Bartending License Requirements for New Mexico

Everyone who sells or serves alcohol in the state of New Mexico MUST obtain a valid Alcohol Server Permit by taking & passing a New Mexico state-approved Alcohol Server Education class. Thus, bartenders & servers are required to have this permit

• Permits are valid for only 3 years
• Temporary Server Permits are valid for 150 days from the date of issuance
• Classes are conducted by private providers, so times, locations and prices may vary

New Mexico Alcohol Server Education Requirement Information:

• You can view the course schedule > Here
• Only approved providers listed on New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department’s website are acceptable.
• For the provider listing click here, (scroll below calendar to see providers)
  • There you’ll find all of the links, prices, contact information, addresses!

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
• Persons 19 and 20 years of age may only work in a restaurant environment and CANNOT be bartenders or cocktail servers

** In New Mexico, a restaurant is considered an establishment whose primary activity is the sale of food and not the sale or consumption of alcohol.

Additional Information:

If you lost your server permit, you can obtain a duplicate server permit in the following 3 ways:

• Visit the 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 the 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.
  • Duplicate Request Form
• 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 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.

If you have taken the server education class and have not received your permanent card:

• If you haven’t received your card within 120 days after taking the server class, please call (505) 476-4875.

How to RENEW Servers Permit:

• You must take another servers certification course PRIOR to your current permit expiring.

Address of Department:

Toney Anaya Building
2550 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504

Other Requirements That May Be Helpful:

• Good Communication Skills
• Be able to stand long periods of time
• Knowledge of basic drink recipes
• Previous Bartending/ Server Experience

For more information, please contact your local city clerk’s office.

CHEERS!