If you’re planning a move as a homebrewer or an alcohol collector, you might be wondering — is it illegal to transport alcohol across state lines?
You’re probably not alone. Homebrewing isn’t as trendy as it once was, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of Americans from making their own alcohol at home. The American Homebrewers Association has 23,000 members, and the U.S. boasted about 500,000 home winemakers in 2023. And it’s not just beer and wine! DIY mixology is also going strong.
Whether you’re moving for a new job or a lower cost of living, there are a few things to keep in mind when moving your alcohol stash. Here’s how to safely move your alcohol collection without breaking any bottles or the law.
Is It Illegal to Transport Alcohol Across State Lines?
So, for the main question: Can you take alcohol across state lines? The answer is a bit complicated. It’s not illegal in most places, but the laws vary by state. Before you plan to take your alcohol collection with you, make sure to check out the laws in every state you’re passing through (not just your origin and destination).
Federal vs. State Alcohol Laws
All the rules about transporting alcohol are based on the 21st Amendment, which ended Prohibition and returned alcohol regulation to the states. As a result, individual states set their own rules.
A common one includes open container laws. If you’re planning to pack that open bottle of 25-year scotch, you should know that most states prohibit open containers in the passenger area, and only a handful allow passengers to possess them. Keeping any opened alcohol in the trunk (or other area not accessible to passengers and the driver) is generally how to comply.
On the other hand, there’s far less consensus about how much liquor you can transport across state lines. The rules can be dramatically different from state to state, so it’s a good idea to look into them as you plan your route.
Use the table below to see how each state regulates alcohol transport for personal use:
| State | Homebrew Transport Rule (For Personal Use) |
| Alabama | In dry counties, residents may possess up to 3 quarts of liquor and 1 case of beer or 3 quarts of wine and 1 case of beer, if tax-paid and sealed. Transportation of 5 gallons or more of liquor, wine, or malt beverages within the state is considered a felony. |
| Alaska | No transport limitation on alcohol for personal use. However, anyone seeking to sell alcohol within the state must obtain a Manufacturer Direct Shipment License. |
| Arizona | Requires anyone who wants to distribute or sell liquor, wine, or beer of any amount to obtain a license from the state. No special permit is needed to transport alcohol through the state. |
| Arkansas | Declares it unlawful to transport or distribute wine, spirits, or beer that didn’t originate within the state without a state-issued permit. |
| California | Allows transport of up to 60 liters of alcohol for personal or household use. The law specifies international crossings, but doesn’t mention interstate transport. |
| Colorado | Permits people to bring specified volumes of alcohol into the state for personal use without being subject to tax. Limits are 9 liters of wine, 6 liters of spirits, and 2.25 gallons of beer or cider. |
| Connecticut | Allows you to carry up to 4 gallons of liquor, beer, or wine into the state. Individuals may also receive shipments up to 5 gallons every 60 days, as long as the product originated within the territories or boundaries of the U.S. The limit is 5 gallons every 365 days for products originating outside of the U.S. Special permits apply for higher amounts. |
| Delaware | Allows you to produce homemade alcoholic beverages of up to 200 gallons per calendar year, but you can’t sell homemade alcohol. You may transport any amount for personal or family use, festivals, or beverage-tasting events. |
| Florida | Prohibits the transportation of alcoholic beverages of more than 12 bottles, with no specified volume limit. Common carriers and licensed transportation services are exempt from this law but may require special permits. |
| Georgia | Differing requirements for in-state vs interstate transport. When transporting within the state, Georgia generally allows for 1/2 gallon of spirits, 576 fluid ounces of malt beverages, and 1/2 gallon of wine for personal use. When transporting from out of state, an excise tax is levied on amounts over 1 gallon of liquor, 2 standard cases of malt beverages, or 2 standard cases of wine. |
| Hawaii | Allows the production and sale of up to 200 gallons of liquor or wine, or 100 gallons of beer, as long as it’s produced and transported within the state. Hawaii requires a license for the transport of alcohol from outside the state when amounts exceed 1 gallon and 2 cases of beer for personal use. |
