Serving alcohol license WA: what it costs and how to get one

Last updated 2026-07-24

What license do you need to serve alcohol in Washington State?

If you're an individual pouring drinks or checking IDs, you need a Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) permit, issued through the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. If you're opening or running a bar, restaurant, or store that sells alcohol, you need a business liquor license from WSLCB, a completely separate process with its own application, fee schedule, and background check. These two things get confused constantly. A server permit lets a person legally handle alcohol sales on the job. A business license lets an establishment legally sell alcohol at all. You need both pieces in place before pouring a single drink: the venue needs its license, and every server or bartender on shift needs their MAST card ^[1]. Washington's MAST law requires anyone who "sells, serves, or otherwise provides" liquor for on-premise consumption, or who checks age or ID for that purpose, to complete approved training and hold a current permit, under WAC 314-17 ^[1]. There are two classes: Class 12 for servers (bartenders, wait staff, anyone directly serving) and Class 13 for mixologists and managers with expanded responsibilities in some settings. That WAC chapter is the actual rule text, not a summary someone wrote about it. Check it, or WSLCB's current guidance, for which class applies to your role, since the line between them has shifted over the years. For the business side, see our state guides hub for how Washington's license categories compare to other states, and the liquor overview for a broader look at license types nationally.

How much is a liquor license in Washington?

MAST Class 12/13 server permit	Individual bartenders/servers	Under $20	Every 5 years
Beer/wine restaurant license	Restaurant serving beer and wine	Confirm with WSLCB	Annual
Spirits/beer/wine license	Full bar or restaurant with liquor	Confirm with WSLCB	Annual
Local business license	Any business in most WA cities	Varies by city	Annual	Don't budget off old blog posts with specific dollar figures. Pull the current fee schedule from WSLCB the same week you apply.

There's no single number, because Washington prices licenses by class, and the class depends on what you're selling and where. A restaurant beer/wine license costs less than a full spirits, beer, and wine license for a bar. A grocery store license differs from a distillery tasting room license. Confirm exact current fees with your state ABC authority (WSLCB) before budgeting, because these schedules get revised. What you can say with confidence: annual license fees for on-premise establishments in Washington have historically landed in the low hundreds to low thousands of dollars depending on class, plus one-time application fees. Some cities and counties add local business licensing fees on top, which is a separate cost from the state liquor license itself. If you're operating in a city with strict zoning or a capped-license area, expect extra local review time and possibly additional local fees. MAST permit fees are much smaller and more predictable. Individual server permits generally cost under $20 and are valid for 5 years from issue, per WSLCB's MAST program rules under WAC 314-17 ^[1]. That's the number most people searching "how much is a liquor license" actually want when they mean the personal server card, not the business license. Here's a rough shape of the cost landscape, with exact figures to be confirmed directly with WSLCB since they change: | Item | Who needs it | Typical cost range | Renewal cycle |

How do you get a liquor license in Washington State?

The process runs through WSLCB and generally follows five stages: pick your license class, submit the application with required documents, pass a background check, get local government sign-off, then receive final state approval. Plan for this to take weeks to several months, not days. First, confirm your license class matches your business model. A food truck, a full-service restaurant, a tasting room, and a nightclub all fall under different categories with different privileges and fees. Washington's liquor license classes are defined in RCW 66.24, the statute governing license types and fees ^[2]. Second, gather your documents: lease agreement, business formation paperwork, floor plan, ownership structure, and financial disclosures. WSLCB runs background checks on all owners with a qualifying stake, so expect fingerprinting and personal history questionnaires for anyone with significant ownership. Third, WSLCB notifies your local city or county government and often posts public notice. Some jurisdictions allow protest periods where neighbors or local officials can object, particularly near schools or in residential zones. This local review step is frequently the slowest part of the whole timeline, and it's the part most new owners underestimate. Fourth, once background checks clear and local objections (if any) are resolved, WSLCB issues the license. You'll then need every employee who serves or sells alcohol to hold a valid MAST permit before their first shift. If you've already signed a lease and set an opening date, work backward from that date immediately. A tool like the $199 State Liquor License Roadmap can map the WSLCB steps against your specific opening timeline so you're not caught mid-buildout without a license.

