TL;DR — The Quick Answer
Washington State issues two types of MAST (Mandatory Alcohol Server Training) permits. You don’t choose which one you get — your age decides for you. If you’re 18 to 20 years old, you’ll receive a Class 13 Server Permit (serving only, no mixing). If you’re 21 or older, you’ll receive a Class 12 Mixologist Permit (full bartending privileges). Both cost the same, both require the same 3-hour course, and both are valid for 5 years.
Read on for the full breakdown, a side-by-side comparison table, common scenarios, upgrade rules, and FAQs.
What Are the Two Types of Washington MAST Permits?
When you complete your MAST training online, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) issues one of two permit classes based on your date of birth:
- Class 12 — Mixologist Permit (ages 21 and older)
- Class 13 — Server Permit (ages 18 to 20)
The training course is identical for both permits. The difference is what you’re legally allowed to do on the job once you’re certified.
What Is a Class 13 Server Permit?
The Class 13 Server Permit is issued to anyone between 18 and 20 years old who completes an approved MAST course. Because you’re under the legal drinking age of 21, Washington law restricts your alcohol-related duties.
What You CAN Do With a Class 13 Permit
- Take alcohol orders from customers for on-premises consumption
- Carry and deliver beer, wine, or spirits to a customer’s table
- Open and pour beer or wine from a bottle or can into a customer’s glass at their table (in areas not restricted to minors)
- Sell alcohol at a grocery store, convenience store, or retail location for off-premises consumption
What You CANNOT Do With a Class 13 Permit
- Mix cocktails or pour spirits behind a bar
- Draw beer or wine from a tap or other dispensing device
- Work as a bartender or in a bartending role
- Manage or supervise a liquor-licensed establishment
- Conduct alcohol tastings at grocery stores, wineries, or farmers markets
Typical Class 13 Job Roles
- Restaurant server or waitstaff
- Food runner at a bar or restaurant
- Grocery store clerk selling beer and wine
- Banquet server
- Hotel room service attendant
What Is a Class 12 Mixologist Permit?
The Class 12 Mixologist Permit is issued to anyone 21 years old or older who completes an approved MAST course. This is the full-access permit for Washington’s hospitality industry — it covers everything a Class 13 holder can do, plus bartending and management privileges.
What You CAN Do With a Class 12 Permit
- Everything a Class 13 permit holder can do (serving, delivering, pouring at the table)
- Mix and pour all types of drinks, including cocktails and spirits
- Draw alcohol from taps and dispensing devices
- Work as a bartender behind a traditional bar
- Manage or supervise a liquor-licensed establishment and Class 13 permit holders
- Conduct alcohol tastings at grocery stores with tasting endorsements, spirit retailers, wineries, beer/wine specialty shops, and farmers markets
- Fill growlers at grocery stores with the appropriate endorsement
Typical Class 12 Job Roles
- Bartender or mixologist
- Bar manager or shift lead
- Restaurant manager who also serves or bartends
- Tasting room attendant at a winery or brewery
- Grocery store employee conducting tastings
- Banquet bartender
- Nightclub or lounge staff
Side-by-Side Comparison: Class 12 vs. Class 13 MAST Permit
| Feature | Class 12 (Mixologist) | Class 13 (Server) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 years old | 18 years old |
| Take alcohol orders | Yes | Yes |
| Deliver drinks to tables | Yes | Yes |
| Pour beer/wine at customer’s table | Yes | Yes |
| Mix cocktails and spirits | Yes | No |
| Draw from taps | Yes | No |
| Work behind a bar | Yes | No |
| Manage a licensed establishment | Yes | No |
| Supervise Class 13 holders | Yes | No |
| Conduct alcohol tastings | Yes | No |
| Fill growlers | Yes | No |
| Course required | 3-hour MAST course | 3-hour MAST course |
| Course cost (Dash Authority) | $14.95 | $14.95 |
| Permit valid for | 5 years | 5 years |
| Upgrade available | N/A | Yes — free upgrade to Class 12 at age 21 |
Key takeaway: The course, cost, and validity period are identical. The only difference is your age and the duties you’re authorized to perform.
How Do You Upgrade From Class 13 to Class 12 When You Turn 21?
Here’s the good news: you do not need to retake the entire 3-hour MAST course to upgrade.
If you earned your Class 13 permit before turning 21, simply contact the training provider who issued your original permit. They’ll upgrade you to a Class 12 Mixologist Permit at no additional charge.
How the Dash Authority upgrade works:
- Turn 21 (or older).
- Contact Dash Authority support with your name, date of birth, and original permit details.
- We upgrade your permit to Class 12 for free.
- Your upgraded Class 12 permit keeps the same expiration date as your original Class 13 permit.
