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Instacart Alcohol Delivery: How It Works and How Much It Costs

While Instacart is well-known for its grocery delivery service, you can also get alcohol delivered through Instacart. If you’re hosting a party or just adding wine or beer to your weekly shopping list, it can be a great time-saver to have alcohol delivered to your door. However, there are certain limitations when getting alcohol delivered on Instacart.

Key Takeaways

  • Instacart delivers beer, wine, and liquor in 16 states from liquor stores and grocery stores where allowed.
  • To receive alcohol delivery, you must be over 21, show a valid ID at the time of delivery, and must not be intoxicated.
  • Instacart delivery fees start at $3.99, and a service fee of $2-$10 is added for alcohol delivery orders.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Instacart’s alcohol delivery service, including how it works, where it’s available, and how much it costs.

In What States Does Instacart Deliver Alcohol?

The states where Instacart delivers alcohol include:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Kentucky
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington, D.C.

So if you live in one of these states above, you’ll be able to see the available stores in your location where you can order alcohol delivery on Instacart.

However, you need to be aware of some additional rules and requirements before placing your order, which we’ll discuss later in the article.

What Stores Does Instacart Deliver Alcohol From?

Depending on where you live, there may be various stores available in your area.

Some of the stores where Instacart delivers alcohol include:

The availability of stores will vary based on location.

You can easily find out the available stores in your area when you click “Alcohol” on the Instacart app or website.

What Kind of Alcohol Does Instacart Deliver?

Instacart delivers wine, beer, and spirits in states where it’s legally allowed.

In some states, liquor delivery is not allowed from grocery stores.

In that case, you can order from liquor stores through Instacart instead.

Instacart has partnered with liquor stores like BevMo, Binny’s, and Total Wine & More.

As long as you live in one of the states where Instacart delivers alcohol, you’ll be able to get wine, beer, or liquor delivered one way or another.

What Are the Rules for Instacart Alcohol Delivery?

Since alcohol delivery is regulated by law in the US, Instacart has rules and requirements that you need to meet when ordering alcohol delivery.

Below are the rules you need to consider before placing your alcohol delivery order:

  • You must accept delivery in person since unattended deliveries are not allowed for orders that contain alcohol.
  • You must be over 21 and present a valid government ID at the time of delivery (i.e., driver’s license, passport, etc.)
  • You must not be intoxicated when the delivery arrives.

If you don’t meet any of the above criteria, your Instacart shopper will not deliver your order.

In that case, you will be refunded for the alcohol items, which will be returned to the store.

However, the delivery fee, bottle fee, and tip may not be refunded.

Therefore, it’s important to be aware of these rules and make sure you meet all the requirements before placing your order.

How Does Instacart Alcohol Delivery Work?

Once you meet the requirements mentioned above, ordering alcohol on Instacart is straightforward.

To place an order, visit the Instacart website or download the app.

If you live in one of the states where Instacart delivers alcohol (see list of states above), you will see the “Alcohol” icon available on the app and the website.

Select the “Alcohol” icon to see a list of nearby stores that sell alcohol.

Choose the store you want to order from.

Then, browse items, add desired items to your shopping cart, and proceed to checkout.

You’ll see any fees that Instacart will charge you on the checkout page.

These fees may include a delivery fee, alcohol service fee, and temporary fuel surcharge.

You will be asked to enter your date of birth to confirm that you are of legal drinking age.

Then, you’ll be asked to confirm your delivery address, select a delivery time, provide your name and cell phone number, enter your payment information, and submit your order.

As mentioned before, your Instacart driver will ask you to show a valid driver’s license or state ID at the time of delivery.

If you do not have a photo ID or are visibly intoxicated, you will not be allowed to receive your order.

If that case, you will be refunded for the cost of the alcohol items in your order.

However, you may still be charged the delivery fee, bottle fee, and tip.

How Much Does Instacart Alcohol Delivery Cost?

In addition to the cost of alcohol items in your order, you will pay Instacart delivery and service fees that vary by order.

For same-day delivery orders over $35, delivery fees start at $3.99.

If your order is under $35 or you request a one-hour delivery, your fees will be higher.

Instacart delivery orders are also subject to service fees to cover operating costs.

For alcohol delivery on Instacart, you will be charged an alcohol service fee, typically ranging from $2 to $10.

The alcohol service fee is in addition to the delivery fee and covers the cost of providing compliant delivery and ID verification.

The alcohol service fee will vary by order size and will typically cost:

  • $2 for orders $0-$35
  • $4 for orders $35-$75
  • $8 for orders $75-$110
  • $10 for orders $110 and more

If you opt for priority delivery, which helps your order gets delivered faster, you will be charged a priority service fee.

The priority service fee is usually between $2 to $4.

If you use Instacart often, you should consider subscribing to Instacart Express.

Instacart Express costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year.

You’ll get free delivery on orders over $35, lower service fees, and a 5% credit back on eligible pickup orders.

Unfortunately, the 5% credit back perk does not apply to pickup orders containing alcohol.

If you’re a first-time Instacart Express user, you can get a 14-day free trial to test the subscription service before committing.

Does Instacart Scan ID for Alcohol Delivery?

Instacart drivers will scan the front and back of your ID when they deliver your alcohol order.

However, the information will not be stored on their personal device.

In some cases, Instacart drivers may need to enter your information manually.

In addition, certain states require a signature from customers before the alcohol can be delivered.

Instacart drivers are well-trained when it comes to delivering alcohol orders and will make sure all the rules and policies are followed for a compliant delivery.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to get beer, wine, or liquor delivered, Instacart is a great option if you live in a state where alcohol delivery is allowed.

To place an alcohol delivery order, visit the Instacart website or app, select your store and check out. Make sure to meet all the requirements we mentioned in the article before placing your order!

If you’re looking for more tips about Instacart, check out the articles below.

Related Articles:

How Does Instacart Work and How Much Does It Cost?

Instacart Tipping Guide: How Much Should You Tip Instacart Shoppers?

How Instacart Pickup Works and How to Order

Instacart Express: What Are the Benefits and Is It Worth It?

How to Contact Instacart Customer Service (By Phone, Chat, and More)

About the Author

Eril Eti is the founder of Shopfood.com. He has over a decade of experience in consumer goods and launched many products sold at retailers like Walmart, Costco, Amazon, Target, Kroger, Publix, and more.

Eril loves food, traveling, and trying out new restaurants. Outside of work, you can find him on a hiking trail in New England or playing soccer with his kids.

November 16, 2022