Electronic Cigarette Retail Store Registration

All stores that sell electronic cigarettes must register with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). This is required by the Smoke Free Air Act. Once you register, you can sell electronic cigarettes in your store. You only need to register one time. There is no fee to register.

• Review the form and rules: You should understand the form and rules for registration.
  Application and instructions (PDF)

• Know what a retail electronic cigarette store is: This store mainly sells electronic cigarettes and accessories. Other products should be less than 50% of total sales.

• Keep names the same: The name on all papers must match the name on your application.

• Provide a valid photo ID: You need to include a copy of a valid photo ID with your application. The name on the ID must match the name on your application. Valid IDs include:

  • Driver's license or non-driver ID
  • Alien Registration Card or Naturalization Certificate
  • U.S. or foreign passport
  • NYC Identification Card (IDNYC)

• Food places cannot register: Places that serve food or drinks cannot register as a retail electronic cigarette store. They also cannot allow the use of electronic cigarettes.

• Application check: The DOHMH will check your application to confirm you filled out the form correctly and included all needed information. If your application is missing something, it will be denied. You will get a letter telling you what to fix and how to resubmit it.
• Acceptance letter: If your application is accepted, you will get a letter. The DOHMH might ask for more documents to make sure your store meets the rules.
• Questions or concerns: If you have questions or do not hear back within 14 days, call the number below.

Contact information

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation
Smoke Free Air Act Enforcement
125 Worth St., Room 1020
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 646-632-6001

• Make electronic copies of papers: Have electronic copies of all required papers.

• Create an online account: Go to the NYC Online Licensing System and create an account. Select "Tobacco/E-Cig Retail Registration" and complete the application. Upload your papers when asked.

• Complete the application: Fill out the application and gather all required papers.
  Application and instructions (PDF)

• Submit your application: Bring your completed application and papers to the DCWP Citywide Licensing Center.

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
Licensing Center
42 Broadway
New York, NY 10004
onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov