As part of TTB’s continuing effort to make TTB.gov more informative and visitor-friendly, a Search/Navigation Help section has been developed to provide guidance in using the site.  This new feature offers handy information about methods for locating specific content.  It also explains the different ways you can move around within the site.

To begin, click a topic on the left side of the screen.  The name of the section you’re currently viewing is colored red in the left menu; to navigate to another section, simply click a different topic in that list.

Basic Search

To conduct a search on TTB.gov, simply type one or more search terms into the search box and hit the 'Enter' key or click on the Search button.

Once a search is conducted, you will see a results page which will display the most relevant page appearing first.

Here are some basic tips to help you maximize the effectiveness of your search:

• Choosing search terms
• Spelling
• Capitalization
• Automatic "and" queries
• Word Variations
• Exclusion of common words
• Phrase searches
• Search Cheat Sheet

Choosing search terms

Choosing the right search terms is the key to finding the information you need.

For example, if you're looking for general information on Wine, try Wine. But to narrow your search, it's recommended to use multiple search terms. For example, if you're looking for laws on Wine, you'll get better results with Wine laws than with either Wine or laws by themselves.

Spelling

For U.S. English searches, a single spelling suggestion is returned with the results for queries where the spell checker has detected a possible spelling mistake. The spell checker feature is context sensitive. For example, if you searched for wine regulatien, it will return a message Did you mean: wine regulations. When you click on the link, it will refine the search with the correct spelling.

Capitalization

Search terms are NOT case sensitive. All letters, regardless of how you type them, will be understood as lower case. For example, searches for Alcohol, ALCOHOL, and AlCoHoL will all return the same results.

Automatic "and" queries

By default, Google returns only pages that include all of your search terms. So to broaden or restrict the search, include fewer or more terms. You do NOT need to include "and" between the terms.

Word Variations

When you conduct a search, it will not only search for your search terms, but also for words that are similar to some or all of those terms. For example, if you search for Form 5130 or Form 5130*, it will also search for Form 5130-25, Form 5130-27, and other related variations. Variants of your search will be highlighted in the snippet of text that accompanies each result.

Exclusion of common words

Common words and characters such as "where" and "how" are ignored. Also, single digits and single letters are ignored, because they tend to slow down your search without improving the results. Google will indicate if a common word has been excluded by displaying details on the results page below the search box.

If a common word is essential to getting the results you want, you can include it by putting a "+" sign in front of it. (Be sure to include a space before the "+" sign.)

Another method for doing this is conducting a phrase search, which simply means putting quotation marks around two or more words. Common words in a phrase search (e.g., "where are you") are included in the search.

For example, to search for Notice No. 5, use:

Phrase searches

Sometimes you'll only want results that include an exact phrase. In this case, simply put quotation marks around your search terms.

Phrase searches are particularly effective if you're searching for TTB forms ("5630.5"), publication title("TTB Industry Circular 2007–3"), or a specfic person ("John F. Manfreda").

Search Cheat Sheet

For quick cheat sheets that you can print out and save for later, go to Print-and-save Search Cheat Sheet.