for both:



Make sure you (or your team) are trained, certified, and serving alcohol the legal way.