Tennessee's 61-day rule for new servers

If you're new to serving in Tennessee, you have 61 days from your original hire date to complete the requirements and get your server permit. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) gives each new server this grace period once.

The 61 days cover getting the permit

Finishing a course is only one of the requirements, and a completed course isn't the same as a permit. You need the issued permit by day 61. TABC decides how long its review takes and doesn't guarantee approval, so apply in RLPS, TABC's online permit system, and take your course early. If you don't have your permit by day 61, stop serving alcohol until TABC issues it.

  1. Apply in RLPS on a computer, pay TABC's non-refundable $20 application fee, and note your RLPS number. Our step-by-step RLPS guide walks through it.
  2. Buy our course and enter your RLPS number when you sign up.
  3. Finish the course and pass the final exam.
  4. We send your passing score to TABC within two business days, once we have a valid RLPS number for you.
  5. Once TABC issues your permit, print it from RLPS or add it to the MyTN app, and give your employer a copy. A paper or electronic copy both work.

It's one time only

  • It doesn't restart when you change jobs.
  • It doesn't apply if you had a permit before and let it expire.

Managers and assistant managers need a server permit too. TABC's grace-period wording names servers, so if you're hired as a manager, ask TABC before relying on the 61 days.

If your permit is close to expiring, see our renewal guide.

Trained in another state?

Tennessee accepts another state's training only if TABC has decided that state's alcohol awareness program is adequate, and only if you finished it within one year before you apply for your permit. Ask TABC before you count on it, or take a TABC-approved course.

Buy our TABC-approved course ($36)

Last updated: November 7, 2026