When your alcohol server permit is about to expire, you’ll need to know how to renew a MAST permit in Washington. The short answer is that Washington doesn’t offer traditional renewal, you retake the full Mandatory Alcohol Server Training course to receive a new permit.
The short answer is that you don’t need to renew the MAST permit. However, it’s highly recommended that you retake it to continue serving alcoholic beverages responsibly and avoid costly penalties. Like getting your initial Washington MAST permit, renewal requires completing the full training course again.
If you’re new to the certification or need a refresher on what the permit covers, see our guide on what a MAST permit is. Otherwise, keep reading for how to renew, the legal consequences of letting it expire, and what to do if you’ve lost your permit.
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Can You Renew a MAST Permit in Washington?
Technically, the only way to “renew” a MAST Permit is to retake the Mandatory Alcohol Server Training, and a new permit will be sent to you by the course provider within 30 days of completing the training.
Retaking the training is relatively straightforward and takes a few hours if you opt for an online training course. Just make sure to choose an approved training provider like ServeSmart.
Class 12 Washington MAST Permit Renewal: Step-by-Step Guide
To renew your permit, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Check Your Expiration Date
Look up your permit using the WSLCB Permit Checker. You’ll see your current status, issue date, and expiration date. If your permit is within 45 days of expiring, it’s time to retake the course.
Step 2: Choose an Approved Provider
Pick a WSLCB-approved course provider. The course is identical regardless of provider, so most renewers choose based on price, schedule flexibility, and pass rates.
Step 3: Complete the Training
Take the 3-hour course at your own pace. Most providers, including ServeSmart, allow you to complete it on any device, on your own schedule.
Step 4: Pass the Exam
Score 80% or higher on the 40-question exam. ServeSmart includes two attempts with enrollment. If it’s been a few years since your last MAST exam and you want a refresher on the topics covered, see our MAST test prep guide for a topic breakdown and practice questions.
Step 5: Receive Your New Permit
Your provider mails your new permit within 30 days. Your previous permit number doesn’t carry over; you’ll receive a new permit number with a new issue date.
When Should You Retake the MAST Course?
It’s best to retake the MAST course at least 45 days before your current permit expires. Get your new MAST permit here to ensure there’s no gap in your certification. Use the first two weeks to find an approved provider and complete the course at your own pace.
The remaining time should be sufficient for your new permit to be processed and mailed, so you avoid any lapse in your ability to work.
❗ Important Note: Retaking the course early does not extend the expiration date of the existing permit. Instead, you’ll receive a new permit with a new issue date, and the clock resets from there.
How to Check If Your MAST Permit Is Still Valid
How can you know when to renew your MAST permit? If you can’t find your permit, you can check its validity online. Here is how to do it:
- Visit the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) website.
- Enter your information. You’ll need to provide:
- Your last name
- Your date of birth
- Review your permit details. Once submitted, you’ll see:
- Your current permit status (active or expired)
- Issue and expiration dates
- Your permit class (Class 12 or Class 13)
What Happens If You Let Your MAST Permit Expire?
Don’t postpone. Letting your permit expire has serious consequences:
- You cannot legally serve alcohol until you’re certified again. Working without a valid permit is against Washington state law.
- Employers can be fined for allowing unpermitted staff to serve alcohol, which may also affect your job status.
- You’ll need to retake the full course; there’s no refresher or shortcut, even if you were previously certified.
The good news? You can complete the entire course online quickly and easily with ServeSmart.
What to Do If You've Lost Your MAST Permit
If you’ve lost your permit and need a MAST Permit replacement, or if you need to replace a Class 12 or 13 permit because of a name change, a permit holder must:
- Contact the provider or trainer (like ServeSmart) who issued the Class 12 or 13 permit; or
- Complete a Class 12 or 13 permit replacement form and submit it along with the appropriate fee to the board. The board will issue a new Class 12 or 13 permit with the same expiration date as the original Class 12 or 13 permit.
How to Upgrade From Class 13 to Class 12
Class 13 permits don’t automatically convert to Class 12 when you turn 21. You’ll continue working under Class 13 restrictions until you actively request the upgrade. If you want full bartending privileges (mixing spirits, working behind a 21+ bar, supervising staff), you’ll need to upgrade. For the full breakdown of what each class allows, see our Class 12 vs Class 13 MAST permit guide.
Both Class 12 and Class 13 MAST permits expire 5 years from the issue date.
You have two options for upgrading:
Option 1: Free upgrade through your original provider
Washington law allows your original course provider to upgrade your Class 13 to a Class 12 without requiring you to retake the course. Contact ServeSmart (or whichever provider issued your Class 13) with your request and permit number. We’ll process the upgrade and mail your new Class 12 permit within 30 days. No re-testing, no additional cost.
Option 2: Retake the course for a new Class 12 permit.
If you can’t reach your original provider, or if your Class 13 permit is close to expiring anyway, you can take the course again. This gives you a fresh Class 12 permit with a new 5-year validity clock starting from your completion date. Most courses cost $15 to $20.
Which option is right for you? If your Class 13 has more than a year left, the free upgrade is the obvious choice. If it’s close to expiring, retaking the course resets the clock and you’re good for another five years.
Ready to Renew?
The MAST Permit cannot be renewed, you will need to retake the full course to stay certified. Start your ServeSmart training course at least 45 days before expiration to avoid any work interruption.
Need to upgrade from Class 13 to Class 12?
Contact your original provider or retake the course for a new Class 12 permit with full bartending privileges.
Don’t risk working with an expired permit. Start your renewal course today →
Frequently Asked Questions
Study the key topics like ID checking, Washington alcohol laws, and signs of intoxication. Read our full guide on preparing for the MAST test in Washington for tips and practice questions.
No, Washington does not offer a grace period once your permit expires. You must stop serving alcohol immediately and cannot legally return to work until you complete a new MAST training course and receive your new permit. This is different from the 60-day grace period given to newly hired employees.
Yes, as long as you’ve completed the course and passed the exam within the past 30 days. Keep your certificate of completion as proof for your employer until the official permit arrives by mail. However, you must carry this certificate with you during any shifts involving alcohol service.
No, you will receive a completely new permit with a new number and issue date each time you complete the course. Your previous permit number will not be reused.
Yes, in name only. Washington doesn’t offer “renewals” in the traditional sense. Once your permit expires, you reapply by completing the full 3-hour training course and exam again, the same process as your initial certification. There are no shortcuts or refresher courses available, regardless of how recently you were certified. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process, see our guide on how to get a MAST permit.