| Idaho | Allows the transport of legally obtained alcohol with no specified volume limit, as long as the container’s seal isn’t broken. |
| Illinois | Requires permission for any organization or individual seeking to bring more than 1 gallon of alcoholic drink per year into the state. |
| Indiana | Highly complex laws and provisions cover the state’s transport and/or distribution of alcohol. Permits vary depending on the type of road. |
| Iowa | Allows 9 liters of wine or liquor to enter the state per calendar month per person of legal age. For beer, this limit is 4.5 gallons. Individuals can apply for waivers for greater amounts. |
| Kansas | Requires a carrier to be bonded and hold a state-issued carrier permit to bring any amount of alcoholic beverage into the state, except for beer. However, state limitations regarding beer are vague. |
| Kentucky | Regulations regarding alcohol transport appear to apply only to common carriers. |
| Louisiana | Prohibits the removal of microbrewed or microdistilled beverages from the production premises for sale to any outside wholesaler or retailer within the state. No specific permits are needed for transporting personal-use alcohol into or within the state. |
| Maine | Generally requires a license to bring alcohol into the state for personal use or resale. No permits are necessary for less than 400 fluid ounces of malt liquor, 4 liters of wine, or 4 liters of low-alcohol spirits. |
| Maryland | You can carry up to 1 quart of alcohol into Maryland per trip. Amounts beyond that require a permit; if you’re moving, you’ll need to get a Change of Domicile permit and pay applicable excise taxes. |
| Massachusetts | Requires a permit to transport personal alcohol into the state for amounts beyond 20 gallons of malt beverages, 1 gallon of beer, and 3 gallons of any other alcohol. |
| Michigan | Allows 1 liter of liquor per 30-day period without prior approval. For alcohol at or below 21 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), the limit is 312 ounces per 30-day period. |
| Minnesota | Employs a 3-tier system that prohibits unlicensed importation of alcohol into the state, with some exceptions. |
| Mississippi | Requires state-issued permits for the transportation of alcohol for distribution and sale in the state, with little reference to transportation for personal use. |
| Missouri | Allows the production and transport of up to 200 gallons of liquor or beer for personal use or use in public gatherings where the alcohol is free of charge. |
| Montana | Allows transport of up to 1 gallon at a time into and through the state for family or personal use. Individuals can bring 3 gallons from another state. |
| Nebraska | Allows transport of up to 9 liters of alcohol per calendar month for personal or family use. Any amount brought into the state for selling requires a state-issued permit. |
| Nevada | Permits the transport of up to 1 gallon of alcohol per month for personal use without a special license. Any alcohol brought into the state for sale requires a state-issued permit. |
| New Hampshire | Permits the transport of up to 3 quarts. Any alcohol under 6% ABV has no volume limit for personal or family consumption. Estate wineries and microbreweries may apply for a special license. |
| New Jersey | Permits transportation into the state of up to 12 quarts of beer, ale, or porter, 1 gallon of wine, and 2 quarts of other alcoholic beverages. These rules apply to any consecutive 24-hour period for personal and family use. There are no limits on transporting personal alcohol within the state. |
| New Mexico | Allows the production, transportation, and sale of craft beers, wines, and spirits produced within the state. There are no evident laws concerning transport from out of state, apart from licensed distributors and carriers. |
| New York | Requires individuals who bring in beer, wine, or hard cider from another state in large quantities for personal use to report the product on a tax form. |
| North Carolina | Allows transporting 20 liters of unfortified wine, 8 liters of fortified wine or liquor, and 80 liters of malt beverages into the state per month for personal use. |
| North Dakota | Permits the production and transport of up to 27 liters of wine, 85.17 liters of beer, and 9 liters of any other alcoholic beverage for personal or family use. |
| Ohio | Prohibits the transport or sale of alcohol from out of state without a permit, whether for commercial or personal use. |
| Oklahoma | Requires a permit to transport up to 200 gallons of alcohol annually into the state for personal use. You must pay applicable excise taxes. You also need a permit to make alcohol at home in the state. |
