Every Texas location that sells cigarettes, cigars or tobacco products needs a retailer permit from the Texas Comptroller, and every location that sells vapes or e-cigarettes needs a separate E-Cigarette Retailer Permit. Selling without them carries a $50 late fee per location and is a Class A misdemeanor. Calibre Licensing Services files both permits for gas stations, convenience stores and smoke shops across Houston and Texas, in the right order, so both are active before you stock the shelves.
Two permits, one order
- Cigarette, Cigar and Tobacco Products Retailer Permit (Comptroller Form AP-193): required for every place of business that sells or stores tobacco products, including humidors and vending machines.
- E-Cigarette Retailer Permit (Comptroller Form AP-242): required for every place of business that sells or stores e-cigarettes, vapes and vapor products.
Both require an active Texas sales tax permit for the location, and the e-cigarette permit is filed after the tobacco permit for the same address. Holding the tobacco permit also cuts the e-cigarette permit fee in half. If you do not have a sales tax permit yet, we file it first.
Fees and permit period
Each permit costs $180 for a two-year period that runs from June 1 of an even-numbered year to May 31 of the next even-numbered year, prorated by the month you apply. The e-cigarette permit is $90 if you already hold a tobacco permit at the same location. Permits are not transferable, must be displayed in the store, and the Comptroller allows a minimum of 16 business days to process an application. We track the May 31 renewal so you never operate on a lapsed permit.
How we file your tobacco and e-cigarette permits
- Intake. You complete our short tobacco intake form and, if you sell vapor products, the e-cigarette intake form. We confirm the location qualifies as a commercial place of business with posted hours.
- Sales tax permit check. We verify the location's sales tax permit and outlet number, or file one.
- Tobacco permit filing. We prepare and submit the tobacco application, including vending machine and vehicle details if you sell from either.
- E-cigarette permit filing. Once the tobacco permit is active we file the e-cigarette permit at the reduced fee.
- Delivery and renewal tracking. We deliver both permits for posting and remind you before the two-year renewal.
Already selling without a permit?
Tell us right away. The Comptroller assesses a $50 late fee for each location, vending machine or vehicle operating without a permit, and operating without one is a criminal offense carrying fines of up to $2,000 per day. Filing promptly limits the exposure, and we will get the application in the same week.
Opening a smoke shop or vape store?
Smoke shops usually need the sales tax permit, the tobacco permit, the e-cigarette permit, and, if they sell CBD or hemp-derived products, a DSHS Retail Hemp Registration. We file all four as one package. See our Hemp Permits service.
Official sources
We link to the agencies directly so you can verify every requirement and fee.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both a tobacco permit and an e-cigarette permit?
If you sell both cigarettes or tobacco products and vapes or e-cigarettes, yes. They are two separate Comptroller permits. If you sell only one category, you need only that permit.
How much does a Texas tobacco permit cost?
$180 for a two-year permit period, prorated by the month you apply. The e-cigarette permit is also $180, or $90 if you already hold a tobacco permit at the same location.
How long does it take to get a Texas tobacco or e-cigarette permit?
The Comptroller asks applicants to allow a minimum of 16 business days. Applications that are complete and match the sales tax permit on file move fastest, which is what we ensure.
When do Texas tobacco and e-cigarette permits expire?
May 31 of every even-numbered year, regardless of when you applied. Renewals then run for a full two years. We track the date and remind you before renewal.
Can I get a tobacco permit without a sales tax permit?
No. The Comptroller requires an active sales and use tax permit for each place of business. We can file the sales tax permit first as part of the same engagement.
What is the penalty for selling tobacco or vapes without a permit in Texas?
A $50 late fee per location, and operating without a permit is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 per day. If you are already selling, contact us immediately so we can file right away.