The Tobacco Retailer's Permit Application Form is the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance application for the annual permit a business needs to sell tobacco at a fixed location in the city. If you searched for a Los Angeles business license, note that this form covers one thing only, the permit to sell tobacco products; its payment instructions ask for your Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) number. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF. The Office of Finance publishes the original PDF and the online application on its tobacco permit page.
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What is Tobacco Retailer's Permit Application Form – Los Angeles, CA?
The Tobacco Retailer's Permit Application Form is the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance form that a business completes to obtain the annual Tobacco Retailer's Permit required for each fixed location where tobacco, tobacco products or tobacco paraphernalia are sold.
The paper application has two parts. The first page collects business information, owner or corporation information, the payment choice and a signed declaration under penalty of perjury. The second page, Required Affirmations, lists key rules for tobacco retailers. The applicant initials each one and signs an acknowledgment. The list is not exhaustive, and the retailer remains responsible for complying with all federal, state and local tobacco laws.
The Tobacco Retailer's Permit Ordinance became effective on May 3, 2000. The City Council created the Tobacco Enforcement Program to discourage the sale and distribution of tobacco products to minors and to track retailers that repeatedly violate the law. The Office of Finance processes applications, accepts payments and issues the permit. The Tobacco Enforcement Program confirms eligibility but does not accept applications, process payments or issue permits. The City Attorney's Office investigates and prosecutes retailers who fail to obtain and maintain a permit.
A permit is valid through December 31 of the year it is issued. It is not transferable: a business that moves to a new address must apply for a new permit for that location.
Who needs to file Tobacco Retailer's Permit Application Form – Los Angeles, CA?
Business establishments in the City of Los Angeles that sell tobacco, tobacco products or tobacco paraphernalia need a Tobacco Retailer's Permit for each fixed location, and this form is the mail-in application. The primary owner or a corporate representative completes it and signs under penalty of perjury.
Points that affect who can apply:
- A business that moves must apply again for the new address, because permits are not transferable.
- The Required Affirmations page states that tobacco retailing is prohibited at residences, newsstands, non-permanent locations such as vehicles or carts, and any location licensed for commercial cannabis activity.
- Under the Smoke & Vape Shop Interim Control Ordinance (ICO), the City is not processing tobacco retailer permits for Smoke & Vape Shop uses within Council District 15. Grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations and similar retailers are not covered, provided tobacco sales are not the primary use of the business. Relief is possible only through a hardship exemption granted by the City Council.
- The Tobacco Enforcement Program will not approve an application for a location that is serving, or scheduled to serve, a permit suspension.
When to file Tobacco Retailer's Permit Application Form – Los Angeles, CA
Apply before you sell tobacco at a new location. The Office of Finance page says you may not lawfully sell tobacco products until your application is approved and the permit is granted. The Tobacco Enforcement Program confirms eligibility within 2-4 business days, and if the application is approved the Office of Finance mails the permit to you.
Permits are issued annually and are valid through December 31. Every November the Office of Finance sends renewal notices to all permit holders, but the retailer must complete and submit the renewal even if no notice arrives. If payment is not received by December 31, a penalty is added to the permit fee.
A move to a new address requires a new application, since the permit cannot be transferred.
Documents you need
- The Required Affirmations page (page 2 of the application), with each affirmation initialed and the acknowledgment signed and dated.
- Payment of the permit fee: a check or money order payable to Office of Finance, City of Los Angeles, drawn on a United States bank, when you apply by mail.
- Your Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) number, written on the check or money order.
How to fill out Tobacco Retailer's Permit Application Form – Los Angeles, CA
Read the Required Affirmations
Review the Required Affirmations page, which lists key rules such as the ban on furnishing tobacco to anyone under 21, the ID check, prohibited locations, the delivery ban and the ban on flavored tobacco. Initial each affirmation in the space provided.
Enter the business information
Under BUSINESS INFORMATION, write the Business Name/DBA, the Store/Branch # if applicable, the business address with Unit/Suite #, city, state, ZIP/postal code and phone number.
Enter the owner or corporation details
Under BUSINESS OWNER/CORPORATION INFORMATION, write the first and last name of the primary owner or corporate representative and the middle initial. Add the Name of Corporation if applicable.
Add a different mailing address
Fill in the mailing address, unit or suite, city, state, ZIP/postal code and phone number only if the mailing address differs from the business address.
