Fees
- Wholesaler/Subjobber
- $50
- Retailer
- $5
- Alternative Nicotine
- $5
You must have a tobacco license before you can sell any tobacco or nicotine products in Montana. If you have more than one location, you must have a separate license for each location.
You can register your business and apply for licenses through the eStop Business Licenses Service.
Tobacco Products Wholesaler/Subjobber License
The Tobacco Products Wholesaler/Subjobber License allows you to operate as a wholesaler, subjobber, or vendor in Montana.
- Wholesaler
- A wholesaler buys products to sell to subjobbers, vendors, wholesalers, and retailers.
- Subjobber
- A subjobber buys products from a wholesaler with the cigarette tax insignia already attached and sells the product to vendors and retailers.
- Vendor
- A vendor owns and operates 10 or more cigarette vending machines in Montana.
This license has a $50 annual fee. You may apply for a new license or renew an existing license using the eStop Business Licenses Service.
Tobacco Product Retail License
The tobacco product retailer license lets you sell tobacco products directly to the consumer and includes anyone owning less than 10 cigarette vending machines in Montana.
This license has a $5 annual fee. You may apply for a new license or renew an existing license using the eStop Business Licenses Service.
Alternative Nicotine or Vapor Products Retail License
You must have this license if you sell alternative nicotine products, including:
- E-cigarettes
- Vapor devices or mods
- Accessories
- Liquid or e-juice
This license has a $5 annual fee. You may apply for a new license or renew an existing license using the eStop Business Licenses Service.
You need an alternative nicotine license even if you have a tobacco retailer license.
Tobacco Product Importers
An importer sells, delivers, mails or ships tobacco products into Montana to someone other than a licensed wholesaler, subjobber, retailer or vendor.
Importers must register with the state. You may register as an importer using the eStop Business Licenses Service.
There is no fee for registering as an importer.
Revenue Distribution
Revenue from all licenses goes to the state general fund. (16-11-120 through 16-11-125, MCA)
