Drinking age in Washington (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Only the rules shown here have been checked against the state's statutes; local rules may differ.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | The ban on a person under 21 possessing or consuming liquor does not apply to liquor given by a parent or guardian and consumed in the parent's or guardian's presence. Further exceptions in the same section cover certain religious, medical and educational circumstances. [1] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | No person may open the package containing liquor or consume liquor in a public place, except as permitted by the state liquor title (RCW 66.24.800 is cross-referenced until 31 December 2027). A violation is a class 3 civil infraction. Local rules may differ. [2] |
Sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 66.44.270 Furnishing liquor to minors (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 66.44.100 Opening or consuming liquor in public place - Penalty (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Where and when alcohol is sold | Federal law does not itself ban the sale of alcohol to people under 21. Under 23 U.S.C. 158, a State loses 8 percent of certain federal highway funds if buying or publicly possessing alcohol is lawful there for a person under 21. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (U.S. Code)) |
|---|
Washington and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age to buy beer and wine | Minimum age to buy spirits | Drinking by younger people with an adult | Drinking in public places | Where and when alcohol is sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 21 | 21 | Allowed with parent/guardian present | No opening or drinking in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Oregon | 21 (under 21 may not buy or possess) | 21 (under 21 may not buy or possess) | Private home with parent or guardian | ⚠ Not yet verified | Spirits via OLCC stores; no sales to under 21 |
More rules in Washington
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Prohibited (medical patients: 6 plants)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph county; 60 mph state
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 if in driver training; otherwise 15.5
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no rockets, firecrackers) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Allowed unless intimidating or alarming · Locking or one-handed knives: Spring blade banned; assisted opening not
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.13 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.