Selling Tobacco Products: How To Obtain Cigarette License.

A Tobacco license or a retail cigarette/tobacco license is a legal document issued by the concerned state department (as well as city/county) which signifies that a business is legally allowed to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products in accordance with the state law from a specified location to the consumers who are allowed to buy them.
What Is Retail Tobacco License?


A cigarette license or a retail cigarette/tobacco license is a legal document issued by the concerned state department (as well as city/county) which signifies that a business is legally allowed to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products in accordance with the state law from a specified location to the consumers who are allowed to buy them.


In most states (except Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, South Carolina and Virginia) every retailer who sells or will sell cigarettes or tobacco products is required to obtain a retail cigarette and tobacco license and bound to renew it annually.


You cannot start selling cigarettes and tobacco products before obtaining one.


Who Is a Cigarette Retailer?


"A Cigarette Retailer" is a person or business, other than a wholesale dealer, who sells cigarettes or tobacco products directly to the public from a specified retail location, including cigarette vending machines.


Requirements for Tobacco License


Every retailer currently selling cigarettes or tobacco products in states requiring a cigarette/tobacco license must apply for and obtain one. All new applications must be submitted with a one-time license fee (vary by state) for each retail location selling cigarettes or tobacco products, and each retail location must have a separate license. In most states a license is valid for a twelve-month period, is not assignable or transferable, and must be renewed annually.