| Oregon | Permits residents to make 100–200 gallons of beer or wine per year. |
| Pennsylvania | Prohibits the transportation of alcohol into the state, except with a license to ship sacramental wine, import, or operate as a direct wine shipper. However, you can bring up to 1 gallon of wine or liquor that was purchased out of the United States, with a receipt and proof of travel. |
| Rhode Island | Does not allow out-of-state distilleries to ship into the state. No provisions are available concerning transport for personal use of any alcoholic product. |
| South Carolina | Allows you to bring any amount of beer or wine into the state, as long as it’s for personal consumption. |
| South Dakota | Allows for 200 gallons of homemade malt beverages, cider, or wine per year to be produced and transported within the state. Statutes make no mention of transport from out of state. |
| Tennessee | Allows production and transportation of up to 100 to 200 gallons per year, as long as the product isn’t made for sale. |
| Texas | Allows 288 fluid ounces of malt beverages, 3 gallons of wine, and 1 gallon of distilled spirits to be transported into the state for personal use. Amounts exceeding the specified limits require a permit. |
| Utah | Residents can bring up to 9 liters of alcohol into the state without penalty, as long as it’s for personal use. If you’re moving into the state, you can bring your personal liquor, regardless of quantity. |
| Vermont | Allows transport of 8 quarts (2 gallons) of wine, liquor, or both, and 6 gallons of malt beverage without obtaining a permit, as long as it’s for private use and moved in a personal vehicle. |
| Virginia | Allows up to 3 gallons of wine, spirits, or beer to be transported into and throughout the state for personal use. |
| Washington | Allows transport of up to 2 liters of spirits, wine, hard cider, or 288 ounces of beer from another state once per calendar month without a license. Alcohol must be for personal consumption and not for sale. |
| West Virginia | Consult a legal professional for guidance, as laws don’t explicitly cover personal alcohol transportation. |
| Wisconsin | Allows you to bring any amount into the state as personal goods if you move from another state or country. If you’re returning from a visit to another country, you’re permitted to bring 4 liters home with you. Transport from out of state for any use requires a state-issued permit. |
| Wyoming | Allows transport of 3 liters of liquor, 9 liters of wine, or 5 gallons of malt beverage into the state at any time for personal consumption. |
This article’s representation of laws or statutes is according to the author’s best understanding at the time of publication. The author of this article holds no degree or certification in law for any state. Seek qualified legal counsel before attempting to transport any amount of wine, beer, or spirits across state lines.
Transporting Alcohol Internationally
If you’re embarking on an international move with alcohol, you’ll need to follow both U.S. export law and the import laws of your new country.
To figure out what’s allowed, check the customs regulations for your new country of residence. Most set limits on how much you can bring. There might also be additional rules based on where you’re coming from.
If you’re moving to Finland from outside the European Union (EU), for example, you can bring up to 16 liters of beer, 4 liters of wine, and 1 liter of spirits. The limits are a lot higher if you’re coming from inside the EU. Some countries, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, don’t allow you to bring any alcohol. In places like Turkey, the rules depend on the percentage of alcohol in the drink.
Once you’re sure it’s legal to import alcohol during a move, check if you’ll need to pay taxes. Many countries allow you to bring in a certain amount duty-free. For anything above that limit, you’ll need to pay the duties.
Will Movers Move Alcohol?
Movers can move alcohol, but it depends on the company’s rules. Some will accept unopened bottles, while others allow you to pack alcohol, but only up to specific amounts.
In general, you should avoid loading large amounts of alcohol into a moving truck. Temperature changes aren’t kind to wine and beer, and moving trucks usually have poor climate control in the cargo areas. For the best chance of making sure your beverages are still drinkable, take them in your own vehicle.
“Beer should be kept between 37 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and wine between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.”
That said, some moving companies might not let you load your alcohol into a moving truck at all. It depends on where you’re located, where you’re traveling, and the company’s policy.
