How to Get Your OLCC Service Permit in Oregon (2026 Guide)
If you’re planning to serve, sell, or mix alcohol at any licensed establishment in Oregon, you are required by law to hold a valid Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) Alcohol Service Permit. Whether you’re a first-time bartender, a seasoned server starting a new job, or a restaurant manager making sure your team is compliant, […]
If you're planning to serve, sell, or mix alcohol at any licensed establishment in Oregon, you are required by law to hold a valid Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) Alcohol Service Permit. Whether you're a first-time bartender, a seasoned server starting a new job, or a restaurant manager making sure your team is compliant, this guide walks you through every step of the current process.
What Changed in 2025: House Bill 4138
Oregon's permitting process changed significantly on March 31, 2025, under House Bill 4138. The most critical change: you can no longer receive a temporary permit simply by submitting an application. You must now complete an approved training course and pass the OLCC's final exam before you are legally permitted to serve alcohol. Plan accordingly, especially if you have a start date coming up at a new job.
Step 1: Complete an OLCC-Approved Alcohol Server Education Course
The first step is completing an Alcohol Server Education (ASE) course from an OLCC-approved provider. At A+ Server Education, our online course is 100% self-paced, mobile-friendly, and takes approximately one hour to complete. Topics covered include:
- Oregon liquor laws and DUI regulations
- How to check IDs properly
- Recognizing signs of intoxication
- Intervention techniques for difficult situations
- Third-party liability
Once you finish the course, A+ Server Education automatically transmits your completion record directly to the OLCC — there is no certificate to upload or submit on your end.
Step 2: Create a CAMP Account and Submit Your Application
CAMP (Cannabis and Alcohol Management Program) is the OLCC's centralized online portal for all permit applications, exam access, and permit management. Visit camp.olcc.online to create your account, then select "Alcohol Service Permit" as your permit type. You'll enter your legal name, date of birth, and contact information, then pay the $23 application fee directly to the OLCC. CAMP accepts credit cards, debit cards, and ACH payments.
⚠️ Important: The name and date of birth you enter in CAMP must match exactly what you used when registering for your training course. Even a small discrepancy — such as using a nickname in one system — can delay the matching process and require manual intervention by the OLCC.
Step 3: Pass the OLCC Final Exam
Once CAMP matches your course completion record with your permit application, you'll receive an email notification that your final exam is ready. Log into CAMP to access and take the exam online. Here's what to expect:
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score of 70% or higher
- Unlimited retake attempts at no additional cost
- Topics include Oregon liquor laws, ID checking, intoxication recognition, and intervention
A+ Server Education students consistently achieve a 99.9% pass rate. If you don't pass, we offer a full refund — no questions asked.
Step 4: Receive Your Permits and Start Working
Immediately after passing the exam, CAMP issues a digital Temporary Service Permit that allows you to legally begin serving alcohol right away. Download it or take a screenshot — your employer will need to see it before scheduling you for any alcohol service duties.
Sample Temporary OLCC Service Permit
Sample 5-Year OLCC Service Permit
Within approximately 14 days, the OLCC will complete its review and email your official five-year OLCC Alcohol Service Permit. You can log back into CAMP at any time to download additional copies. Your permit must be available for inspection — either printed or as a digital file on your phone — whenever you are on duty.
Who Needs an Oregon OLCC Alcohol Service Permit?
Anyone who mixes, serves, sells, or supervises the service of alcohol at a licensed on-premises establishment must hold a valid permit. This includes bartenders, servers, managers, and clerks who fill growlers. Staff who do not handle alcohol — such as cooks, hosts, and bussers — are not required to hold one. You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
How Much Does It Cost?
The A+ Server Education training course is $16.99. The OLCC application fee is $23, paid separately through the CAMP portal. Your permit is valid for five years, after which you will need to retake an approved course and reapply.
Ready to Get Your OLCC Service Permit?
Getting your Oregon Alcohol Service Permit doesn't have to be complicated. With A+ Server Education, you can complete your training in about an hour from your phone or computer, and our course is specifically designed to prepare you for every question on the OLCC's final exam. Join over 100,000 servers who have trained with us.
Questions? Call us at (503) 740-5509 or toll-free at (877) 740-5509. Our support team is available Monday through Friday.
