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, you’ll also need a Tobacco Distributor License.

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 Business License document listing the required license.

Forms you’ll need

• Business License 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.
• Complete a U.S. Dept of Treasury Special Tax Registration and Return - Tobacco, and mail it to the U.S. Dept of Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau at the address on the form.

Fees

Contact information

State of Washington
Business Licensing Service
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Phone: 1-800-451-7985
Email: BLS@dor.wa.gov
Fax: 360-705-6699

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: 360-534-1503
http://dor.wa.gov/