Who is required to obtain and maintain a Retail Cigarette or Tobacco License?

In most states every retailer who sells or will sell cigarettes or tobacco products is required to obtain a retail cigarette or tobacco license and renew it annually. A license is required before you begin making sales of cigarettes and tobacco products.

"Retailer" means a person who sells cigarettes or tobacco products directly to the public from a retail location, including vending machines.

What are the requirements to obtain and maintain a Retail Cigarette or Tobacco License?

Every retailer currently selling cigarettes or tobacco products must apply for and obtain a cigarette and tobacco products retailer's license. All new applications must be submitted with a one-time license fee (vary by state) for each retail location selling cigarettes or tobacco products. Each retail location selling cigarettes or tobacco products must have a separate license. In most states a license is valid for a 12-month period, is not assignable or transferable, and must be renewed annually. Please remember that you may not sell cigarette and/or tobacco products without a valid Cigarette and Tobacco Products Retail License.

What are my responsibilities as a holder of a retail cigarette license?

As a retailer of cigarettes or tobacco products you must:

• Conspicuously display the license at each retail location in a manner visible to the public.
• Keep complete and legible purchase invoices for cigarettes and tobacco products for four (4) years.
• Keep these invoices at the location indicated on your license for the first year after purchase.
• Allow Board staff or law enforcement agencies to review your invoices upon request.

The law also adds record keeping requirements and other provisions related to your purchase of cigarettes and tobacco products.

Shall I need to apply for any other permits?

Depending on your business operations, you may be required to obtain more than just a retail cigarette or tobacco license. If you are a new retailer you may need to obtain a sales tax id number (Certificate of Authority)

Exempt states for Cigarette and Tobacco License:

Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky and New Mexico

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