Provide the owner's email address
Enter the email address of the primary owner or corporate representative. The form says no general emails.
Select the payment type
In the PAYMENT section, mark the payment type that applies. For a check or money order, make it payable to Office of Finance, City of Los Angeles, and write your BTRC number on it.
Print your name and title
In ACKNOWLEDGMENT & SIGNATURE, print your name and your title or position. This confirms your declaration under penalty of perjury that the information is true and correct.
Sign and date the application
Sign and enter the date. The acknowledgment also states that you reviewed, initialed and signed the Affirmation page.
Complete the acknowledgment on page 2
On the Required Affirmations page, fill in the business name/DBA, business address, primary owner or corporate representative name, phone number and email address. Then sign and date the acknowledgment.
Leave the official use box blank
Do not write in FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY -- OFFICE OF FINANCE; the Office of Finance completes the fund, account number, start date and fee due.
Review, sign and download the PDF
Check that every entry is complete and both signatures and all initials are in place. Download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF, then prepare payment and submit it as described under How to submit.
How to submit Tobacco Retailer's Permit Application Form – Los Angeles, CA
You can apply for a Tobacco Retailer's Permit online or by mail.
- Online: use the "Apply for a Tobacco Retailer's Permit Online" link on the Office of Finance tobacco permit page. Credit card payments are made through the City's online services or at a public counter.
- By mail: send the completed application and the initialed, signed Required Affirmations page, with payment, to City of Los Angeles, Tobacco Permits, PO Box 102656, Pasadena, CA 91189-2656.
A fee applies; the form and the Office of Finance, at (844) 663-4411, give the current amount. Make a check or money order payable to Office of Finance, City of Los Angeles, drawn on a United States bank, and write your Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) number on it. Credit card payments are not accepted by mail, and card payments carry a processing fee. A returned-payment fee, interest and penalty may apply if the bank rejects your payment.
To check the status of a new application, contact the Tobacco Enforcement Program at [email protected] or (213) 202-5595 with your account number; it cannot take in-person inquiries. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mailing credit card details with the application; the form says credit card payments are not accepted by mail and must be made online or at a public counter.
- Paying with a check or money order drawn on a bank outside the United States, which the form does not accept.
- Leaving your Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) number off the check or money order.
- Entering a general business email instead of the email address of the primary owner or corporate representative; the form says no general emails.
- Submitting the application without initialing every affirmation and signing the Required Affirmations page, which the signature block says you have done.
- Selling tobacco products before the Office of Finance has approved the application and granted the permit.
- Keeping an old permit after moving the business to a new address; permits are not transferable, so a new application is needed.
- Waiting for a renewal notice before renewing; the retailer must complete and submit the renewal even if no notice arrives.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a Tobacco Retailer's Permit in Los Angeles?
Business establishments in the City of Los Angeles need one for each fixed location where tobacco, tobacco products or tobacco paraphernalia are sold. The permit is annual, and the Office of Finance processes applications and issues the permit.
Can I sell tobacco while my permit application is pending?
No. The Office of Finance says you may not lawfully sell tobacco products until your application is approved and the new permit is granted. This applies to new applicants; it does not apply to renewals.
How long does it take to get a Los Angeles tobacco permit?
The Tobacco Enforcement Program confirms eligibility within 2-4 business days. If the application is approved, the Office of Finance mails the permit to you. Check status at [email protected] or (213) 202-5595 with your account number.
Where do I mail the Tobacco Retailer's Permit application?
Mail it to City of Los Angeles, Tobacco Permits, PO Box 102656, Pasadena, CA 91189-2656. Include the signed application, the initialed and signed Required Affirmations page, and payment by check or money order.
Can I pay the permit fee by credit card?
Not by mail. Credit card payments are made through the City's online services or at a public counter, and card payments carry a processing fee. Mailed payments are by check or money order payable to Office of Finance, City of Los Angeles.
How long is a Tobacco Retailer's Permit valid and how do I renew it?
Permits are valid through December 31. The Office of Finance sends renewal notices every November, but you must complete and submit the renewal even if you do not receive one. A penalty is added if payment is not received by December 31.
Can I transfer my tobacco permit to a new location?
No. Tobacco Retailer's Permits are not transferable. If your business moves to a new address, you must apply for a new permit for that location.
Can I fill out the Tobacco Retailer's Permit application online on FillingPDF?
Yes. You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is an independent service and does not file the application or accept payment; you submit it through the Office of Finance channels.
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