If you have just been hired as a bartender or server in the State of Washington, or are looking to become one, you’ll need to know how to get a MAST Permit from an approved course approved by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB).
You are required by law to have your permit within 60 days of your hire date. Learning how to get a MAST permit quickly ensures you stay compliant and avoid penalties. Any time you are performing duties that include the sale, service, or handling of alcohol, you must have your ID and permit with you and readily available for inspection by law enforcement.
Working after the grace period without a permit risks a criminal citation, up to a $500 fine, 90 days in jail, or both.
Table of Contents
Ready to get started? ServeSmart is a WSLCB-approved provider with a 99% first-attempt pass rate.
WSLCB-approved · 99% first-attempt pass rate · Valid 5 years statewide
Step 1: Select an Approved Course
Finding a WSLCB-approved course is straightforward when you know how to get a MAST permit properly. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board maintains an official list of approved providers; you can browse it at lcb.wa.gov. ServeSmart is one of them. Find a Class →
One important thing to know upfront: there is no separate course for Class 12 vs Class 13. Learning how to get a MAST permit is the same process regardless of class type. Taking any WSLCB-approved course satisfies the requirements for both permit types; your age at the time of completing the course determines which class you receive.
Online courses are by far the most popular choice. No commute, no fixed schedule, and you can complete the training from any device, phone, tablet, or computer. ServeSmart’s online course is one of Washington’s highest-rated options:
- ⭐ 4.8 stars across 93 Google reviews
- 📱 100% mobile-friendly
- ✅ Fully WSLCB-approved
Ready to enroll? Now that you understand how to get a MAST permit starts with choosing the right course. ServeSmart’s WSLCB-approved course takes about 3 hours and costs $19.99, no hidden fees, no subscription.
WSLCB-approved · 99% first-attempt pass rate · Valid 5 years statewide
Step 2: Take the Training
Once you’ve selected a WSLCB-approved course, you’re ready to begin training. This step in how to get a MAST permit is straightforward; most online courses cost between $15–$20, ServeSmart’s course is $19.99 with no hidden fees. The training takes a minimum of 3 hours to complete, covering six modules with knowledge checks and end-of-module quizzes throughout.
The course is broken into six modules, each followed by a knowledge check to reinforce what you’ve learned. Understanding how to get a MAST permit requires mastering these core concepts:
ServeSmart's Course Outline
- Module One: Mandatory Alcohol Server Training — overview of WSLCB rules and your legal responsibilities
- Module Two: Alcohol and its Effects on the Body — the science behind intoxication and impairment signs
- Module Three: Minors and Checking ID — fake ID detection and legal age verification
- Module Four: Apparently Intoxicated Person (AIP) — how to recognize and respond to an intoxicated guest
- Module Five: Liability — your legal risks and dram shop law explained
- Module Six: Rules Related to Alcohol Laws and MAST — Washington State-specific regulations
The course is 100% online and works on any device — smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. No downloads required. Just log in from your browser and start learning.
📋 What information you’ll need to enroll: Your date of birth, age, sex, and Social Security Number, standard requirements collected securely by all WSLCB-approved providers.
WSLCB-approved · 99% first-attempt pass rate · Valid 5 years statewide
Step 3: Take the Exam
At the end of the course, you’ll take the final exam to receive your certification. This crucial step in how to get a MAST permit differs from some states; unlike jurisdictions where you’re redirected to a separate government website, Washington State allows you to complete both the training and exam in one place, right inside ServeSmart’s platform.
The exam consists of 40 questions and requires a passing score of 80% or higher.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, no need to worry, ServeSmart includes a free retake with your enrollment. 99% of our students pass on their first try, and the course content is designed to prepare you thoroughly before you sit the exam.
Not feeling confident? ServeSmart’s course includes a printable workbook covering all key topics, a great resource to review before starting the exam.
Step 4: Receive Your Permit by Mail
Upon successfully completing the course and passing the exam, your course provider is required to mail your official MAST permit and report your completion to the WSLCB within 30 days. This final step completes the process of how to get a MAST permit in Washington State.
You can track your permit status at any time using the WSLCB Permit Checker, a free tool on the state website. If you don’t receive your physical permit within 30 days, contact ServeSmart directly, and we’ll help resolve any delivery issues.
What you'll receive immediately after passing:
ServeSmart issues a PDF Certificate of Completion the moment you pass the exam. Print this certificate and present it to your employer right away. It serves as valid proof that you’ve completed the required MAST training while your physical permit card is being processed by mail.
Important: The Certificate of Completion is not the same as your MAST permit card. Keep the original certificate safe and give your employer a copy.
WSLCB-approved · 99% first-attempt pass rate · Valid 5 years statewide
Frequently Asked Questions
The MAST Permit is required to be mailed to you within 30 days, but in most cases, you can expect your permit to arrive in one to two weeks.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is the official agency that issues MAST permits in Washington State. They oversee the entire certification process from training approval to permit distribution.
After completing your approved training course, your provider should automatically report your completion to WSLCB within 5 business days. You can verify this by contacting WSLCB directly or checking with your training provider for confirmation of submission.
Conclusion
Getting your MAST permit in Washington State is straightforward when you know how to get a MAST permit by following these 4 essential steps: choose an approved training provider, complete your course, take the exam, and receive your permit by mail.
With over 21 approved training providers available, you have plenty of options to find a course that fits your schedule and learning style. The most important thing is to get started within your 60-day grace period if you’re already employed.
Ready to begin your MAST certification? Visit our complete MAST permit guide to compare training options, read reviews, and get certified with Washington’s most trusted provider. We make getting your MAST permit simple, fast, and affordable.