How do you get a bartending license (MAST permit) in Washington?

You get a Washington bartending license, technically called a MAST permit, by completing an approved alcohol server training course and passing its exam, either online or in person. The course covers checking ID, recognizing intoxication, and refusal-of-service rules under Washington law. WSLCB approves specific training providers; you can't just take any course and call it done. Search for WSLCB's current list of approved MAST training providers before you pay for a class, since unapproved courses won't get you a valid permit ^[1]. Most approved courses run a few hours and end in a short test. Pass, and you get your permit number, generally valid for 5 years. Some employers require the permit before your first shift. Others let you start training within a short grace window after hire. Don't assume either without checking with your specific employer and the current WSLCB rule, since grace period rules have changed over time. One detail people miss: MAST permits can be suspended or revoked for violations tied to serving minors or overserving intoxicated patrons, separate from any consequences the business itself faces. Your personal permit is on the line, more than the bar's license.

How can I get a liquor license if I'm buying or transferring an existing business?

Buying a bar or restaurant that already has a liquor license doesn't transfer that license to you automatically. Washington liquor licenses are tied to the specific licensee (person or entity), not the building or the brand, so a change of ownership triggers a new application process, not a simple paperwork swap. WSLCB treats this as a "change of location" or "change of ownership" filing depending on what's changing. You'll still go through background checks and a review period, though in many cases an existing, actively operating license at the same location can streamline parts of the process compared to a brand-new license application, especially in areas where new licenses face quotas or local caps. If the seller's license is in good standing with no pending violations, that's a real asset worth confirming before you sign anything. Ask to see the license status directly from WSLCB, more than take the seller's word. A license with pending violations or compliance holds can delay your opening far longer than starting from scratch in some cases. For quota and transfer mechanics that apply more broadly across states, see quota and transfer guidance, since some license types are capped by county population and only become available through transfer.

Can you serve alcohol without a liquor license in Washington?

No. Serving or selling alcohol without the required WSLCB business license, or without a valid MAST permit for the person pouring it, is illegal in Washington and can trigger fines, license suspension, or criminal charges depending on the violation. Washington's liquor laws under Title 66 RCW make unlicensed sale or service of alcohol a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor depending on circumstances. RCW 66.44.270 specifically makes it unlawful to sell or give liquor to a person under 21, and separately addresses unlicensed sales, with WSLCB enforcement officers conducting compliance checks, including undercover minor decoy operations ^[3]. A single violation, like serving a minor or serving without a permit, can cost an individual their MAST permit and cost the business a license suspension or steep fine. There are narrow exceptions. Private events with no sale of alcohol, where a host simply provides drinks to invited guests at no charge, generally don't require a license because no commercial transaction is occurring. The moment money changes hands for alcohol, even indirectly through a cover charge or ticket that includes drinks, you're in licensed-sale territory. If you're planning any kind of ticketed or paid event with alcohol, don't assume a private-event exception applies; confirm with WSLCB directly.

How much is a liquor license in Florida, and how does that compare to Washington?

Florida's liquor licensing runs through the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT), a completely different agency and structure than Washington's WSLCB, and the cost comparison isn't apples to apples. Florida's most notable feature is its quota license system for full liquor licenses (beer, wine, and spirits), which are capped by county population under Florida Statutes section 561.20 and often trade on a secondary market for tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars when a county's quota is full ^[4]. Beer and wine-only licenses in Florida (the SRX or 2COP-style licenses) don't fall under the same population quota and are generally far cheaper and easier to obtain than a full quota license. If a Florida restaurant only needs beer and wine, that's a much simpler and lower-cost path than chasing a full liquor quota license. Washington doesn't run the same statewide quota system for most on-premise licenses; availability is driven more by license class fees and local zoning approval than by a hard population-based cap. That said, some Washington license categories do have limits, so don't assume open availability without checking WSLCB's current class rules. If you're comparing state markets, our Florida bar guide breaks down the quota system in more detail, and Florida bar member search covers a related but different Florida licensing question people often search alongside liquor license costs (the actual state bar for attorneys, not alcohol).

Can anyone take the bar exam, and does that relate to a liquor license?