Don’t be tempted to just sneak your alcohol onto the truck, either — the driver can get into hot water if pulled over. Your collection could be seized, and you might be slapped with fines or taxes. Plus, if the containers break, you’re not only stuck with a messy, booze-soaked situation and damaged belongings, but the moving company won’t pay out for any contraband-caused mess.
If you absolutely can’t transport a large alcohol collection any other way, a specialized moving truck might be in order.
The Best Way to Transport Alcohol
If you’re set on moving your homebrewed beer or your collection of spirits, you’ll need to pick the right vehicle or mode of transport for the job. Your personal vehicle is the best way to transport alcohol. If that’s not possible, a moving truck is the next best thing.
Here are some of the other moving options available, and whether or not you can transport alcohol with them:
- Moving container: In general, it’s not a good idea to put alcohol into a moving container. In fact, companies including PODS and U-Haul U-Boxes don’t allow you to pack alcohol because it’s flammable.
- Freight trailer: You might be able to pack alcohol into a freight trailer, but it depends on the company’s rules. Keep in mind that wild temperature swings and bumpy roads can be a danger to your collection.
- Moving truck: If you’re renting a moving truck and driving yourself, you can usually carry alcohol that’s packed carefully. Just pay attention to the temperature, because it can get hot if you’re moving in the summer.
- Airplane: Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) usually allow alcohol in your checked bags. If it’s between 25% and 70% ABV, you can take up to 5 liters. Beverages with 24% ABV or less don’t have limits. However, the bottles must be unopened, and you’ll need to pack them very carefully to hold up to rough baggage handling.
- Mail: Services like U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and FedEx don’t allow you to send alcohol through the mail unless you have a business with the right license.
Protecting Alcohol for Transport
If you’re a wine, whiskey, or cocktail enthusiast moving your collection, it’s important that every bottle makes it to your new place in one piece. Skimping on storage, packaging, and insurance makes for an expensive accident that’s easy to avoid. Keep the following in mind when transporting your alcohol.
Know (and Protect) What Your Collection Is Worth
Liquor can be expensive. As any connoisseur knows, a prized collection of rare wines and spirits can be just as costly as fine art or jewels. For example, a bottle of Emerald Isle sold for a record $2.8 million! One-of-a-kind vintage wines, rare whiskies, or exotic spirits are irreplaceable.
If you have rare or unique bottles, hire an appraiser to document their monetary worth, and moving insurance is a must. It covers transport-related loss or damage, but coverage depends on the option and policy terms. Confirm whether alcohol, temperature damage, and self-packed boxes are covered, and document bottles with photos and an itemized list.
A good policy is well worth it if any bottles have a price tag of $500 or more. You can even do by-the-bottle floater coverage, which rarely includes a deductible. Although insurance can’t compensate you for sentimental loss, it can make sure you’re not out of pocket if the unthinkable happens.
If your collection costs less than $1,000, check your homeowner’s policy. Wine and liquor collections often count as personal property for coverage.
Don’t take risks! Always hire movers with experience handling high-value goods. If your collection’s value isn’t high enough to justify the cost of specialized movers, carry it safely in your personal vehicle.
Keep Things Cool, and Consider Temperature Control
Alcohol expands when it gets hot — and no one wants a surprise cork pop in transit. Even worse, spilled alcohol in a small space becomes a fire hazard. This becomes a problem when the cargo area of a moving truck gets warm.
To keep your bottles at the right temperature, hire a thermal-controlled moving truck or stock up on thermal containers — such as coolers or insulated crates — to store your collection. Beer should be kept between 37 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and wine between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, keep clear and light-colored bottles in the dark. If you’ve ever opened a skunky beer, light exposure is usually to blame. Hot hops plus UV light is not a good combination. Sunlight is equally unkind to wine, whiskey, and other spirits.
Liquid Should Stay Inside the Bottles
It may sound like a no-brainer, but moving liquid increases the risk of leaks and spills. When alcohol’s involved, you’re looking at fire hazards, wasted money, and a big mess. Beer-soaked boxes and damaged furniture are the last things you want to unpack in your new home.
