Cigarette License

Contact the Lucas County Auditor’s Office about Cigarette Licenses at 419-213-4406.

Important Notice: Ohio passed legislation that prohibits the sale of cigarettes in Ohio that have not been approved by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. A list of brands legal for sale in Ohio may be found at the Ohio Attorney General's Tobacco Enforcement web page.

It is illegal to possess any brand not listed on this site for sale in Ohio. Also, it is unlawful to purchase tobacco products from an unlicensed manufacturer or importer. Visit Ohio Department of Taxation for a list of licensed cigarette manufacturers and wholesalers.

Wholesale Dealer’s Cigarette Licenses must be purchased from the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Who is required to obtain a Retail Cigarette Dealers License?

Anyone who sells or transports cigarettes within Lucas County must obtain a yearly Retail Cigarette Dealer’s License.

Where do I get a Retail Cigarette Dealers License?

Retail Cigarette Dealer’s Licenses are purchased through the Lucas County Auditor’s Office.

1. In Person at:

The Lucas County Auditor
One Government Center, Suite 670
Toledo, OH 43604

2. By Mail: (Enclose Completed Application & Fee)

The Lucas County Auditor
Attn: Cigarette License
One Government Center, Suite 670
Toledo, OH 43604

How much is a Retail Cigarette Dealer’s License?

Licenses must be renewed annually on June 1st. The cost of renewal is $125.00 per location. New retail licenses purchased for a new business after June 1st are eligible for a pro-rated fee. Please call the Lucas County Auditor’s Office for more information regarding new retail licenses, pro-rated license fees, and after deadline license fees.

If you need a duplicate copy of your current Retail Cigarette Dealer’s License you may get a copy from the Lucas County Auditor’s Office in person or by mail for $5.00.

What if I did not register for a cigarette license last year?

If you did not register for the previous year, even though you were operating, you must purchase a cigarette license for the prior year and the current year. For example, if you started your business and sold cigarettes in April 2024, you would need to purchase the (pro-rated) 2023-2024 cigarette license as well as a new 2024-2025 cigarette license.

Moving your Business to a New Location?

Contact the Ohio Department of Taxation at 855-466-3921, option 3