How to Get Cigarette License in Montgomery County, Ohio

If you are planning to sell cigarettes or tobacco products in Montgomery County, Ohio, obtaining a Cigarette Vendor License is legally required. This license is issued and managed by the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office under Ohio state law. Whether you own a convenience store, gas station, grocery store, or tobacco shop, this guide will help you understand everything about cigarette licensing in a simple and clear way.

What Is a Cigarette License?

A Cigarette License allows a business to legally sell cigarettes and certain tobacco products within Montgomery County. Ohio law requires every retailer selling cigarettes to register with the county auditor and renew the license annually.

Selling cigarettes without a valid license can result in:

• Heavy fines
• License suspension
• Legal penalties
• Business closure

That’s why it is important to stay compliant with the Montgomery County Auditor.

Who Needs a Cigarette License in Montgomery County?

You must apply for a cigarette license if you are:

• A retail store selling cigarettes
• A gas station with tobacco sales
• A grocery or convenience store
• A tobacco or smoke shop
• A temporary or seasonal seller (if applicable)

Both new businesses and existing businesses must have an active license.

Role of the Montgomery County Auditor

The Montgomery County Auditor is responsible for:

• Issuing cigarette vendor licenses
• Maintaining license records
• Collecting required fees
• Ensuring compliance with Ohio Revised Code
• Processing renewals and updates

The auditor works with the Ohio Department of Taxation to regulate tobacco sales and taxation.

Cigarette License Types

In Montgomery County, most businesses need a Retail Cigarette Vendor License and Dealer’s Cigarette License.
Some businesses may also need:

• Multiple licenses for different locations
• Separate licenses if ownership changes

Licenses are location specific, not transferable between addresses.

Brief

Apply, renew, or transfer Montgomery County cigarette licenses for retail and wholesale businesses annually

Retail Dealer’s Cigarette License Montgomery County, Ohio

Retail cigarette licenses in Montgomery County are available only through the County Auditor’s Office. Applications can be submitted in person or by mail during the official renewal window, which runs from the first Monday in May through the fourth Monday in May each year.

To apply, retail dealers can request the application form directly from the Auditor’s Office via phone or email. Completed forms, along with the required license fee, should be mailed to:

Karl L. Keith, Montgomery County Auditor
Cigarette Licensing
451 W Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45422

The annual license fee is $125 per physical business location if purchased during the designated renewal period. Licenses obtained after the renewal period are prorated based on the remaining license term. For specific prorated amounts, contact the Auditor’s Licensing Office directly.

Application of retail cigarette dealers license:

Wholesale Dealer’s Cigarette License Montgomery County, Ohio

Wholesale cigarette licenses must be obtained from the Ohio Department of Taxation, not the county auditor. The fee for a wholesale license is $1,000, and applications or questions can be directed to 855-466-3921.

Application for Wholesale Cigarette Dealer’s License

Transferring a Retail Cigarette License

If you are moving an existing retail cigarette license to a new location within Montgomery County, transfers can only be processed at the Auditor’s Office. The transfer fee is $5, and the original license must be presented at the time of the transfer.

How to Apply for a Cigarette License

Applying for a cigarette license in Montgomery County is a straightforward process.

Step 1: Complete the Application

You must fill out the official Cigarette Vendor License Application provided by the Montgomery County Auditor.

Step 2: Provide Business Information

You will need:

• Business name
• Owner’s name
• Business address
• Contact information
• Type of business

Step 3: Submit Required Fees

A license fee is required at the time of application. Fees are set by Ohio law and may vary depending on license type.

Step 4: Submit to Auditor’s Office

Applications can usually be submitted:

• In person
• By mail
• Sometimes online (if available)

Once approved, your license will be issued and must be displayed at your business location.

Cigarette License Renewal in Montgomery County

Cigarette licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Important Renewal Details:

• Renewal deadline is usually before the expiration date
• Late renewals may result in penalties
• Operating with an expired license is illegal

The Montgomery County Auditor typically sends renewal notices, but it is the business owner’s responsibility to renew on time.

