Permit guides › Washington, D.C. › DC-TR-13
Cigarette Sales (Retail) License: Washington, D.C. restaurant guide
DLCP — Business Licensing Division
What it is
Basic Business License category required to sell cigarettes/tobacco at retail.
When a restaurant needs it
Only if you sell tobacco products.
How to apply
Apply online at BOSS.
Documents you’ll need
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Corporate registration (if applicable)
- Tax registration and Clean Hands certificate
Fee
$99.00 (2-year) or $198.00 (4-year)
Processing time
Varies
Renewal
Every 2 or 4 years
Who files
Owner or authorized agent in BOSS.
Good to know
DC bans flavored tobacco (including menthol) and restricts electronic smoking device sales within a quarter mile of middle and high schools.
Official source
DLCP: cigarette retail license
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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.