In the state of New Mexico, sellers or servers of alcohol MUST obtain a valid Alcohol Server Permit by taking and passing a New Mexico state-approved Alcohol Server Education class.
This requirement doesn’t just include bartenders, but also waiters, bouncers, managers, liquor license owners, and convenience or grocery story clerks. Simply, if at any point you touch alcohol while on the job, you will be required to have a Server’s Permit.
This post was updated on September 19, 2023.
New Mexico Alcohol Server Education Requirement Information
To receive a New Mexico Server’s Permit, you must take a course from a state-approved provider. As of 2023, there are only four approved providers, but any newly approved ones will be listed on the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department’s website.
There are currently three different ways to complete the required training:
- Online: Available 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Virtual: You must contact the provider for available dates and times
- In-person: Only available in Albuquerque. Contact the provider for dates and times
Our suggestion is to choose one of the online options as it allows you to become certified from the comfort of your own home, but any option is valid.
| Provider | Availability | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Server’s Training Services | Virtual | $35.00 + tax |
| Alcohol Server Ed (505-453-5801) | Virtual / In-person | $35.00 – $45.00 |
| NM Restaurant Association | Online | $30.00 |
| Way to Serve | Online | $34.99 + tax |
Note: When choosing training from one of the state-approved providers, you must choose the course for the state of New Mexico and not the national courses.
Once you have taken a course and passed the exam from one of the state-approved providers, you will then receive a temporary permit. This temporary permit is valid for 120 days and allows you to work as a bartender until your permanent card arrives.
If for any reason you have not received your permanent card within 120 days of taking a server class, you should contact the New Mexico Alcohol Beverage Control office. The best way to contact the office is at (505) 476-4875 or (505) 476-4547. You should also try emailing abc.serverpermits@rld.nm.gov a copy of your temporary permit.
How to Renew a Servers Permit
New Mexico Server Permits are valid for 3 years at which point you will be required to “renew it”. Unfortunately though, there actually isn’t a way per se to renew your license. Instead, you must just take another servers certification course prior to your current permit expiring.
You are not required to use the same course provider on renewal, so feel free to choose from any of the state-approved provides listed above.
Minimum Age Required to Serve/ Sell alcohol in New Mexico:
- 21: Only persons over the age of 21 may sell or serve alcohol in package stores, bars or lounges
- 18: Persons who are 18 years of age may only work in a restaurant environment and CANNOT be bartenders or cocktail servers. A restaurant is considered an establishment whose primary activity is the sale of food and not the sale or consumption of alcohol.
What to do if you lost your servers permit and need a new copy
If you’ve lost your Server Permit, you can obtain a duplicate in the following three ways:
- In Person: Visit the New Mexico Licensing Department’s office in Santa Fe. You will need to bring a picture ID, and $10.00 (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.
- Mail: Download the Alcohol Server Replacement Request form. Complete and return it to the office listed on the form 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). Note, this option can take up to 15 days to receive a new license.
- Hard Copy Request: Call the office at (505) 476-4875 and they will fax or mail you the Alcohol Server Replacement Request form. Complete the application and return it with a 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). Note, this option can take up to 20 days to receive a new license.
For more information, please contact your local city clerk’s office.
CHEERS!