Brief

Cigarette retail licenses in Montgomery County, Ohio must be renewed every year during the official renewal window, which begins on May 1st and ends on the fourth Monday in May. To complete the renewal, retail dealers are required to submit a short registration form along with the applicable annual license fee.

Each cigarette license is valid for a one year term, starting from the fourth Monday in May and remaining active until the fourth Monday in May of the following year. If a retail license is purchased after the annual renewal deadline, the fee may be pro rated based on the remaining license period. Late or mid year license purchases must be completed in person at the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office, as they are not available through other channels.

Changing Business Information

You must notify the auditor if:

• Business ownership changes
• Business address changes
• Business name changes
• Business closes

A new license may be required in some cases.

Compliance Rules for Cigarette Sellers

Licensed cigarette vendors must follow Ohio tobacco laws, including:

• No sales to minors
• Proper tax stamp requirements
• Accurate record-keeping
• Displaying the license publicly

Failure to comply can result in license revocation.

Why Cigarette Licensing Is Important

Cigarette licensing helps:

• Regulate tobacco sales
• Prevent illegal distribution
• Ensure tax compliance
• Protect public health

The Montgomery County Auditor plays a key role in maintaining transparency and accountability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selling cigarettes before license approval
• Forgetting annual renewal
• Using an expired license
• Failing to update ownership details

Avoiding these mistakes can save your business from fines and legal trouble.

How the Montgomery County Auditor Helps Businesses

The auditor’s office provides:

• Clear guidance on licensing
• Application assistance
• Renewal support
• Public access to license records

Business owners are encouraged to contact the auditor’s office if they have questions.

Contact Detail

Reach to County Auditor office

Address:

Karl L. Keith, Montgomery County Auditor
Cigarette Licensing
451 W Third Street
Dayton, Ohio 45422 

Phone: 937-225-4314

Fax: 937-225-5036

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cigarette license in Montgomery County, Ohio?

A cigarette license is a legal permit issued by the Montgomery County Auditor that allows businesses to sell cigarettes and tobacco products within the county in compliance with Ohio law.

Who issues cigarette licenses in Montgomery County?

The Montgomery County Auditor’s Office is responsible for issuing, renewing, and maintaining cigarette vendor licenses for all retail businesses in the county.

Who needs a cigarette vendor license in Montgomery County?

Any business selling cigarettes, including convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and tobacco shops, must obtain a cigarette license from the Montgomery County Auditor.

Is a cigarette license required for each business location?

Yes, each physical business location must have its own cigarette license. A single license cannot be used for multiple addresses.

How do I apply for a cigarette license in Montgomery County?

You can apply by submitting a completed cigarette license application along with the required fee to the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office either in person or by mail.

How long is a cigarette license valid?

A cigarette license in Montgomery County is valid for one year and must be renewed annually before it expires.

When should I renew my cigarette license?

You should renew your cigarette license before the expiration date to avoid late fees, penalties, or interruption of cigarette sales.

What happens if I sell cigarettes without a valid license?

Selling cigarettes without a valid license may result in fines, penalties, license suspension, or legal action under Ohio Revised Code.

Can a cigarette license be transferred to a new owner?

No, cigarette licenses are not transferable. A new owner must apply for a new license through the Montgomery County Auditor.

What should I do if my business address changes?

If your business address changes, you must notify the Montgomery County Auditor. A new cigarette license may be required for the new location.

Do I need to display my cigarette license?

Yes, the cigarette license must be clearly displayed at your place of business where customers can easily see it.

Are online cigarette sales allowed with this license?

Most cigarette licenses apply to physical retail locations. Additional state and federal rules may apply to online or mail-order sales.

Does the Montgomery County Auditor send renewal reminders?

In many cases, renewal notices are sent, but it is the business owner’s responsibility to renew the license on time.

What laws regulate cigarette sales in Ohio?

Cigarette sales are regulated under the Ohio Revised Code and enforced locally by the Montgomery County Auditor in coordination with the Ohio Department of Taxation.

How can I contact the Montgomery County Auditor for help?

You can contact the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office directly for assistance with applications, renewals, or license status questions.