Cigarette, Tobacco, Nicotine, Vapor Permit

Retailers Selling Cigarette, Tobacco, Nicotine, Vapor Products Need a Permit

In accordance with Chapter 131 of the City's Municipal Code, it is unlawful for any person, other than a holder of a retail permit, to sell cigarettes, tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products at retail and no retailer shall distribute, sell, or solicit the sale of any cigarettes, tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products within the City without a valid permit for each place of business. The permit shall, at all times, be publicly displayed at the place of business so as to be easily seen by the public and the persons authorized to inspect the place of business.

All cigarettes, tobacco, nicotine, vapor products, and device retailer permits must be approved by the City Council.

Application

Retailers must apply for permits online with the State of Iowa in accordance with state regulations. Permits run on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

The cost of licenses issued for period of time less than one year may be pro-rated.

Take the following steps to apply for a permit: : 

1. Access the state website https://govconnect.iowa.gov/tap/_/  
2. Create a Logon or log in to your GovConnectIowa account
   • Request Access to connect to an Existing Account, or Register a New Business
   • Under the I Want To…tab, apply for a new permit or to renew a permit
     • Apply for a New Permit, 
       • Select the appropriate permit type: Retail Tobacco - Cigarette/Tobacco/Nicotine/Vapor or Device Retailer
       • Complete the application and pay the required fee
       • Confirm your submission
     • Renew a Permit

       • Under the Accounts tab, locate your Retail Tobacco or Device Retailer account

         • Click Renew a Permit
         • Select the permit you want to renew
         • Complete the renewal application and pay the required fee
         • Confirm your submission
     • Wait for Approval 

       • Check your application status under the Accounts tab

       • Approved permits are available for your to print

Questions

For questions regarding retail tobacco or device retailer permits, contact the Department of Revenue or the City Clerk's Office at 515-965-6400.