Alcohol Server Permits
The Division issues and renews approximately 16,000 permits annually. The permits are valid for three years from the date of the class and must be renewed PRIOR to expiration.
Everyone who sells or serves alcohol in the state of New Mexico is required to obtain a permit by taking a New Mexico approved Alcohol Server Education class. This includes all Bartenders, Waiters, Managers, Liquor License Owners, Convenience or Grocery Store Clerks, and the Designated Resident Agent for the License. Server Permits are valid for 3 years. Temporary Server Permits are only valid for 120 days from the date of issuance, so if you have not received your permit by mail within that time, you must contact this agency immediately, speak with Kyla Larsen at (505) 476-4542 or Email a copy of your Temporary Permit & include a phone number to: Kyla.Larsen@state.nm.us
Please be aware of unauthorized providers for the alcohol server training, only those listed on our website are approved for the State of New Mexico. Also, when attending an online class, make sure it's SPECIFICALLY FOR NEW MEXICO and not the national course. For the Approved Provider Listing CLICK HERE.
New Mexico takes all violations of the Liquor Control Act seriously. A second violation for a sale to a minor is a fourth degree felony that may result in jail time of up to 18 months and a $5,000 fine. Additionally, servers may face administrative penalties for sales to minors or to an intoxicated person up to and including permanent revocation of the permit.
ALCOHOL SERVER PERMITS, Effective 4/25/2017
You are no longer required to carry an original or a copy of your Alcohol Server Permit Card, per NMAC 15.11.2.
The Employer is now responsible for preparing and maintaining a Current List of all Servers, including the server permit number, expiration date and hire date, which shall be available for inspection.
To Clarify, pursuant to NMSA §60-6E-6, EMPLOYERS /LICENSEES ARE STILL REQUIRED TO RETAIN A COPY OF ALL SERVER PERMITS ON THEIR LICENSED PREMISES, FOR INSPECTION.
Employers and Servers may also utilize the License Search option to verify valid permits, which contains the most current information, accessible from our website. A copy of that information may be printed for your records, should you choose to do so. See License Search Tab to the left or the instructions below:
LICENSE SEARCH: VERIFY VALID ALCOHOL SERVER PERMIT and EXPIRATION DATE, or LICENSED PREMISES.
Search RLD Database by selecting the link below and under Profession, SELECT > "LIQUOR CONTROL", THEN > Enter Permit/License Number OR to the right, Enter the Name and Click "Search".
FOR SERVERS: LICENSED PROFESSIONAL FOR LICENSED PREMISES: LICENSED FACILITY
Should you still want a hard copy, Servers may still obtain Duplicate replacement card upon request for a $10.00 fee, payable by money order only. See instructions below:
Lost or Damaged Permits:
You will need to file a Duplicate Server Permit Request Form: CLICK HERE FOR THE FORM
Submit the Form by mail or walk-in to ABC office, with a copy of your Driver's License, Current/Valid Mailing Address, and a $10.00 Cashier’s Check or Money Order, as we no longer accept cash payments.
RENEWAL OF ALCOHOL SERVER PERMIT: A Server will need to re-take an approved Alcohol Server Education class every 3 years. Please Note: only those listed on our website are approved by the State of New Mexico and acceptable by ABC. To View the list of Approved Providers CLICK HERE.
CLASSES: Check Course Schedule/Provider listing for dates, times, contact information, and tuition fees. CLICK HERE
SERVER PERMIT information, please contact: Kyla Larsen | (505) 476-4542 | Kyla.Larsen@state.nm.us
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HOLD/SUSPENSION OF LICENSE:
HOLD/SUSPENSION OF LICENSE: Server Permit will be placed on Hold or Suspension for pending Citation fees, non-compliance or failure to meet child support obligations.
TO CLEAR HOLD and/or PAY OUTSTANDING FINE /FEE, Contact:
ESTABLISHMENT/ SERVERS:
Marlene Romero | (505) 476-4556 | Marlene.Romero1@state.nm.us
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do I get my server permit?
You must take and pass an approved Alcohol Server Education Course. The classes are conducted by private providers, so times, locations and prices vary. To see the course schedule and provider listing.
Q: I lost my server permit. How do I obtain another copy? You can obtain a duplicate server permit three ways:
- Visit our office in Santa Fe. Bring a picture ID, and $10 (cashier's check or money order ONLY) and complete the duplicate request form. ONLY the person to whom the permit is issued can pick up the duplicate.
- Download the Alcohol Server Replacement Request form. Complete and return it to our office with the fee of $10 (money order or cashier’s check ONLY), and a copy of your Government Issued ID (Driver's License, Identification Card or Passport). This takes approximately 10-15 days.
- Call our office at (505) 476-4875 and we will fax or mail you the Alcohol Server Replacement Request form. Complete the application and return it to our office with the fee of $10 (money order or cashier’s check ONLY), and a copy of your Government Issued ID (Driver's License, Identification Card or Passport). This takes approximately 10-15 days.
Q: What if I’ve taken the server class and I haven’t received my permanent card?
If you haven’t received your card within 120 days after taking the server class, please call our office at (505) 476-4875.
Q: Who must attend class and obtain a server permit?
- Anyone who serves and sells alcoholic beverages and packaged liquor.
- This includes: owners and lease holders of alcohol licenses; owners of beer and wine licenses; bartenders, bouncers, waiters, waitresses, convenience and grocery store clerks; and resident agents.
Q: What are the age requirements to obtain a server permit?
- Only individuals over 21 years of age may sell or serve alcohol in bars, lounges convenience, grocery and package stores.
- 19 and 20 year olds may obtain a permit to sell or serve alcohol in a full service restaurant with meals, but may not be a bartender.
Q: Can an Establishment or Server accept a Temporary State issued Driver's License or ID when making and Alcohol Sale?
- Yes, you can, as long as the old vertical ID is present with the temporary horizontal ID when the alcohol sale is completed.
Q: How can I renew my Servers Permit?
- To renew your Servers Certification, you must take another servers certification course.