Important: Your upgrade must be processed through the same provider that issued your Class 13 permit. If you got your original permit through Dash Authority, we handle the upgrade. If you used a different provider, contact them directly.
Remember — new hires in Washington must obtain their MAST permit within 60 days of starting work. Don’t wait until the last minute, especially if you need the upgrade for a new bartending role.
Which Permit Do I Need? Common Scenarios
Not sure which MAST permit class applies to you? Here are the most common situations:
“I’m 19 and starting a job as a restaurant server.”
You need: Class 13 Server Permit. At 19, you’re under 21, so Washington law issues a Class 13. You’ll be able to take orders, carry drinks, and pour beer or wine at the table — everything a server needs. You just can’t mix drinks or work behind the bar.
“I’m 22 and starting my first bartending job.”
You need: Class 12 Mixologist Permit. Since you’re 21 or older, you’ll automatically receive the Class 12 when you complete your MAST training. This lets you mix cocktails, draw from taps, and tend bar.
“I got my Class 13 at 19. I’m turning 21 next month and want to start bartending.”
You need: An upgrade from Class 13 to Class 12. Contact the provider who issued your original Class 13 permit. They’ll upgrade you to a Class 12 for free — no need to retake the course.
“I’m a restaurant manager who also fills in behind the bar.”
You need: Class 12 Mixologist Permit. Any time you mix drinks, pour spirits, or draw from taps, you need a Class 12. The same applies if you supervise a liquor-licensed establishment or other permit holders. Since management and bartending both require Class 12 privileges, this is the only permit that covers you.
“I work at a grocery store and sell beer and wine at the register.”
It depends on your age and duties. If you’re 18-20 and only ringing up packaged alcohol for off-premises consumption, a Class 13 covers you. If you’re 21+ and conducting in-store tastings, you need a Class 12.
How Much Does a MAST Permit Cost?
The MAST course fee covers both permit types — there’s no price difference between Class 12 and Class 13.
At Dash Authority, the complete WSLCB-approved MAST course costs $14.95 for either permit class. That includes:
- Full 3-hour interactive course with audio, video, and quizzes
- Unlimited exam retakes (pass guarantee)
- Downloadable proof of completion for your employer
- Official MAST permit mailed to you within 30 days
- Free Class 13 to Class 12 upgrade when you turn 21
Your permit is valid for 5 years from the date you pass the exam. The exact expiration date falls on the first day of the month following your 5-year anniversary. For example, if you pass on March 15, 2026, your permit expires April 1, 2031.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bartend with a Class 13 MAST permit?
No. A Class 13 permit does not authorize you to mix drinks, pour spirits, or draw from taps. Bartending requires a Class 12 Mixologist Permit, which is only available to individuals 21 and older. If you’re under 21 with a Class 13, you can serve and deliver drinks but cannot work behind the bar.
Do I need to retake the full course to upgrade from Class 13 to Class 12?
No. When you turn 21, contact the training provider who issued your original Class 13 permit. They will upgrade your permit to Class 12 at no additional cost. You do not need to retake the 3-hour MAST course. Your upgraded permit keeps the same expiration date as your original.
What happens if I’m caught serving with the wrong permit class?
Serving outside the scope of your permit class is a violation of Washington State liquor law. Both you and your employer can face penalties from the WSLCB, including fines, permit suspension, or revocation. For example, if you hold a Class 13 and are caught mixing drinks behind a bar, that’s a compliance violation. Always make sure your permit matches your job duties.
Can a 20-year-old get a Class 12 permit?
No. Washington State law requires you to be at least 21 years old to receive a Class 12 Mixologist Permit. If you’re 20, you’ll be issued a Class 13 Server Permit. Once you turn 21, you can upgrade to a Class 12 for free through your original training provider.
Is there a price difference between Class 12 and Class 13 courses?
No. Both permit classes require the same WSLCB-approved 3-hour MAST course. At Dash Authority, either permit costs $14.95. The training content is identical — only the permit type issued to you differs based on your age.
Does my Class 13 permit expire when I turn 21?
No. Your Class 13 permit remains valid for the full 5 years from your original completion date, regardless of your age. Turning 21 does not cancel or expire your Class 13. However, if you want to take on bartending duties or manage a licensed establishment, you’ll need to upgrade to a Class 12 — which is free through your original training provider.
Get Your Washington MAST Permit Today
Whether you need a Class 13 Server Permit to start waiting tables this week or a Class 12 Mixologist Permit to step behind the bar, Dash Authority has you covered. Same course, same price, same day you can start.
Get Your Class 12 or Class 13 MAST Permit — Only $14.95
Already have a Class 13 and just turned 21? Contact us for your free upgrade to Class 12.
Not sure where to start? Read our complete guide on how to get your Washington MAST permit online or learn more about what the MAST program is and why it’s required.
