Can You Buy Alcohol With A Vertical ID In Arizona?

The day you turn 21 is one of the most important days in any American's life. It's the day you're legally allowed to buy alcohol by doing nothing more than flashing your government ID at the bartender.

Unfortunately, changes over the decades have made this much more of a hassle, but is it a problem in Arizona?

The Vertical ID Problem

For quite some time, there were two separate IDs in Arizona. There was the typical horizontal ID that we see commonly these days, and then the vertical ID, which was used for citizens under the age of 21.

Since this was an easy visual cue, the state would not allow someone with a vertical ID to buy alcohol within the state of Arizona, enforcing a $1,000 fine to establishments that do serve. The issue became that many folks would not renew their ID after turning 21, preferring to stick with the vertical format, meaning they could not be served alcohol legally anywhere in the state.

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Changes to Vertical ID Policy

Luckily for those who don't want to slog through the MVD lines, a change finally came. On April 6th, 2016, Governor Doug Ducey eliminated the Vertical ID discrimination, allowing for anyone over the age of 21 with a legal ID to purchase alcohol in the state of Arizona.

This not only helps Arizona residents, but out-of-staters who do not have horizontal IDs in their state. So fear not, if you know you're over 21 and have an ID on you, you're always welcome to peruse the isles of your local liquor store without hassle.

[Todd Coolidge Law Firm][Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control]