The short answer is yes, you can ship liquor across state lines, but there are a lot of stipulations and regulations to be aware of. Every state has different laws, and some don’t allow alcohol delivery at all. Read on to find out more about the laws surrounding liquor shipping in the US.
Overview of Liquor Shipping Regulations in the United States
Ever since the end of Prohibition in the US in 1933, every state has been able to create its own laws about liquor. These laws change often, and can be quite complicated in some regions. Can you ship liquor across state lines? The answer also depends on individual state laws and regulations.
Keep in mind, the laws surrounding shipping beer and wine are different, and have another set of regulations to be aware of.
Understanding Federal Laws for Shipping Liquor
While the majority of liquor rules are left to the states’ discretion, a couple of federal laws and stipulations also apply here.
The Role of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau was created in 2003 as a way to regulate the taxes and sales of alcohol in the US. Currently, the TTB has an excise tax on all manufactured liquor, at 13 cents per shot. The TTB also requires manufacturers to have a permit, and to label all alcohol with specific wording.
Shipping Across State Lines: Interstate Commerce Rules
Under The Liquor Law Repeal and Enforcement Act, the TTB also regulates the shipment of liquor across state lines. This act upholds that you cannot ship liquor into a state that prohibits alcohol shipments.
State-by-State Liquor Shipping Regulations
Liquor shipping laws change almost every year, so this list is not binding. However, as of 2024, here is a list of states that allow all alcohol to be shipped into the state, and a list of states that strictly prohibit alcohol delivery.
Shipping Allowed for All Alcohol
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- Florida
- Tennessee
- Louisiana
- Iowa
- Arizona
- California
- Wyoming
- Washington
- Hawaii
- Kentucky
NO Shipping of Any Alcohol Permitted
- Utah
- Mississippi
- Delaware
- Rhode Island (unless wine is purchased in person at a local winery)
- Arkansas (unless wine is purchased in person at a local winery)
The remaining 33 states in the US allow for some form of alcohol shipping, but specific laws vary widely. Some only allow for beer and wine shipping, and some, like Illinois, only allow wine to be shipped.
Licensing and Permits for Shipping Liquor
Every state requires you to have a permit before you can ship liquor (or other alcoholic beverages). These permits all have different state codes. Many states also require you to have a direct shipper’s license, or a winery license.
Packaging and Labeling Requirements
All liquor must be packaged with high-quality shipping supplies, and labeled with a special label that states the package contains alcohol. The recipient of the package must be over the age of 21 and provide proof of signature in most cases.
Shipping Liquor as a Consumer vs as a Business
As a consumer, you can’t ship liquor on your own within the United States. However, you can work with a licensed business to ship alcohol. In states that allow shipping, you can purchase liquor and ship through a retailer on your behalf.
If you own a business and want to ship liquor, you will need a permit, and a license granted by your state government.
Common Carriers and Liquor Shipping
Once you’ve obtained the correct permit and license, you can ship liquor through an authorized carrier.
Approved Carriers for Shipping Liquor
- FedEx
- UPS
- DHL or other logistics companies
Carrier Requirements and Limitations
In order to ship with these carriers, you typically need to enter into an official shipping agreement. You also have to provide proof of your permit/license, package everything properly, and make sure the recipient is 21+.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Liquor
- Can you ship liquor to friends or family?
Yes, you can ship liquor to friends and family by working with a licensed retailer and an authorized carrier.
- How much liquor can legally be shipped?
This varies from state to state. For example, Alabama residents can only be shipped 12 cases of wine per year.
- Can you ship internationally?
Yes, if you work with a licensed retailer, you can ship liquor internationally through FedEx Express.
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