Anyone who sells or transports cigarettes within Preble County must obtain a yearly Cigarette Dealer’s License. Beginning in 2010, only Retail Dealer’s Cigarette Licenses are available from your local county Auditor’s Office. ORC 5743.15

The retail dealer only needs to fill out a brief registration form and pay the annual fee of $125. Licenses are good for a one-year period that runs from the 4th Monday in May to the 4th Monday in May of the following year. Once issued, the license number and the information about the business establishment are permanently filed in the county’s records. A NEW VENDOR can purchase a Retail Cigarette License any time through the year. After the 4th Monday in May, the cost of a new license is subject to the Pro-rating Schedule and can only be purchased at the office of the Preble County Auditor. See address below.

If you are transferring an existing Retail Cigarette License to another location within Preble County, you can only do so at the office of the Preble County Auditor for a $5 fee. The original license is required at that time.

Where do I get a Cigarette License?

Retail Dealer’s Cigarette License may only be purchased at the Preble County Auditor’s Office or by mail. The application form is available at the link below and can be printed out and sent to the address below. The cost for vendors renewing their license before the 4th Monday in May is $125 per each physical location. NEW VENDORS are subject to the Pro-rating Schedule and will need to purchase their cigarette license in the Auditor’s Office.

Wholesale Cigarette Dealer’s Licenses are only available through the Ohio Department of Taxation with a fee of $1,000. ORC 5743.15

*Important Notice:

Ohio passed legislation that prohibits the sale of cigarettes in Ohio that have not been approved by the Attorney General’s Office. A list of brands legal for sale in Ohio can be found at: www.ohiodepartmentoftaxation.org. This list is periodically updated. It is illegal to possess any brand not listed on this site for sale in Ohio. Also, it is unlawful to purchase tobacco products from an unlicensed manufacturer or importer. The Application for Wholesale Cigarette Dealer’s License can be found on this website as well. Go to Forms, Form Title, and then enter CIG 41.