Do servers need a MAST permit in Washington?

Yes. Washington requires a Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) permit within 60 days for anyone who serves, sells or mixes alcohol at a restaurant or bar. Servers 18 and older get a Class 13 permit, and bartenders and managers 21 and older get a Class 12. The permit lasts 5 years, then you take the course again.

What Washington requires

Anyone who compounds, sells, serves or handles liquor at an on-premises licensed business needs a MAST permit. Source
Class 13 is for servers 18 and over. Class 12 is for bartenders, managers and others 21 and over. Source
You have 60 days from starting the job to get it. Source
Permits last 5 years and cannot be renewed. You take a new course. Source
Food service workers also need a Washington food worker card within 14 days. Source

How to list it on your resume

Put these lines under a Certifications and licenses heading near the top, with dates. The employer looks for them first.

Before

MAST

After

MAST Class 13 server permit, Washington (expires 2030)

Before

Bartender

After

MAST Class 12 permit, Washington (expires 2030)

Check your server resume for Washington

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Common questions

What is the difference between MAST Class 12 and Class 13?

Class 13 lets people 18 and over serve alcohol. Class 12 is for people 21 and over who mix drinks, bartend or manage.

Can I serve in Washington while waiting for my MAST permit?

You have 60 days from starting to get it. Many restaurants prefer servers who already have one.

How do I renew my MAST permit?

You do not renew it. When it ends after 5 years, take a new MAST course.

Pay for servers in Washington

See the Washington minimum wage and work out your take-home pay with the Washington paycheck calculator.

The full server checklist

The rules above are only for Washington. For everything else a server resume needs, with a full example, see the server resume checklist.

Sources

Last updated November 15, 2026. Rules change, so check the source before you rely on it.

Revised Code of Washington 66.20.310: Alcohol server permits (checked November 15, 2026)
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board: Mandatory alcohol server training (MAST) (checked November 15, 2026)
Washington Administrative Code 246-217-015: Food worker cards (checked November 15, 2026)