Most DTC compliance failures are not exotic. They are an order that should not have shipped, a filing that was not made, or a rule that was checked once and not again. Each one below links to the page that sets out the rule state by state.
A few states do not generally permit direct shipment from an out-of-state winery. Control: check the destination when the order is placed, not when it is packed.
Compliance guide — every state's status
Most permitting states require their own direct-shipper permit. Control: hold orders into any state where you are not licensed.
DTC shipping permits by state
Permits run for different terms and expire on different dates. Control: a renewal date for every state you hold, checked against every order.
Where a state requires product registration, each label must be registered there. Control: check every new release against each state's registration rule before it goes on sale.
A club release ships to every member at once, on top of what they have already received that period. Control: check each member's cumulative volume before the release ships.
Wine club shipping limits by state
Some caps apply per household or address, and some count the recipient's wine from every winery. Control: read who and what the cap counts, not just its number.
Some states require the shipment report or return even when nothing shipped. Control: a filing calendar that includes zero periods.
DTC shipment reports by state
A direct shipment usually owes sales tax at the destination rate, often with local additions, plus any destination-state excise tax. Control: resolve every order to its tax jurisdiction, not just its state.
Wine excise tax filing: federal and state
FedEx and UPS require an alcohol label and an adult-signature service, both chosen by the shipper. Control: build both into the shipping workflow, and verify age at checkout as well.
Age verification for wine shipping
This page is a reference, not legal advice. How we verify.