This blog was last updated on December 12, 2025
The direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping model continues to represent a major opportunity for the beverage alcohol industry, as the DtC wine channel generated $3.9 billion in 2024, and 83% of craft beer drinkers are looking to order their favorite brews to the front door. It’s no surprise that producers, retailers, and other potential shippers are itching to meet the growing demand. However, DtC rules vary from one state to the next, and not every state has the same alcohol delivery restrictions when it comes to products being shipped. What are the current limitations facing the DtC alcohol shipping industry?
Overview of Federal Rules
At the federal level, the 21st Amendment grants states authority to regulate alcohol within their borders. While the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) sets overarching standards, such as requiring adult signature and proper labeling, state laws ultimately dictate whether DtC shipping is allowed. Keeping track of the various state-specific alcohol delivery restrictions is what makes compliance so complex for businesses.
States That Do Not Allow Direct-to-Consumer Shipping
Wine
Most states allow DtC wine shipping, but Utah prohibits all DtC wine shipments. Rhode Island only allows on-site purchases for shipping, and Delaware enacted a law that will take effect in 2026 that contains numerous provisions that make it inadvisable to pursue, such as very high licensing cost, low allowable total shipping volume, and a prohibition on the winery or their affiliated wineries from engaging in concurrent DtC shipping and sales to wholesalers. These are prime examples of how alcohol delivery restrictions can vary dramatically by state.
Beer
DtC beer shipping is far more limited than DtC wine shipping. For breweries, understanding these alcohol delivery restrictions is critical to avoid penalties and maintain compliance. The following states prohibit beer from being DtC shipped to their residents:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Spirits
Spirits shipping is the most restricted category. This class of alcohol faces the toughest delivery restrictions, making it essential for distillers to stay on top of each state’s DtC spirits shipping laws. The following states do not currently allow for direct-to-consumer shipping of spirits from out-of-state sellers.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Cider
Some states consider cider to be a type of wine, while others define it as beer or its own type of alcohol entirely. These nuances highlight how alcohol delivery restrictions can impact even more niche products like cider. Because of these technicalities, it’s extremely important to know the specific rules of each state. Some states prohibit the shipping of cider altogether; these states are:
- Delaware
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
Compliance Challenges
How to Stay Compliant Across Multiple States
Direct-to-consumer alcohol shipping requires navigating a patchwork of state laws and alcohol delivery restrictions. Compliance isn’t optional, and failure can result in fines or loss of licensure. To stay on track, businesses should focus on a few essentials:
- Understand State Rules: Each state has unique regulations for wine, beer, spirits, and cider.
- Secure Proper Licensing: Apply for and maintain all required permits.
- Follow Labeling & Signature Requirements: Ensure adult signature and correct labeling for every shipment.
- Monitor Volume Limits & Taxes: Track volume caps and file taxes on time.
- Leverage Compliance Tools: Work with a partner like Sovos ShipCompliant to simplify multi-state compliance.
Alternatives for Restricted States
If DtC shipping is not allowed, you should not send shipments to consumers in that state. Though there are third-party providers who claim to be able to ship on your behalf, keep in mind that many make promises that are too good to be true (such as being able to ship to consumers in Utah). We strongly advise that anyone looking at these third-party marketplaces or other sellers carefully review their terms and conditions and consult with a personal attorney or other counsel before signing on. At the end of the day, it’s your name on the label and if it is being sold improperly, state regulators will direct their pointed questions to you.
Conclusion
DtC alcohol shipping offers incredible growth opportunities, but success depends on understanding and adhering to state-specific alcohol delivery restrictions. Staying informed and leveraging compliance platforms like Sovos ShipCompliant can help businesses avoid costly mistakes.
FAQ:
Can I ship wine to consumers in all states?
No. Utah prohibits DtC shipments of any kind, including of wine.
Can liquor be shipped in CA?
Starting January 1, 2026, liquor can be shipped to California.
Which states prohibit direct-to-consumer alcohol shipping?
Utah prohibits all DtC alcohol shipments, and Rhode Island allows only on-site purchases. Most states prohibit DtC shipping of spirits and beer.
How can producers ensure compliance?
Get licensed, research the relevant laws of the states they ship into, work with compliance platforms like Sovos ShipCompliant, maintain shipping records, and follow state-specific laws like volume limits and tax requirements.
What penalties exist for illegal shipping?
Penalties for noncompliance include fines and loss of licensure.