State Distilling Laws: Is it Legal to Make Moonshine in Your State?

Kyle Brown on January 31, 2013

This blog provides information for educational purposes only. Read our complete summary for more info.

For those considering buying and operating a still, it would be a very good idea to check local state laws first. The thing to keep in mind is that there are federal and state laws regarding home distilling. Click here for a good summary of federal distillation laws. For state laws, see the list below. It's currently not a very big list, but we'll add to it as we have time. 

Also, we know a lot about distilling, but we aren't lawyers. Please don't call or email us to ask about your state, because we will not be able to help you. For assistance with this, hire a legal professional licensed to practice in your state.

Also, a reminder: Distilling alcohol is illegal without a federal fuel alcohol or distilled spirit plant permit as well as relevant state permits. Our distillation equipment is designed for legal uses only and the information in this article is for educational purposes only. Please read our complete legal summary for more information on the legalities of distillation.

Is it legal to make moonshine in...

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Guam

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Northern Marianas Islands

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Virgin Islands

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Canada

Ontario

 Checkout the American Home Distillers Association webpage as they have a lot of legal information on their site

Remember, it is illegal to distill alcohol at home for consumption. Do not do this.

Portrait of Kyle Brown
Portrait of Kyle Brown

Kyle Brown

Read Kyle's Articles

Kyle Brown is the owner of Clawhammer Supply, a small scale distillation and brewing equipment company which he founded in 2009. His passion is teaching people about the many uses of distillation equipment as well as how to make beer at home. When he isn't brewing beer or writing about it, you can find him at his local gym or on the running trail.

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47 Comments

  • C
    Comment Author: crystal

    How many gallons of moonshine a year can you make legally in the state of Virginia for personal use?

  • SH
    Comment Author: Shannon Headricks

    i have an old pressure cooker , probably made in the 40,s its a , steamliner model a-16, its heavy , in very good shape , made by , lakeside aluminum co. ,,does this mean its made of aluminum and i cant use it ? thank you Shannon

  • D
    Comment Author: D

    COME ON GUYS!! WTF? Red and Black states are all legal states. Difference is red ones are links. Maybe you shouldn’t distill your own…

  • LH
    Comment Author: lonnie harris

    i live in Tennessee.i called the A.T.F. in knoxville.the agent told me when it comes to the feds keep it to a 5 gal. pot and under.but he didnt know about the stare laws

  • D
    Comment Author: dylan

    What is the black and red states mean. Wich is legal.?

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Categories

Various beers in glasses

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Clear liquor in a rocks glass with a lime wedge

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Pouring ingredients into a brewing kit

Try New Recipes

A group of people toasting with steins of beer

Learn From Interviews