Instructions for Obtaining a Massachusetts State Liquor ID Card

How To Apply For An MA Liquor ID

1. Go to the Social Security Administration office at 10 Fawcett Street in Cambridge. Open 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Wednesday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

2. Take your I-20 and your passport.

3. You will complete a one page application form (the actual form is the last page).

4. You will be given an SSN denial letter on the spot.

5. Go to:

  • Watertown RMV, 550 Arsenal Street (inside Watertown Mall), Watertown
  • or Boston RMV, 136 Blackstone Street, Boston

6. You need to take the following with you:

  • A completed Form 21042
  • Proof of MA residence (a rental lease, or utility bills, etc.)
  • PassportThe SSN denial letter
  • Payment of $25 (cash or credit card)

7. The ID will be sent to you in the mail.

Massachusetts State Law Protections

Sometimes in the Boston area, bars will give you a hard time or prevent your entry as a foreigner or even from a neighboring state. The Massachusetts State Liquor ID card is the ONLY legal solution to avoiding these uncomfortable (and sometimes completely irrational) confrontations.

If you are refused entry while using a Massachusetts State Liquor Identification Card, don’t take it personally, don’t take it as xenophobia, just pleasantly let them know that Massachusetts State Law chapter 138 section 34b provides them legal protection if you are using a Massachusetts State Liquor ID card.

Here’s a link to the law:

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter138/Section34B

This means that they should let you enter with a Massachusetts Liquor ID.