No, and this is a common search mix-up worth clearing up directly. "The bar exam" refers to the legal licensing exam attorneys take to practice law, administered by state bar associations, and has nothing to do with alcohol licensing despite the word "bar" appearing in both. Eligibility to sit the bar exam generally requires graduating from an ABA-accredited law school (with some state-specific exceptions) and meeting character and fitness requirements set by that state's bar authority. This is a completely separate system from WSLCB's liquor licensing or MAST server permits. If you landed here searching "can anyone take the bar exam" while researching how to open a bar or serve alcohol, the terms you actually want are "liquor license" (for the business) and "MAST permit" or "alcohol server training" (for the individual server). See our California bar and bares pages if you're researching either the legal profession angle or Spanish-language searches for bar licensing, respectively.

How long does it take to get a liquor license in Washington?

Most Washington liquor license applications take somewhere between 60 and 120 days from submission to approval, though this varies a lot based on license class, local government review speed, and whether your background check turns up anything requiring follow-up. Some straightforward beer/wine restaurant applications move faster. Full spirits licenses in contested or capped areas move slower. The biggest variable most owners don't control is local jurisdiction review. WSLCB has to notify your city or county, and some jurisdictions respond within days while others take weeks, especially if your location needs zoning verification or falls within a certain distance of a school or church, a common local restriction. If you've signed a lease with a hard opening date, back-plan from that date by at least 4 months for anything beyond a simple beer/wine license, and build in a buffer for background check delays, which are common when an owner has out-of-state history or multiple business entities to disclose. MAST permits move much faster since they're individual, not tied to background investigations at the business level; most people complete training and get their permit within days of taking the course.

What happens if you serve alcohol before your license is approved?

Serving before your WSLCB license is officially issued is a violation, full stop, even if you've already paid fees, passed inspection, and are just waiting on the final paperwork. "We already did everything else" isn't a defense WSLCB enforcement recognizes. This catches new owners off guard constantly because build-out delays push opening dates later, and the temptation to do a quiet soft-open with alcohol before the license clears is real. Don't. A pre-license violation can delay your actual license approval further, on top of fines, and gives you a compliance mark before you've even opened. If your timeline is tight, talk to WSLCB directly about your application status rather than guessing. Some jurisdictions allow temporary or provisional operation under specific circumstances, but that's a formal request, not something you assume applies to you.

How do you obtain a liquor license if you're expanding to a second location?

Opening a second Washington location requires its own separate liquor license application. Washington licenses are tied to a specific physical address, so having a license at your first restaurant gives you zero standing at a new address; you start the WSLCB process again for the new site. The good news: your existing compliance history matters. A clean record with no violations at your first location generally works in your favor during the background check portion of a new application, since WSLCB is evaluating you as a licensee, more than the location. Budget for the full fee and timeline again, not a discounted "expansion" rate, since Washington doesn't offer a multi-location bundled license structure. Each address is its own license, its own annual fee, and its own local government review.

Where do you go for the official Washington liquor license rules?

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is the only authoritative source for current license classes, fees, and MAST requirements, with license classes and fees set out in RCW 66.24 ^[2]. Federal alcohol rules, including the federal Basic Permit required for anyone in alcohol production, importing, or wholesale (not needed for most bars and restaurants, which only need state and local retail licenses), come from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, 27 U.S.C. 203 ^[5]. Most bars and restaurants never deal directly with TTB since that agency handles federal permits for producers, importers, and wholesalers, not retail on-premise sellers. If you're opening a distillery, brewery, or winery alongside your tasting room, though, you'll need both the TTB federal permit and the WSLCB state license, which is a heavier lift than a standard restaurant license. This article is a planning reference, not legal advice, and license rules change. Confirm every fee, timeline, and requirement directly with WSLCB before you commit money or set an opening date around assumed numbers.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a liquor license in Washington State?

It depends entirely on license class. MAST server permits cost under $20 and last 5 years. Business liquor licenses vary by class (beer/wine restaurant vs. full spirits license) and by local fees on top of the state fee. Confirm the current fee schedule directly with WSLCB before budgeting, since these numbers get revised.

How do I get a bartending license in Washington?

