Tobacco Retail Dealer License (+ NYS registration): New York City restaurant guide

NYC DCWP / NYS Tax

What it is

The city license to sell tobacco products, plus NYS retail dealer registration. NYC caps the number of licenses per community district.

When a restaurant needs it

Selling cigarettes / tobacco products.

How to apply

Get the NYS sales tax ID and NYS Retail Dealer registration first, then apply to DCWP online (in-person appointments are available only in hardship cases).

Documents you’ll need

Sales tax Certificate of Authority
NYS retail dealer registration
Proof of premises
Business info

Fee

$200 for a 2-year license (prorated $150–$200)

Processing time

Varies

Renewal

Every 2 years (expires December 31)

Who files

The business applies; an authorized representative may file.

Good to know

Rare for restaurants — mostly bars / bodega-style. Community-district caps have applied since February 24, 2018: where a district is at its cap, DCWP issues new licenses only by lottery when the count falls below the cap. Selling e-cigarettes / vapes requires a separate DCWP Electronic Cigarette Retail Dealer license (also capped).

Official source

DCWP — tobacco dealer checklist

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