Yes, you can get your Washington MAST permit entirely online in 2026 — no classroom visit, no Saturday wasted in a hotel conference room, and no commute. The entire process takes about 3 hours from start to finish, and you can do it from your couch, your kitchen table, or anywhere with an internet connection.
Whether you just got hired at a bar, restaurant, or event venue, or you need to renew an expiring permit, this step-by-step guide walks you through exactly how to get certified, what it costs, and how to receive your physical permit card as fast as possible.
TL;DR: Choose a WSLCB-approved online provider, complete 3 hours of training, pass the exam with an 80% or higher, and your permit card arrives by mail within 30 days. Your MAST permit is valid for 5 years. The whole process costs between $10 and $30 depending on the provider.
Not sure what the MAST program is or why Washington requires it? Start with our complete guide: What Is the Washington MAST Program?
Step 1: How Do I Choose a WSLCB-Approved MAST Provider?
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) does not offer MAST training directly. Instead, they certify third-party providers to deliver the course. Your first and most important step is making sure your provider is officially WSLCB-approved — otherwise, your certificate will not be legally recognized anywhere in Washington State.
Here is what to look for when choosing a provider:
- WSLCB approval status — Verify on the official WSLCB provider list
- Mobile-friendly platform — You should be able to take the course on your phone, tablet, or laptop
- Transparent pricing — No hidden fees for permit processing or card mailing
- Fast permit delivery — Some providers take the full 30 days allowed by law; the best ones ship sooner
- Free exam retakes — In case you do not pass on your first attempt
Online MAST courses typically range from $10 to $30. Be cautious of providers advertising rock-bottom prices that tack on extra fees for the physical permit card or “expedited processing.”
For a detailed comparison, check out our guide: Top 5 MAST Providers in Washington
Dash Authority is officially approved by the WSLCB, works on any device, and the price you see is the price you pay — no surprises.
Step 2: What Do I Need Before Starting the MAST Course?
Before you create your account and begin training, gather these essentials:
- A valid form of identification — You will need your legal name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN). The WSLCB requires your SSN to process your permit per RCW 26.23.150.
- A reliable internet connection — The course is fully online, so stable Wi-Fi or mobile data is essential
- A device with a web browser — Desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone all work
- A quiet space to focus — While you can pause and resume the course anytime, uninterrupted study sessions help you retain the material and finish faster
Once you have everything ready, create your account with your chosen provider and you are set to begin.
Just got hired? You have a 60-day window from your hire date to complete your MAST training. Do not wait until week 7 to start — give yourself a comfortable buffer.
Step 3: What Topics Does the 3-Hour MAST Course Cover?
Washington State law requires the MAST course to be a minimum of 3 hours long. The curriculum covers 12 core topics, but the main areas you will study include:
- ID verification and checking — How to spot fake IDs and verify a customer’s age
- Alcohol and its effects on the body — How alcohol is absorbed, tolerance factors, and Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
- Signs of intoxication — Recognizing behavioral and physical cues that a customer has had too much
- Intervention and de-escalation — Techniques for refusing service safely and handling difficult situations
- Washington State liquor laws — Rules specific to WA, including serving hours, liability, and permit requirements
- Liability and legal consequences — Dram shop laws, personal liability, and what happens when things go wrong
Most online providers let you log out and pick up where you left off, so you do not have to finish the entire course in one sitting. Study during your lunch break, finish after dinner — it is completely self-paced.
Wondering which permit type you need? If you are 21 or older, you need a Class 12 permit. If you are 18 to 20, you need a Class 13. Learn the difference: Class 12 vs. Class 13 MAST Permits
Step 4: How Do I Pass the MAST Final Exam?
After completing all the course modules, you will take a final exam. Here is what to expect:
- Passing score: 80% or higher
- Format: Multiple-choice questions covering everything from the course
- Retakes: If you do not pass on the first attempt, most providers allow you to retake the exam. At Dash Authority, retakes are free.