Complete an approved MAST training course (in person or online) through a WSLCB-approved provider, pass the short exam, and receive your Class 12 or Class 13 permit. The permit is valid for roughly 5 years. Check WSLCB's approved provider list first; unapproved courses won't produce a valid permit.

How can I get a liquor license for my restaurant?

Confirm the right WSLCB license class for your business, submit the application with lease documents, business formation paperwork, and ownership disclosures, pass the background check, clear local government review, and wait for final WSLCB approval. Expect 60 to 120 days minimum, longer for full spirits licenses or contested locations.

How do I obtain a liquor license if I'm buying an existing bar?

You file a change-of-ownership or change-of-location application with WSLCB; the existing license doesn't transfer automatically to a new owner. You'll still undergo a background check, though buying at an already-licensed location can sometimes move faster than starting a brand-new license from zero, especially in capped license areas.

Can anyone take the bar exam?

Generally no. Most states require graduation from an ABA-accredited law school plus a character and fitness review before you can sit the bar exam. This is unrelated to alcohol licensing; if you're researching how to open a bar, the term you want is 'liquor license,' not 'bar exam.'

Can you serve alcohol without a liquor license?

No. Serving or selling alcohol without a valid WSLCB business license and without the server holding a current MAST permit is illegal in Washington and can lead to fines, permit suspension, or criminal charges. Private, no-charge events for invited guests are a narrow exception; confirm specifics with WSLCB before assuming you qualify.

How much is a liquor license in Florida?

Florida's full quota liquor licenses (spirits, beer, and wine) are capped by county population under Florida Statutes 561.20 and often resell for tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars in tight counties. Beer and wine-only licenses aren't quota-restricted and cost much less. Confirm current figures with Florida's Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco.

How much is a liquor licence in Florida for a new restaurant?

If you only need beer and wine, Florida's non-quota license path is comparatively affordable and faster. If you need a full liquor license in a county where the quota is maxed out, you're likely buying an existing quota license on the secondary market, which can run into six figures depending on the county.

How long does a Washington MAST permit last?

Washington MAST alcohol server permits are generally valid for 5 years from the date of issue, after which you need to retake approved training to renew. Confirm the exact current renewal period with WSLCB, since permit terms have been adjusted before.

Do I need a liquor license for a one-time event in Washington?

If alcohol is sold, even through a ticket or cover charge that includes drinks, you generally need a special occasion or banquet permit from WSLCB, separate from a standing business license. If alcohol is simply provided free to invited guests with no sale involved, licensing usually isn't required, but confirm with WSLCB for your specific event structure.

What's the difference between a MAST permit and a liquor license?

A MAST permit is an individual credential letting a specific person legally serve or sell alcohol; a liquor license is issued to the business itself, allowing that establishment to sell alcohol at all. You need the business license in place plus a valid MAST permit for every server on shift.

Does Washington have a quota system like Florida?

Not the same statewide population-based quota system Florida uses for full liquor licenses. Washington's availability is driven more by license class rules, fees, and local zoning approval, though some specific license categories do carry limits. Check WSLCB's current class rules for your specific license type.

Sources

1. Washington Administrative Code, Chapter 314-17, Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST): Washington requires anyone serving or selling liquor for on-premise consumption, or checking ID for that purpose, to hold a current MAST permit; permits are generally valid for 5 years and available in Class 12 and Class 13
2. Revised Code of Washington, RCW 66.24, Licenses and License Fees: Washington's liquor license classes, application procedures, and license fee structures are established by statute under RCW 66.24
3. Revised Code of Washington, RCW 66.44.270, Furnishing liquor to minors: Washington law under Title 66 RCW makes it unlawful to sell, give, or otherwise supply liquor to a person under 21, and governs penalties for unlicensed alcohol sale or service
4. Florida Statutes, Section 561.20, Limitation upon number of licenses issued: Florida's full liquor (quota) licenses are capped by county population under state law and often require purchase on a secondary market once a county's quota is reached
5. Federal Alcohol Administration Act, 27 U.S.C. 203: Federal law requires a Basic Permit for alcohol producers, importers, and wholesalers; most retail bars and restaurants only need state and local licenses, not a federal TTB permit