Bartender License Requirements by State
Find the licensing requirements, exact fees, and training hours required to work actively as a bartender in your state. Map out the regulatory environment across the country and launch your home business legally.
License Requirements by State
12 states require a license, 39 states do not.
All States Comparison
| State | License Required | Fee | Training | Exams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Required | N/A | 0 days | 1 |
| Alaska | Required | N/A | 0 days | 1 |
| Arizona | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Arkansas | Not Required | — | — | — |
| California | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Colorado | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Connecticut | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Delaware | Not Required | — | — | — |
| District of Columbia | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Florida | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Georgia | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Hawaii | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Idaho | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Illinois | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Indiana | Required | $45 | 0 days | 1 |
| Iowa | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Kansas | Required | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Kentucky | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Louisiana | Required | N/A | 0 days | 1 |
| Maine | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Maryland | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Massachusetts | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Michigan | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Minnesota | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Mississippi | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Missouri | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Montana | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Nebraska | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Nevada | Not Required | — | — | — |
| New Hampshire | Not Required | — | — | — |
| New Jersey | Not Required | — | — | — |
| New Mexico | Required | N/A | 0 days | 1 |
| New York | Not Required | — | — | — |
| North Carolina | Not Required | — | — | — |
| North Dakota | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Ohio | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Oklahoma | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Oregon | Required | $28 | 0 days | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Rhode Island | Required | N/A | 0 days | 1 |
| South Carolina | Not Required | — | — | — |
| South Dakota | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Tennessee | Required | $20 | 0 days | 1 |
| Texas | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Utah | Required | N/A | 0 days | 1 |
| Vermont | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Virginia | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Washington | Required | N/A | 0 days | 1 |
| West Virginia | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Wisconsin | Required | N/A | 0 days | N/A |
| Wyoming | Not Required | — | — | — |
Getting Started
Ready to start your bartender business? Here is what you need to do:
- Click on your state above to see specific requirements
- Apply for a professional license if required by your state
- Register your business with your state Secretary of State
- Obtain a home occupation permit from your county
- Get business insurance to protect yourself and clients
- Set up your home workspace and start taking clients
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Related Guides & Tools
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Data-driven rankings of all 50 states by wages, fees, and business costs.
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How much should you charge? Based on real BLS wage data.
Startup Cost Calculator
Get a personalized breakdown of your startup expenses.
Start Here Guide
New to starting a home business? Follow our step-by-step guide.