MASSACHUSETTS EXPANDS ACCEPTED
IDS FOR ALCOHOL PURCHASES: WHAT
RETAILERS NEED TO KNOW
On January 8, 2025, Governor Maura Healey signed H4131
into law, expanding the list of IDs that alcoholic beverage
licensees may rely on for alcohol sales. This update, which
takes effect April 8, 2025, marks a major shift in
Massachusetts’ alcohol laws, allowing retailers to accept out-
of-state driver’s licenses and Global Entry Cards as valid proof
of age.
For years, Massachusetts was the only state that did not allow
alcohol beverage retailers to legally rely on out-of-state driver’s
licenses. This restriction created unnecessary challenges for
businesses and consumers, particularly those near state borders.
With the passage of H4131, that outdated rule has finally changed.
Starting April 8, 2025, alcoholic beverage licensees may reasonably
rely on the following forms of identification for proof of age:
Massachusetts Driver’s Licenses, Massachusetts Liquor
Identification Cards, Massachusetts Identification Cards, U.S.
Passports, U.S. Passport Cards, and U.S. Military Identification
Cards.
The two major additions to the accepted forms of ID include valid
driver’s licenses issued by another state and Global Entry Cards
issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. While some
retailers have already accepted out-of-state IDs in practice, they
were not legally protected under Massachusetts law. This update
provides clarity and removes liability concerns for retailers—but
businesses must still verify IDs properly to ensure compliance.
The organization drafted and introduced the bill as H369 before it
became H4131, leading the charge to modernize the state's alcohol
laws. MASSPACK President Sean Barry, owner of Four Seasons
Wine & Liquors in Hadley, expressed his support for the law,
stating, "I am so glad for our members that MASSPACK got
H4131 across the line. Enacting H4131 is a big deal that helps every
retailer in the state that sells alcoholic beverages."
MASSPACK Executive Director Rob Mellion also
emphasized the impact of this change, stating, "The
restriction on out-of-state IDs in Massachusetts made
no sense. It also unnecessarily burdened both on- and
off-premise retailers located near borders with Rhode
Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and
New York."
With this law taking effect soon, Massachusetts alcohol
retailers must ensure they are fully prepared. Businesses
should take the necessary steps to update internal
policies, train employees on ID verification, and remain
vigilant in accepting only valid, unexpired IDs to avoid
compliance violations. MASSPACK has announced
that it will release updated training materials in the
spring to assist retailers with these changes.
While this legislative update is a big win for retailers, the
responsibility still falls on licensees to verify IDs
properly. For additional guidance, retailers can visit
MASSPACK’s website or consult with their local
regulatory board.
by Michelle Hansford
The Massachusetts Package Stores Association
(MASSPACK) played a critical role in this legislative
change.
THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE | 3
With just weeks until this law takes
effect, how is your business preparing for
this change?
Massachusetts Driver’s License
Massachusetts Liquor Identification Card
Massachusetts Identification Card
Passport issued by the United States or a
government that is officially recognized by the
United States
Passport Card for a Passport issued by the
United States
United States Military Identification Card
New: Valid Driver’s License issued by another
state
New: Global Entry Card issued by United
States Customs and Border Protection
