Bartender / Alcohol Server / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Bartender / Alcohol Server License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Prepares and serves alcoholic beverages in licensed establishments.

What the Tennessee data shows for Bartender / Alcohol Servers

Tennessee sets the entry bar for bartender / alcohol servers at board-approved training, with no mandatory exam. The credential is administered under Tennessee's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Varies".

Budget $50 to get started on a 2-year cycle. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Tennessee, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

Tennessee handles out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis instead of a standing reciprocity list.

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Varies
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Not Required
Initial License Fee
$50
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Not Required

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Compare all states for Bartender / Alcohol Server All Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Bartender / Alcohol Server in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee's requirements cover, and an initial fee of $50.
How do I get certified as a Bartender / Alcohol Server in Tennessee? ▼
To become a licensed bartender / alcohol server in Tennessee, you must meet the state's requirements. Contact the Tennessee licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Bartender / Alcohol Server license to Tennessee from another state? ▼
Tennessee doesn't publish a standing reciprocity policy for bartender / alcohol servers; each out-of-state application is reviewed on its own merits. Some professions fall under interstate compacts that ease portability regardless. The Tennessee licensing board can confirm what applies to your case.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Bartender / Alcohol Server licensing? ▼
There's no state-level background-check requirement for bartender / alcohol server licensing in Tennessee; some employers choose to screen candidates anyway.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.