An ABO card is an alcohol server permit required by the Shreveport-Bossier City Metro area (Caddo and Bossier parishes) for anyone who sells or serves alcohol within city limits. It is a local permit that operates in addition to — not instead of — Louisiana's statewide Responsible Vendor Permit (bar card).
ABO stands for Alcoholic Beverage Outlet, referring to the local licensing authority that governs alcohol sales in Shreveport and Bossier City.
Do I Need Both an ABO Card and a Louisiana Bar Card?
If you work in Shreveport or Bossier City, yes — you need both:
- Louisiana bar card (Responsible Vendor Permit) — required statewide by the Louisiana ATC for all alcohol servers in the state. Earned by completing an ATC-approved training course like ABSEC's online course.
- ABO card — required locally by Caddo or Bossier parish for servers working within those jurisdictions. Obtained through the local ABO office.
The bar card certifies you've completed state-required responsible beverage training. The ABO card registers you as a permitted server at the local parish level. Both are required before your first shift if you work in Shreveport or Bossier City.
How to Get an ABO Card in Shreveport
To obtain your ABO card in Caddo Parish (Shreveport):
- Complete your Louisiana ATC Responsible Vendor training (you can do this online through ABSEC)
- Visit the Caddo Parish ABO office in person with your completed RV certificate, a valid photo ID, and the applicable fee
- The ABO card is typically issued at the time of your visit
Bossier City has its own process through the Bossier Parish ABO office. Requirements are similar but confirm current procedures directly with the local office as requirements can change.
Does the Rest of Louisiana Require an ABO Card?
No. The ABO card requirement is specific to Shreveport (Caddo Parish) and Bossier City (Bossier Parish). Servers in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and other Louisiana cities only need the statewide Louisiana bar card — not an ABO card.
Get Your Louisiana Bar Card First
Whether you're working in Shreveport or anywhere else in Louisiana, your first step is the same: complete your Louisiana ATC Responsible Vendor certification. ABSEC is an ATC-approved provider — complete the course online in about 2 hours and receive your certificate the same day.
