The Tobacco Tax Enforcement Program

The Retail / Wholesaler Tobacco Licenses

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What You Need

If you wish to sell any type of tobacco what-so-ever in Washington State you must have a license to do so.

There are two (2) types of retail tobacco licenses

  • The first license is for selling cigarettes.
    • A Cigarette Wholesaler
    • A Cigarette Retailer
  • The second license is for selling all other tobacco products (OTP).
    • A Tobacco Distributor
    • A Tobacco Retailer

If you wish to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products (OTP) you must have both of these licenses:

  • One to sell cigarettes
  • One to sell OTP
  License Anual Fees Cost per year
Cigarette Wholesaler (or OTP Distributor) sells cigarettes and/or OTP to retail outlets. They do not sell to the ultimate customer. current license fee for a Cigarette Wholesaler or OTP Distributor $650
Note: A cigarette license includes an OTP license at no additional charge.
OTP license (such as someone who only wants to sell cigars) current license fee for a OTP license $93

Important Information For Tobacco Retailers

Cigarette and OTP retailers may only purchase tobacco products from a person with a Washington State Wholesale or Distributors license. Purchasing tobacco from any other source is a violation of the law, and will result in the loss of the tobacco product (and possible criminal charges which could include fines and time in jail).

How to get license?

To obtain a cigarette or tobacco license, ask for the application form at any Department of Licensing Outlet (or Department of Revenue Outlet). For more information click here

You can also download the application form on your computer from the Department of Licensing