Tips for passing on your first try:
- Do not skip through the material — Actually read each module, even if you have bar experience
- Pay extra attention to WA-specific laws — These are the questions most people miss
- Take notes on liability scenarios — The exam loves to test “what would you do?” situations
- Review ID checking procedures — Know the acceptable forms of ID in Washington State
The vast majority of students pass on their first attempt. The course material prepares you thoroughly, so if you complete the training with focus, the exam should feel straightforward.
Step 5: How Do I Receive My MAST Permit Card?
Once you pass the exam, here is what happens:
- Immediate digital confirmation — You will receive a certificate of completion right away. This is proof you finished the course, but it is not a temporary permit and should not be used in place of the physical card.
- Provider reports to the WSLCB — Your training provider submits your completion information to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
- Physical permit card mailed to you — By law, your provider must print and mail your MAST permit card within 30 days of course completion. Top providers like Dash Authority typically ship much sooner.
Important: There is no temporary MAST permit in Washington State. If you are a new hire within your 60-day window, your completion certificate paired with your employer’s records should keep you in compliance while you wait for the physical card.
You can verify your permit status anytime using the official WSLCB Permit Checker.
What Should I Do After Getting My MAST Permit?
Your permit is in hand — now protect it:
- Give a copy to your employer — Most establishments keep permit copies on file for inspections
- Know your permit number — You may need it for job applications or if your employer is audited
- Track your expiration date — Your MAST permit is valid for exactly 5 years. It expires on the first day of the month following the month you took your test. For example, if you completed the course on March 15, 2026, your permit expires April 1, 2031.
- There is no grace period for renewal — Serving alcohol with an expired permit is illegal. Plan to renew at least 45 days before your expiration date by retaking any WSLCB-approved course.
How Much Does an Online MAST Course Cost?
Here is a quick cost breakdown:
| Provider Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget online providers | $10 – $15 | May charge extra for permit card mailing |
| Mid-range online providers | $15 – $25 | Usually all-inclusive pricing |
| In-person classroom courses | $25 – $40 | Less flexible, requires travel |
Dash Authority’s online course is competitively priced with no hidden fees — the listed price includes your training, exam, and physical permit card. See current pricing here.
Pro Tips for Completing Your MAST Course Quickly
Want to knock it out as fast as possible? Here is how:
- Block out a 3-hour window — Finishing in one sitting is the fastest path to your permit
- Eliminate distractions — Close social media, silence your phone, and find a quiet spot
- Use a laptop or tablet — Larger screens make reading the material easier and faster than squinting at a phone
- Take brief notes — Jotting down key facts helps you breeze through the exam
- Do not overthink the exam — The questions come directly from the course material. If you paid attention, you are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Washington MAST Permit
How long does the online MAST course take?
The MAST course takes a minimum of 3 hours to complete. This is a Washington State requirement set by the WSLCB. Most online providers allow you to pause and resume, so you can spread it across multiple sessions if needed. However, most students prefer to finish in a single sitting.
What score do I need to pass the MAST exam?
You need a score of 80% or higher to pass the MAST final exam. The test is multiple-choice and covers all the material from the course. If you completed the training attentively, most students pass on their first attempt.
Can I take the MAST course on my phone?
Yes, most modern online MAST providers offer mobile-friendly courses. Dash Authority’s course works on smartphones, tablets, and computers. You can start on one device and finish on another without losing your progress.
How much does an online MAST course cost?
Online MAST courses typically cost between $10 and $30. The WSLCB does not regulate pricing, so costs vary by provider. Watch out for providers who advertise low prices but charge extra fees for the physical permit card.
When will I receive my physical MAST permit card?
Your provider must mail your physical MAST permit card within 30 days of course completion. This is required by Washington State law. There is no digital or temporary permit — the physical card is your official permit. You can check your permit status on the WSLCB Permit Checker.
What if I fail the MAST exam?
You can retake the exam. Most WSLCB-approved providers allow multiple attempts. At Dash Authority, retakes are free — you simply review the material and try again. There is no additional fee or waiting period.
Get Your MAST Permit Today
You are 3 hours away from being legally certified to serve alcohol in Washington State. No classroom, no commute, no complicated process.
Start Your MAST Training Now at Dash Authority — WSLCB-approved, mobile-friendly, and built for the modern hospitality worker. Get in, get certified, and get behind the bar.
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