In most states every retailer, wholesale, distributor, importer and a manufacturer who sells cigarettes or tobacco products is required to obtain a retail cigarette and tobacco license. A tobacco license renewals in most states every year.

The requirement in each state to obtain a cigarette license may be different; like in New York, depends on each county; City and State Tobacco Licenses are required in Kings County whereas only State license is required to sell tobacco products.

Some states require to provide a security bond to sell cigarettes and some want fingerprints and background check. Each state has defined its own laws to secure a tobacco license.