Author: Janelle Bauer
Effective January 1, 2026, Utah will implement a new “100% ID” law requiring all
establishments licensed to sell alcohol to check valid identification for every customer
purchasing alcoholic beverages. The law was enacted through House Bill 437, passed by the
Utah Legislature in February 2025.
This change significantly expands existing ID verification requirements. Previously, licensees
were only required to check identification for individuals who appeared to be under a certain
age. Under the new law, all dining clubs, bars, taverns, convenience stores and other off-
premise licensees, as well as all licensed restaurants, must verify the ID of every patron
purchasing alcohol, regardless of age appearance.
The purpose of the expanded requirement is to enforce Utah’s new “interdicted person”
designation. A person may be designated as interdicted following a conviction for an extreme
DUI and ordered to surrender their driver license or identification card. The Driver License
Division will then issue an interdicted DL or ID card bearing a red banner stating “NO ALCOHOL
SALE.” Universal ID checks are intended to ensure licensees can identify individuals who are
legally prohibited from purchasing alcohol.
Establishments that already use ID scanners may continue using existing equipment, though
scanning requirements may vary depending on license type. Licensees should plan for
consistent ID checks across all alcohol sales and ensure staff are properly trained ahead of the
January 2026 effective date.
Businesses should also monitor guidance from the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage
Services (DABS), as additional administrative rules or clarifications regarding enforcement and
scanning practices may be issued in the coming months. Employers and alcohol licensees that
regularly sell or serve alcohol are encouraged to review and update internal policies and
procedures to align with the new requirements.
If you have questions about how this law may affect your business, please contact Janelle
Bauer.