New Montana CARD Training 2026 Rules
Montana's updated CARD / Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (RASS) rules take effect January 1, 2026, and they change how on‑premise and off‑premise alcohol training must be structured and delivered. This guide explains the new requirements and links to approved training courses and official Montana CARD resources.
Montana's updated CARD / Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (RASS) rules take effect January 1, 2026, and they change how on‑premise and off‑premise alcohol training must be structured and delivered. This guide explains the new requirements and links to approved training courses and official Montana CARD resources.
New Montana CARD Rules for 2026: On‑ and Off‑Premise Training
Montana Card training 2026 law requires anyone who sells, serves, or delivers alcohol to complete a state‑approved RASS course within 60 days of hire and to renew training every three years. The Montana Cannabis and Alcohol Regulation Division (CARD), part of the Department of Revenue, oversees these training requirements and maintains the official list of approved providers.
Beginning January 1, 2026, CARD will enforce new rules that split alcohol server training into separate on‑premise and off‑premise programs instead of using a single combined course. These changes are designed to make training more focused on the real‑world risks that employees face in bars, restaurants, and retail environments.
If you need a simple way to comply, you can complete your Montana Alcohol Server Training Certification – $14.99 with A+ Server Education, an approved online provider. Enroll here: https://www.aplusservereducation.com/montana-alcohol-server-training/
Separate On‑Premise and Off‑Premise Courses
Under the new structure, Montana will recognize two distinct types of RASS courses rather than one combined class. Choosing the correct option will depend on where and how you handle alcohol as part of your job.
- On‑premise training will apply to servers, bartenders, and managers in bars, restaurants, breweries, casinos, and other places where alcohol is consumed on site.
- Off‑premise training will apply to clerks and cashiers in grocery stores, convenience stores, and liquor stores who sell alcohol for customers to take away.
Montana is also changing the minimum required length for each course:
- The off‑premise course must take at least 1 hour to complete.
- The on‑premise course must take at least 2 hours to complete.
Previously, most Montana‑approved online courses were structured as a single three‑hour program that blended both types of content. After January 1, 2026, training will be shorter and more targeted for off‑premise sellers, while on‑premise staff will continue to receive more in‑depth education on over‑service, intoxication, and intervention.
A+ Server Education is updating its Montana course catalog to align with the new on‑premise and off‑premise standards while keeping the training self‑paced and mobile‑friendly. You will be able to select the correct track for your role when you sign up here: https://www.aplusservereducation.com/montana-alcohol-server-training/
What Employers and Employees Need to Do Before and After 01‑01‑2026
The transition to the new rules affects both employers and individual trainees. The key is to stay ahead of the deadlines and ensure that every employee is placed in the correct course for their duties.
If you purchase or start training **before January 1, 2026**, you should plan to complete the existing combined course before the rules change, or your enrollment may be shifted into the updated format by your provider. Completing your training early guarantees your certification remains valid for three years under Montana law, regardless of the course structure changes.
After January 1, 2026:
- Employers must assign on‑premise staff to an approved on‑premise course and off‑premise staff to an approved off‑premise course.
- Licensees must continue to verify that all sellers, servers, and their immediate supervisors complete training within 60 days of hire and renew every three years.
A+ Server Education reports course completions directly to the Montana Alcoholic Beverage Control Division and provides instant, printable certificates that employees can show to managers and inspectors. You can register yourself or your team at: https://www.aplusservereducation.com/montana-alcohol-server-training/
Official Montana CARD Resources You Should Know
The Montana Department of Revenue maintains online portals where employers, servers, and regulators can confirm training information, providers, and completion status. These official resources are helpful references to include in your compliance toolkit and onboarding documents.
Useful Montana CARD links include:
- The Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service Training Resources page, which lists state publications, in‑person training calendars, and tools for licensees.
- The RASS Training Resources – Online Services page, which lists approved online providers and allows you to verify that a course is recognized by the state.
Visit the Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service Training Resources portal here: https://svc.mt.gov/dor/liquorserver/public/materialpub.aspx
View the list of approved online providers here: https://svc.mt.gov/dor/liquorserver/public/providertraining.aspx
When combined with an approved online course like the A+ Server Education Montana Alcohol Server Training program, these official CARD resources help ensure that your business stays compliant, your staff is properly trained, and your community remains safer. For current pricing, course details, and enrollment, go to: https://www.aplusservereducation.com/montana-alcohol-server-training/
References
- Montana CARD Training Resources - https://svc.mt.gov/dor/liquorserver/public/materialpub.aspx
- A+ Server Education Montana Training - https://www.aplusservereducation.com/montana-alcohol-server-training/
- Approved Online Providers - https://svc.mt.gov/dor/liquorserver/public/providertraining.aspx
- Flathead County Health Resources - https://flatheadcounty.gov/department-directory/health/population-health/alcohol-sales-service-training
