Cigarette and Tobacco Products License Online Renewals – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need an email address to renew my license?
Yes. We require an email address. You may confirm or update your email address with us at STFRegUpdates@cdtfa.ca.gov or call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 (TTY:711), then select the Special Taxes and Fees option and follow the prompts for Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing or Taxes. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific time), except state holidays.
We will send email reminders of your upcoming renewal deadline and status updates on your current renewal application. We can also email important tax and fee information, and other information that can affect your business operations.
What if I do not have a computer?
If you do not have access to a computer, you may visit one of our office locations to use one of the computer kiosks located in the lobby to renew your license. Your local library may also have computers with Internet access available to the public.
How do I obtain a Username and Password?
Visit our online services login page and Sign Up Now to begin the enrollment process. For more information about our online services, please see our Resources page and Tutorial videos.
What if I have an ownership change?
If you have an ownership change such as switching from a sole proprietor to a partnership, you must close your current license and apply for a new license using our online services system.
What if I am closing a location?
Our online renewal system allows you to close one or more business locations. A screen will display all your licensed locations available for renewal. You may choose "Renewal" or "Closed." If you choose "Closed," another field will open up asking for the "Date Closed."
Can I renew multiple licenses at one time?
Yes. A screen will display all licensed locations available for renewal. The number of locations displayed on each page is limited, but you can scroll through the page to see all locations.
Will I be able to print my renewed license online?
Yes. Once you have successfully completed and submitted your renewal application and paid the required license fees, you will be prompted to print your license. However, if there are pending issues with your application, such as an inactive Secretary of State number, your application will be in a pending status. You may be required to contact us to resolve those issues.
Once the issues have been resolved, you will receive an email requesting you to log in, view your renewal application, and print your license.
My license was closed out for failure to renew. Can I reactivate my expired license?
If your license expired within the last 30 days, you may still reactivate it by logging in to your online services account. However, if your license has been expired for more than 30 days, please call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 (TTY:711) for assistance. When prompted, select the option for Special Taxes and Fees and follow the instructions for Registration and Licensing Questions.
How can I pay my renewal fee(s) online?
Visit our Make a Payment page to review the payment options available. You can also view our Payments tutorial videos for more information.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Online help is available while you are renewing your license. Just click on the help icons identified by a question mark (?). You may also contact our Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 (TTY:711), Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific time), excluding state holidays. From the main menu, select the option Special Taxes and Fees.
We are committed to assisting you through each step of the process.