On January 8, 2025, Governor Maura Healey signed “An Act Further Regulating the Acceptance of Certain Types of Identification to Purchase Alcohol” which changes M.G.L. c. 138, § 34B. The text of the law can be found HERE.
As a result, beginning April 8, 2025, alcoholic beverages licensees may reasonably rely on the following forms of validly issued identifications for proof of age (new additions are highlighted green):
1. Massachusetts Driver’s License;
2. Massachusetts Liquor Identification Card;
3. Massachusetts Identification Card;
4. Passport issued by the United States or a government that is officially recognized by the United States;
5. Passport Card for a Passport issued by the United States;
6. United States Military Identification Card;
7. Valid Driver’s License issued by another state; and
8. Global Entry Card issued by United States Customs and Border Protection.
Licensees are reminded that reliance on the validly issued forms of identifications listed above must be reasonable.
As always, all licensees must ensure that they comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and that sales of alcoholic beverages take place only as authorized by federal, state, and local law.
Questions concerning this Advisory may be directed to Ralph Sacramone, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission at (617) 727- 3040 x 731.
Questions for the Hamilton Local Licensing Authority may be sent to [email protected].
View the 2025 Calendar of Legal Holidays and Dates of Observance
