Virginia Retail Federation is sharing an important compliance update for retailers that sell tobacco, nicotine or vape products. Beginning October 1, 2026, Virginia businesses selling covered retail tobacco products will be required to hold a Retail Tobacco Permit issued by Virginia ABC.
Below, we’ve gathered the key information and resources retailers need to prepare.
Beginning October 1, 2026, businesses that sell retail tobacco products, including liquid nicotine products, are required to have a permit issued by Virginia ABC. Permits will be valid until the last day of the 12th month from the date of issuance and will be renewable.
Learn More About Retail Tobacco Permits
Link: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/tobacco-permits
What Counts as a Retail Tobacco Product?
Per new state law:
“Retail tobacco product” means (i) any product containing, made of, or derived from tobacco or that contains nicotine that is intended for human consumption or is likely to be consumed, whether smoked, heated, chewed, dissolved, inhaled, absorbed, or ingested by other means, including a cigarette, heated tobacco product, chewing tobacco, snuff, or snus; (ii) any electronic smoking device and any substances that may be aerosolized or vaporized by such device, whether or not the substance contains nicotine; and (iii) any component, part, or accessory of a product described in clause (i) or (ii), whether or not such component, part, or accessory contains tobacco or nicotine, including blunt or hemp wraps, and glass pipes.
“Retail tobacco product” includes any liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor product.
“Retail tobacco product” does not include any cigar or pipe tobacco as defined in § 58.1-1021.01.
What Is the Cost?
There is a one-time application fee:
- For retailers with an existing ABC alcohol license, the fee is $300 per location.
- For retailers without an ABC alcohol license, the fee is $400 per location.
- Any individual who has 10% or more ownership interest in the business will be required to pay a $15 fee for a Criminal Background Check (CBC) conducted by Virginia State Police.
- Non-Virginia residents will not owe this fee; however, they are required to obtain a CBC report from their state of residence.
- All individuals are also required to obtain and submit a copy of their valid state identification, driver’s license or passport and a copy of their state DMV driving record. This will not be required for any individual who has completed this process with Virginia ABC within the last 24 months.
- The initial application fee includes the permit fee for the first year. The cost for the annual renewal fee has not been determined at this time.
- Virginia ABC will send the permit holder an annual renewal notice approximately 60 days prior to the expiration of the permit.
- Note that the tobacco permit renewal and ABC license renewal may occur at different times of the year.
Apply Now
Businesses can apply through the Virginia ABC Licensing (VAL) System.
- Log in to your existing account or create an online VAL account.
- Follow the prompts to create your account.
- Existing licensees should use the User ID and PIN that was sent to the business at its last license renewal.
- If you need assistance creating a VAL account, contact ABC-PST@VirginiaABC.com.
- Virginia ABC anticipates permits being issued within 20–30 days of receiving an online application.
- Paper applications will be accepted; however, processing is expected to take longer.
Get Started in VAL
Link: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/val
Special Laws Related to Vape Products
Businesses that sell liquid nicotine and/or nicotine vapor products need to ensure that all products are included in the Office of the Attorney General’s approved product directory.
View the Approved Product Directory
Link: https://www.oag.state.va.us/lnnvp/directory
Businesses that offer for sale any liquid nicotine and/or nicotine vapor products that are not in this directory face civil fines starting at $5,000.
A Retail Tobacco Permit will be required to sell “any electronic smoking device and any substances that may be aerosolized or vaporized by such device, whether or not the substance contains nicotine.”
Learn More About Retail Tobacco Permits
Link: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/tobacco-permits
Cannabis or Recreational/Medicinal Marijuana Products
This permit does not allow for the sale of cannabis or other marijuana products.
Information about licenses to sell these products can be obtained through the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.
Learn More from the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
Link: https://cca.virginia.gov/
Training for Employees
Virginia law requires retail tobacco establishments to provide training for their employees related to:
- The provisions of Virginia Code §4.1-355 et seq.
- Prohibitions and restrictions on the sale of retail tobacco products, including age restrictions.
- Valid forms of identification for the purchase of retail tobacco products.
- Penalties for violations of Virginia law regarding the sale of retail tobacco products.
Virginia ABC offers a free online course, Virginia Education for Retailers of Tobacco (VERT).
Applicants for a tobacco permit will be required to attest that all employees have received this training or similar training approved by Virginia ABC before a permit is issued.
Sign Up for VERT Training
Link: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/training
Prohibited Conduct
Criminal activity on the premises of the permitted establishment can result in civil fines or the suspension or revocation of the retail tobacco permit.
Additionally, criminal acts committed by permittees can lead to such sanctions even if the acts were committed elsewhere.
Virginia law specifically prohibits illegal gambling or illegal gambling devices, or the possession, use, sale or distribution of marijuana, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances, drug paraphernalia or controlled paraphernalia on the premises of the retail tobacco establishment.
Additionally, any acts of violence that result in death or serious bodily injury at the establishment can result in the summary suspension and possible revocation of the permit.
Retail tobacco permittees are encouraged to take an active role in the daily management of their business to ensure that all state, federal and local laws are followed.
VAL How-To Guides and Videos
The Virginia ABC Licensing (VAL) System enables licensees to complete online transactions on behalf of their business.
After creating an account and syncing your licenses, you can complete licensing tasks, conduct financial transactions and track your required training from your computer.
Virginia ABC’s VAL Training page provides assistance with getting set up and using the system.
Access the VAL Training Page
Link: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/val/val-training
Stay Informed with VRF
Virginia Retail Federation works to keep Virginia retailers informed about legislative, regulatory and compliance changes that affect their businesses.
We’ll continue monitoring implementation of the new Retail Tobacco Permit requirements and sharing relevant updates and resources as they become available.
For the latest permit requirements, application information and guidance, retailers should refer directly to Virginia ABC.
Virginia ABC Retail Tobacco Permit Information
Link: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/tobacco-permits