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Illinois Cigarette and Tobacco Products Retailer License: Chicago restaurant guide

Illinois Department of Revenue

What it is

The state license to sell cigarettes, tobacco products or e-cigarettes, required on top of the City tobacco license.

When a restaurant needs it

Only if you will sell cigarettes, tobacco or e-cigarettes.

How to apply

Apply and renew electronically through MyTax Illinois.

Documents you’ll need

Illinois Department of Revenue account
Location address

Fee

Varies — annual fee per retail location (see IDOR)

Processing time

Varies

Renewal

Annually

Who files

Filed by the business owner or an authorized agent.

Good to know

Get this before your first sale; the City license alone isn't enough.

Official source

IDOR — cigarette and tobacco taxes and licenses

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.