Tobacco and vape

Texas tobacco and e-cigarette retailer permits: cost, renewal and the 2025 vape ban

By the Fair Permits licensing team · Updated November 10, 2026 · 3 min read

Short answer

Every Texas location that sells cigarettes, cigars or other tobacco needs a cigarette, cigar and tobacco retailer permit from the Comptroller, and selling vapes needs a separate e-cigarette retailer permit. Each costs $180 for the two-year period, prorated by month, and the e-cigarette permit drops to $90 when the same location holds the tobacco permit. Both expire May 31 of even years; the current period ends May 31, 2028.

At a glance

Cigarette, cigar and tobacco retailer permit

Issued by: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Government fee: $180 for the two-year period, prorated by the month you apply.
Typical time: Usually issued with the sales tax permit; the paper permit arrives by mail in about 1 to 2 weeks.
Renewal: Expires May 31 of even years (the current period ends May 31, 2028).

E-cigarette retailer permit

Issued by: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Government fee: $180 for the two-year period (prorated), or $90 if the same location holds the tobacco retailer permit.
Typical time: Usually issued with the tobacco permit.
Renewal: Expires May 31 of even years (the current period ends May 31, 2028).

Fees and times as published by each agency (checked November 10, 2026). We confirm them again when we file.

Two permits, one location

Texas treats tobacco and e-cigarettes as two separate permits, both issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts:

Cigarette, cigar and/or tobacco products retailer permit (form AP-193) for cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff and loose tobacco.
E-cigarette retailer permit (form AP-242) for vapes, e-liquids and other e-cigarette products.

Each store, vending machine or vehicle that sells these products needs its own permit. Both require an active sales and use tax permit first, so new stores usually file all three together.

What it costs

The tobacco retailer permit is $180 for the two-year period. The e-cigarette permit is also $180, or $90 if the location already holds the tobacco permit. Both are prorated by the month you apply, so a store that applies late in the period pays less. The permits run on a fixed statewide cycle, so every permit expires on the same date regardless of when it was issued.

Renewal: May 31 of even years

All Texas tobacco and e-cigarette retailer permits expire on May 31 of even-numbered years. The current period ends May 31, 2028. Renew before that date: selling tobacco or vapes without a current permit is an offense and can bring penalties.

The 2025 vape law (SB 2024)

Since September 1, 2025, Texas law (Senate Bill 2024) bans retail sale of several kinds of e-cigarette products:

Products made in China or another listed country, or marketed as made there.
Products with packaging or designs that appeal to children, or that are disguised to look like something else (school supplies, phones, toys).
Products containing cannabinoids, kratom and similar substances.

Selling a banned product is a Class A misdemeanor. A store with a valid e-cigarette permit still has to pull these products from its shelves; the permit does not make them legal. Since most disposable vapes on the market are made in China, check your supplier's country-of-manufacture information for every product line.

Age rules and inspections

The minimum age to buy tobacco and e-cigarette products is 21 under both Texas and federal law, and federal rules require checking photo ID for anyone who looks under 30. The Comptroller and local law enforcement run compliance checks, and a sale to a minor can bring fines and action against the permit.

Buying or moving a store

Tobacco and e-cigarette permits do not transfer to a new owner or a new address. A new owner applies for new permits, and a store that moves applies for its new location.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a tobacco permit in Texas?

The cigarette, cigar and tobacco retailer permit costs $180 for the two-year period, prorated by the month you apply.

Do I need a separate permit to sell vapes in Texas?

Yes. Vapes need the e-cigarette retailer permit, which is separate from the tobacco permit. It costs $180, or $90 if the same location holds the tobacco retailer permit.

When do Texas tobacco permits expire?

All Texas tobacco and e-cigarette retailer permits expire on May 31 of even-numbered years. The current permits expire May 31, 2028.

Which vapes are banned in Texas?

Since September 1, 2025 (SB 2024), Texas bans selling e-cigarettes made in or marketed as made in China or other listed countries, products with child-appealing or disguised designs, and products containing cannabinoids, kratom and similar substances.

Can I sell tobacco before my permit arrives?

No. Wait until the Comptroller issues the permit. The permit number appears in the Comptroller's records before the paper copy arrives by mail.

Sources

This guide is general information about Texas government filings, not legal advice. Agencies change fees and rules; check the official source or ask us before you rely on a figure.

What permits do you need to open a convenience store in Texas?Every permit a new Texas convenience store files, which agency issues each one, the government fees, and the order to file them in so nothing stalls.
How to get a Texas sales and use tax permitWho needs a Texas sales tax permit, what it costs ($0), the AP-201 application, how long it takes, the security deposit, and the returns that follow.
Texas small business compliance calendar for 2027Every 2027 deadline a Texas store or small company tracks: sales tax, payroll forms, TWC, property tax, franchise tax (May 17), coin-op (Nov 30) and permit renewals.