Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) shipping offers tremendous opportunities for wineries—but with that opportunity comes the responsibility to comply with state-specific licensing and reporting requirements. At Wineshipping, we rely on the license information you provide in ACP (Awesome Client Portal) to meet these obligations accurately and on time. Keeping this information current is essential to avoid regulatory issues that can disrupt your business and ours.
State Reporting Depends on It
Wineshipping uses the license data in ACP to file required reports with state alcohol authorities—errors or missing info can trigger compliance issues.
Avoid Fines and Enforcement
Inaccurate or expired license data can result in costly penalties for both the winery and Wineshipping—up to $25,000 per violation in some states.
Protect Your Shipping Privileges
Incorrect data can make authorized shipments appear illegal, risking license suspension, shipping holds, or time-consuming state audits.
Take Action to Stay Compliant
To meet state alcohol shipping laws and avoid costly penalties, it's essential to keep your licensing information in ACP accurate and up to date. Here’s how to stay compliant:
Review & Update License Info Regularly
Ensure all license numbers, expiration dates, and formats are current and correct in ACP “DTC permits” page under “preferences and tools”. This data feeds directly into state-mandated compliance reports.
Send PDF Copies of Licenses
Upload a digital copy of each valid Direct Shipper license into ACP or email them to: compliance@wineshipping.com. Some states require documentation during audits or reporting reviews.
Turn On Expiry Notifications
Activate automated renewal reminders in your ACP Notification Settings to avoid lapses.
Verify License Format and Status
Use your state’s official alcohol board resources to confirm license accuracy. (A quick reference table for checking your license format and status in key states can be found at the bottom of this article)
Why It Matters: State Reporting and Risk
Wineshipping is required to submit detailed fulfillment reports on your behalf to various state liquor authorities—including Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Louisiana (“red states” with strict enforcement). These reports may include your winery’s license number, shipment details, and age verification, among other data.
We rely entirely on what you enter in ACP. Missing, expired, or incorrectly formatted licenses can result in compliance failures and enforcement actions—including fines, delays, or license suspensions.
Compliance Consequences Are Real
States may impose significant penalties for shipping without proper licenses or failing to meet reporting obligations —such as fines of $6,000 per violation in Alabama or $25,000 in Louisiana. Wineshipping can also be subject to fines, license suspension, or revocation if we fulfill shipments on behalf of wineries with expired or unverified licenses.
Need Support?
Staying compliant is not just about following the rules—it protects your ability to sell and grow in key markets. Wineshipping is here to support you. If you have questions about license formats, renewals, or setting up notifications, don’t hesitate to reach out to our compliance team.
📩 Contact us: compliance@wineshipping.com