Is It Time to Renew? How to Know You’re Within Your 90-Day Window for ABC RBS Recertification

If you’re certified to serve alcohol in California, you probably know your Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification is valid for 3 years. But how do you know when to renew—and avoid any lapse in certification?

Here’s how to stay ahead of the deadline and make sure you’re serving legally and responsibly.

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🔎 How to Check Your Expiration Date

1. Log into your RBS account at https://abcbiz.abc.ca.gov/login
   
2. Go to your Dashboard
   
3. Your certificate renewal date will be clearly listed.

Mark that date in your calendar, and count 90 days back—that’s when you can start the renewal process!

Don’t forget! When it’s time to renew, you will need to pay the ABC the $3 renewal fee. 

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✅ What to Do When You’re Within the 90 Days

Once you’re in the window:

• Enroll in an ABC-approved training course
  • 😉Shameless plug: https://certifiedalcoholtraining.com/
    
• Complete the training
  
• Take (and pass) the RBS certification exam again through your online portal
  

Once you pass, your certification will be extended another 3 years from your current expiration date—not from the date you recertify. There’s no penalty for being early. In fact, start the renewal process during the 90-day window! 

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⚠️ What Happens If You Miss It?

If your certification expires, you are no longer legally allowed to serve alcohol in California. That could mean being taken off shifts—or worse, fines for your employer.

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📬 Pro Tip: Don’t Rely on Email Reminders

While ABC may send reminders, they aren’t guaranteed. Set a personal reminder or let your manager know your expiration date.

Hot tip! Have your employer add you to their server roster, so they can track when you need to renew, in case you forget. 

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🥂 Stay Certified, Stay Ready

Recertification is quick and straightforward if you stay on top of your timeline. Log in, check your date, and make a plan. Your future shifts—and your tips—depend on it!

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💻 Final Reminder!

If you happen to forget your login (because let’s be honest, it happens to us all!) make sure to use the correct server ID number to the account that you are trying to access.