Cigarette wholesaler

A Cigarette Wholesaler License is required for businesses that purchase, sell, or distribute cigarettes to retailers for resale. You must include with your application a $5,000 surety bond required by the Department of Revenue.

Note: To purchase, sell, or distribute other tobacco products besides cigarettes, a Tobacco Distributor License is also required.

Post your license

A license must be posted at each location where the licensee operates. You may not begin this business activity until you receive a Registrations and Licenses document listing the required license.

Forms you’ll need

• Master Business Application
• Wholesale Cigarette Dealer Bonding (Department of Revenue)
• Personal/Criminal History Statement
• A separate Personal/Criminal History Statement must be submitted by EACH of the following:
  • Sole proprietor and spouse.
  • Corporate officers.
  • Partners and spouses.
  • Limited partners who hold more than 10% interest in the business.
  • Financiers.
  • Limited liability company members or managers.
  • Stockholders that hold 10% of the issued stock.

Fees

Specialty license	Fee
Main location	$650
Each branch location	$115

Other fees that may apply	Fee
State tax registration	No fee
Registering your business name as a trade name	$5
Master Business Application fee	$15

Contact information

Master License Service
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Phone: (360) 664-1400
Email: MLS@dol.wa.gov
Fax: (360) 570-7875

Office hours

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mailing information

Please remember to enclose all necessary documents and fees with your completed application. Incomplete submissions will result in a delay in your licensure.

It is important that you contact our office, in writing, with any changes in address.

Regulatory questions

Department of Revenue
Phone: (360) 570-3265
http://dor.wa.gov/