Tax ID Stamps FAQs

Tax identification stamps are used to identify and track distilled spirits in a retailer’s possession.

Package stores with Local Distributors (LP) permits that sell and distribute distilled spirits to retailers are authorized to access and order tax ID stamps through the tax ID stamp online system. If you are not an LP holder or their representative, you do not need to order tax ID stamps.

Local distributors must place the numbered ID stamps on bottles of distilled spirits. Stamps must be properly attached to a distilled spirits containers and invoiced to retailers that hold Mixed Beverage (MB), Private Club Registration (N), or Private Club Exemption Certificate (NE) permits before being sold by a local distributor. Retailers may not possess distilled spirits in containers with a damaged or no tax ID stamp.

• Local distributors should place stamps near the top of the bottle’s brand label so that some part of the stamp covers and attaches to a portion of the label but does not cover any of the label’s information. 
• Cases containing 375 mL bottles or smaller of distilled spirits may be stamped with one tax ID stamp; the bottles do not have to be individually stamped.

Local distributors must record the serial number of each stamp issued, lost, stolen, voided, destroyed or issued as a replacement. Keep records electronically or by paper for two years. TABC must inspect and approve the system you’re using to keep electronic records. 

The record for each stamp transaction must include the:

• Quantity of ID stamps received.
• Quantity and serial numbers of ID stamps placed, showing the invoice date, invoice number, retailer trade name and retailer permit number.
• Quantity of ID stamps on hand after each receipt or each placement of such stamps.
• Date the merchandise is stamped, along with the number of stamps used per brand and size. 

Invoices need to be issued in in consecutive numbered order. A duplicate copy of the invoice must be delivered to the purchasing retailer, signed, and kept for your records.  An invoice should display the following:

• Date of sale or distribution.
• Name and permit numbers of the seller and the purchaser.
• Purchaser’s complete address.
• Serial numbers of all ID stamps placed on the merchandise.
• Quantity of stamps.
• Brand and class of alcoholic beverages sold.
• Total price of each brand and class of alcoholic beverages sold. 

Important note: Keep in mind that stamps must be listed individually for each line item on the invoice.

The three extra letters are an added security feature for the stamp. You are not required to include them on invoices.

Please send an email to idstamps@tabc.texas.gov with your request. Include the following information:

• Package Store Permit (P) number
• Trade name (DBA)
• Location address
• Shipping address (if different from above)
• Point of contact (first and last name)
• Phone number
• Email address

You will receive a confirmation email in three to five business days at the email address you provide. The email will include steps for completing the activation process.

No. You can make one account per business entity only. An entity can order stamps for multiple permitted locations under one user account.

Follow the steps listed in the How to Order Tax ID Stamps PDF guide or video guide.

The tax ID stamp can be viewed here.

Stamps may be ordered in three different formats. How you choose to apply the stamps to liquor bottles will determine the format you need to order your stamps in. 

• 80 pc sheet stamps: ordered in quantities of 800. The recommended application is by hand.
• 500 pc roll stamps: ordered in quantities of 5,000. The recommended application is by stamp gun.
• 10,000 pc roll stamps: ordered in quantities of 10,000. The recommended application is by conveyor-belt stamp machine.

If it is your first time ordering stamps, we recommend ordering the minimum amount in sheet format (800 stamps). Once you have a better understanding of how many stamps you will use, you can adjust the quantity, frequency, and format ordered. Local distributors should only order what is needed for a three-month period and not more than what will be used.

View a chart showing measurements for each stamp format here.

The stamp guns that work with the 500 pc roll stamps are:

• Towa APN30
• Tach-It BL-1

Submit your order one week in advance to allow enough time for shipping and processing.

Delivery times vary depending on region and may take three to five days to arrive. All orders are shipped from Lancaster, Penn.

You can enter your location details on the FedEx Ground Services Map page to learn more. 

Yes. The permit holder is responsible for expedited fees. Follow the instructions listed in the How to Order Tax ID Stamps guide to choose expedited shipment. If you’re paying by credit card, make sure to first pay for the expedited fees separately before completing your order. Orders submitted without paying for expedited shipping will be processed as regular orders.  

Expedited orders must be submitted by 9 a.m. Central time to be processed and shipped out the same day.

Yes. The third email you receive for your stamp order will contain the tracking information. This email will have a PDF attachment with the Airway Bill No., which is also the shipping tracking number.

View an example invoice to see where the Airway Bill No. is located.

Account updates are handled by the vendor, OpSec. Contact their customer service team at customerservice@opsecsecurity.com or 844-906-7732. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. Central time. 

If you are sending your request by email, please include “TABC Help” in the subject line and the information that needs to be updated in the body of the email. 

No. The previous design is valid and should be used. There will be a period where both old tax ID stamps and new stamps are on containers in the Texas market.

Stamps with the new stamp design that are not placed on a bottle can be returned to the vendor through the online system. Follow the steps in the How to Return Tax ID Stamps guide (PDF).

All unused stamps with the previous design must be returned to TABC Headquarters, along with distributor records of stamps issued by the permit holder. 

View the new stamp design and previous stamp design.

The retailer should ensure the tax ID stamp is destroyed before emptying and disposing of the bottle. Marking it with ink, dye, or other materials does not invalidate the stamp. The stamp should be sufficiently destroyed so that it can’t be reused.

TABC recommends that license and permit holders empty and dispose of bottles containing less than 1 ounce of liquor. Shelved distilled spirit bottles containing less than 1 ounce of liquor could be an indicator of refilling.