Obviously, opened bottles increase the leak risk even more. And, if air gets in, wine turns to vinegar, and beer tastes like old pennies.
Re-corking wine bottles is good for a night on the kitchen counter. But, when moving, use silicone stoppers to make your wines airtight. For opened bottles of spirits, the original cap should be enough to keep the contents from spilling.
All that said, keep in mind that most states have open container laws that make it illegal to carry unsealed alcohol containers anywhere except in a trunk or cargo space.
Have the Right Materials for the Job
Moving your alcohol isn’t as simple as tossing it all into a box and hitting the road. Proper packaging is key. To reduce the chance of broken bottles and prevent your alcohol from going bad, follow these steps:
- Wine moving boxes: You can find boxes designed to hold and ship wine from major retailers such as Amazon. U-Haul also provides wine shipping kits that come with extra-secure Styrofoam inserts.
- Bubble wrap: If you aren’t using a specialized shipper, plenty of bubble wrap around bottles helps protect them. Cardboard dividers also help keep bottles from clinking together.
- Thermal shipper: Specially designed box inserts help keep beverages cold while being transported.
- Ice: Pack coolers with plenty of ice to keep the contents chilled.
- Packing tape: Make sure your boxes/shippers are sealed tightly so the contents can’t break free.
How Do I Pack…?
Packing alcohol for a move takes a bit more care than boxing up kitchen items or clothes. Bottles are fragile, temperature-sensitive, and valuable. Whether you’re moving a few favorites or an entire home bar, the key is using the right materials and methods for each type of bottle or glassware.
Wine bottles
Wrap each wine bottle with bubble wrap and use packing paper or separators to keep them stable. For the VIP treatment, use dedicated wine bottle shippers. Keep bottles tightly packed in an upright position in a thermal crate or cooler.
Although experts usually say to store wine bottles tilted (to stop the cork drying out), doing this in transport is just asking for spills to happen. Instead, keep the humidity at around 70%, and you won’t have to worry about dry corks.
Beer bottles
Protect each beer bottle with packing paper or bubble wrap before nestling them in individual shippers. Alternatively, keep them snug in a padded box. Cardboard separators can further prevent clanging and breaking.
“Don’t be tempted to just sneak your alcohol onto the truck, either — the driver can get into hot water if pulled over. Your collection could be seized, and you might be slapped with fines or taxes.”
Although cans are more forgiving, make sure you give them plenty of padding so they don’t bump on the sides of the box. The less they move, the less likely they are to explode when you crack one open later on.
Liquor bottles
Liquor bottles require extra care, which includes secure caps and plenty of wrapping. Slide them tightly into the box, with extra packing paper packed around them so they don’t rattle and knock into each other. No shaking or stirring is needed in transit.
Pro tip: Group bottles of similar size together, and don’t overload boxes.
Glassware and bar equipment
Moving wine glasses or delicate glassware? Here’s where cardboard dividers are your savior. Stuff each section with plenty of packing paper or clothes to cushion the glassware during transport. You can also give pricey glasses, such as crystalware, even more care with a specialized shipper.
Because homebrewing gear and other alcohol accessories are usually made of stronger materials, you should pack them separately from the breakables. For your bar cart, remove the casters and transport it with the rest of your furniture.
Final Thoughts
Moving alcohol across state lines requires careful planning and attention to each state’s rules. So, unless you have a valuable wine or liquor stash, it might be best to wave farewell and replace your collection once you’ve settled into your new place.
However, if you’re set on taking your alcohol with you, get professional legal advice to make sure everything’s above board, and be sure to pack your bottles and equipment properly so everything arrives intact. If you take the right steps and make the right preparations, you’ll be able to have a toast with your glasses and alcohol at your new home, no problem.
FAQs
How much liquor can you transport across state lines?
The amount of liquor you can carry across state lines varies based on the laws of each state. Make sure to check the laws in your origin state, destination, and all the states you’re planning to drive through.
Can beer be shipped across state lines?
You can’t ship beer across state lines as an individual person in the United States. Only businesses with specific licenses are allowed to send alcohol through the mail.