California Tobacco control branch

California Tobacco 21 Law

Attention Retailers

As of December 20, 2019, the federal age of sale for tobacco products is 21 with no exemption for military personnel.

Signage

This age-of-sale sign meets legal requirements for the wording, font size, and size of the sign.
Printing Instructions: Please print this sign at 100%. Do Not reduce or enlarge the size of this sign. This sign is 8.5" wide by 3.66" high. Do not print this sign using the “Fit,” “Shrink oversized pages,” or “Custom Scale” options in the print dialogue box. Download and post this sign at each cash register. This is a temporary sign to be used until the printed signs are mailed to you. Adhesive-backed signs are being mailed to retailers during the month of July 2020.

We Check ID Window Cling (PDF, 2.2MB)

This sign reminds customers that the age-of-sale for tobacco and e-cigarettes is 21 and that clerks check for ID. Download and post this sign in your window. A window cling with this design is being mailed to retailers during the month of June 2016.

Use this form to order additional age-of-sale warning signs and window clings.

Training

California Retailers and Tobacco Law Training (PDF)

This self-guided PowerPoint provides essential information for managers and clerks regarding the sale of tobacco products in California.

Legislation

SB2x 5 (by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco)

Electronic Cigarettes: regulates electronic cigarettes the same as other tobacco products and establish an annual licensing fee on e-cigarette retailers of $265 per location.

SB2x 7 (by Sen. Ed Hernandez, D-West Covina)

Tobacco products minimum legal age: raises California’s legal smoking age and the age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21, except for active duty military 18 or older.

AB2x 11 (by Asm. Adrin Nazarian, D-Sherman Oaks)

Cigarette and tobacco product licensing fees and funding: increases California’s tobacco licensing, distributor and wholesaler fees.

Questions

California Department of Public Health, California Tobacco Control Program

For questions on educational materials and signage, or via telephone at 916-449-5500

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration

For questions and information about tobacco retail licensing and fees, or via telephone at 1-800-400-7115 (select the “Cigarette and Tobacco Products” option).

California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch

For questions and information about retail enforcement and compliance or via telephone at 916-650-6500.

Retailer Information and Resources

Tobacco Control Laws that Affect California Retail Businesses 2024

This educational brochure contains basic information on state and federal tobacco control laws that affect retail businesses in California.

Letter to Retailers from the California Department of Public Health Director and State Health Officer (PDF)

This letter from State Health Officer and California Department of Public Health Director describes new tobacco laws that apply to California retailers and provides information and resources to help retailers comply with the new law.

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Minimum Sale Age and Electronic Smoking Devices, A Summary for Retailers (PDF)

This factsheet summarizes key provisions of new laws related to the age-of-sale for tobacco products and the sale of electronic smoking devices.

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ID Verification Tip Sheet (PDF)

This tip sheet provides photos and descriptions of California’s driver’s license for persons under age 21 and 21 or over. Español

Tobacco Product Tip Sheet (PDF, 1.8MB)

This quick guide shows photos of the variety of tobacco products- new and traditional - covered under California law.

Retail Tobacco Laws FAQ (PDF)

The document responds to questions retailers may have about changes to tobacco laws.

Español

How to Comply: Tips for Retailers (PDF)