If you just got hired at a bar, restaurant, or casino in Clark or Washoe County, you have 30 days to get an ACT card, Nevada's required alcohol awareness certification. The card lasts 4 years. There's no renewal, you retake the full course when it expires.
ACT Card, TAM Card, AAT Card, Same Thing
Different providers brand the card under different names. TAM card (Techniques of Alcohol Management), AAT card (Alcohol Awareness Training), AES card (Alcohol Education for Sellers), and ACT card (Alcohol Compliance Training) all satisfy the same requirement under NRS 369.630. None carries more legal weight than another. When a job posting says "TAM card required," any approved provider's card works.
We call it "ACT card" on this site. You might hear "alcohol card", same thing.
Who Needs an ACT Card
Anyone who serves, sells, or handles alcohol at a job in Clark or Washoe County.
NRS 369.630 requires alcohol awareness training in counties over 100,000 people. That's Clark County (Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno, Sparks). Clark County adds one more rule: alcohol sellers (cashiers, retail clerks) must also carry a card, because it's the only county over 400,000.
| Role | Clark County | Washoe County |
|---|---|---|
| Bartenders | Yes | Yes |
| Cocktail servers | Yes | Yes |
| Food servers at alcohol venues | Yes | Yes |
| Cashiers selling alcohol | Yes | No |
| Security guards | Yes | Yes |
| Managers at alcohol venues | Yes | Yes |
| Volunteers serving alcohol | Yes | Yes |
Casino gaming floors have separate rules under the Nevada Gaming Control Board's Regulation 5. See our casino alcohol rules guide for details.
How to Get Your ACT Card
Four steps. Most people finish in a single day.
- Choose an approved provider. Must be licensed by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education (CPE). See our provider comparison for a full breakdown.
- Complete the training course. Covers responsible alcohol service, checking IDs, recognizing intoxication, intervention techniques, and Nevada alcohol law. Available online or in person, but read the next step.
- Pass the in-person proctored exam. Even if you study online, the final exam must be taken in person with a proctor. You need 75% or higher.
- Get your card. Hard plastic card printed with your full name, provider name, unique ID number, issue date, and expiration date. Keep it on you at work.
See online ACT card training for more on the online vs. in-person options.
Requirements at a Glance
- Minimum age: 16
- Deadline: Within 30 days of hire
- Validity: 4 years from issue date
- Renewal: None, full retraining required every 4 years
- Grace period after expiration: None
- Exam format: In-person proctored, minimum 75% to pass
- Course length: About 2.5 hours
What the Course Covers
The curriculum is standardized across providers. About 2.5 hours covering:
- Nevada alcohol laws and your personal liability
- Checking IDs, spotting fakes, acceptable forms of ID, calculating legal age
- Signs of intoxication and how to cut someone off
- Handling difficult refusal situations
- Overservice prevention
Not a hard course. Pay attention and 75% is easy to clear.
ACT Card Providers and Costs
All CPE-approved providers satisfy the same requirement. Pick one that works for your schedule.
| Provider | Online Price | In-Person Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAM of Nevada | $26.95 | $35 | Longest-running Nevada provider |
| AATNV | $15 | , | Lowest price option |
| Alcohol Awareness Card LV | $25 | $25 | 4.8 stars on Google |
| 360training | Varies | , | National provider, NV-approved |
| TIPS | Varies | Varies | Widely recognized in hospitality |
| Ace Bartending Academy | , | Varies | In-person training in Las Vegas |
| Nevada Restaurant Association | Varies | Varies | Industry group classes |
Prices move. Check our provider comparison page for current rates.
The 30-Day Rule
NRS 369.630 gives you 30 days from your start date to complete training. Your employer can (and often will) require it sooner, some make it a condition of hire. No extensions, no waivers.
Working without a valid card after 30 days means penalties for both you and your employer.
Expiration and Retraining
The card expires exactly 4 years from the issue date. No renewal process, no grace period, the day after expiration, it's invalid. You retake the full course and exam.
Set a reminder a couple months out. If your card lapses while you're employed, you can't legally work that position until you have a new one. Details in our ACT card renewal guide.
Lost or Damaged Card
Contact the provider that issued your original card. They keep records tied to your ID number and can print a replacement. If you don't remember your provider, check old emails or pay stubs for the transaction. Your employer may also have your card number on file.
Replacements only come from the original provider, a different one can't reissue it. More at our lost card page.
What the Physical Card Must Show
Your ACT card is hard plastic (not paper, not a PDF). It must display:
- Your full legal name
- The training provider's name
- A unique identification number
- Issue date
- Expiration date
Missing any of these? It may not pass a compliance check.
County-Specific Rules
Clark and Washoe both require ACT cards, but the details differ. Biggest difference: Clark County requires sellers (retail cashiers, grocery clerks) to carry the card. Washoe does not.
Counties under 100,000 residents aren't covered by the state ACT card requirement, though individual employers may still require training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nevada ACT card cost?
As of early 2026, between $15 and $35 depending on the provider. AATNV is the cheapest at $15. TAM of Nevada charges $26.95 online or $35 in person.
Can I get my ACT card entirely online?
You can do the coursework online, but the final exam must be proctored in person. No provider offers a fully remote ACT card. See our online training guide for details.
How long does it take to get an ACT card?
About 2.5 hours for the course. In-person students usually walk out with their card the same day. Online students need to schedule a separate in-person exam sitting.
Is a TAM card the same as an ACT card?
Yes. TAM, ACT, AAT, and AES are brand names from different providers. They all satisfy NRS 369.630. Any approved provider's card is equally valid.
What happens if my ACT card expires?
You retake the full course and exam. No renewal, no grace period, no shortcut. Expired means invalid.
Do I need an ACT card to work in a restaurant?
If the restaurant serves alcohol and is in Clark or Washoe County, yes, servers, bartenders, security, and managers all need one. No alcohol service, no card needed.
Can my employer pay for my ACT card?
Nevada law doesn't require it, but many employers cover it, especially larger hospitality companies and casinos. Ask during hiring.
What if I lose my ACT card?
Contact your original training provider for a replacement. They have your records. You can't get one from a different provider.
Next Step
Pick an approved provider, book the course, and get your card.