Cigarette and Tobacco Products Online License Renewals – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. An email address is required.

You may confirm or update your email address with us at STFRegUpdates@cdtfa.ca.gov or call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 (CRS:711), then select the Special Taxes and Fees option and follow the prompts for Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing or Taxes. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific time), except state holidays.

We will send email reminders of your upcoming renewal deadline and status updates on your current renewal application.

We can also email important tax and fee information, and other information that can affect your business operations.

If you do not have access to a computer, you may visit one of our office locations to use one of the computer kiosks located in the lobby to renew your license. Your local library may also have computers with Internet access available to the public.

Visit our website at www.cdtfa.ca.gov, click on Online Services and click on Sign Up Now to create a new Username and Password. You will need these new credentials to log in and renew your license using the new online services system beginning August 12, 2019.

If you already have a Username and Password to log in and file your return for a Sales and Use Tax, eWaste, and/or Tire Fee account, no additional action is required as you will be able to view all your accounts in the new system on and after August 12, 2019.

If you have an existing User ID, Password, or Express Login, these credentials will not be valid in our new online services system on and after August 12, 2019. You will need to create a new Username and Password. Using these new credentials you may log in to renew your license in our new online services system beginning August 12, 2019.

If you already have a Username and Password to log in and file your return for a Sales and Use Tax, eWaste, and/or Tire Fee account, no additional action is required as you will be able to view all your accounts in the new system on and after August 12, 2019.

If you have an ownership change such as switching from a sole proprietor to a partnership, you will not be able to renew your license online. You must close your current license and apply for a new license using our online registration system.

The online renewal process allows you to close one or more business locations. A screen will display all your locations available for renewal. You may choose "Renewal" or "Closed". If you choose "Closed," another field will open up asking for the "Date Closed."

Yes. A screen will display all licensed locations available for renewal. The number of locations displayed on each page is limited, but you can scroll to see all locations.

Yes. Once you have successfully completed and submitted your application and paid the required fees, you will be prompted to print your license. You may be required to acknowledge that you have read and understood the Renewal Packet before you can print your license. However, if there are pending issues with your application, such as changes to the mailing address, DBA, and/or email address, your application will be in a pending status. You may be required to contact the CDTFA to resolve those issues.

Once the issues have been resolved, you will receive an email requesting you log in, view your application, and print your license.

Yes. If you have an existing User ID, Password, or Express Login Code, it will not be valid in our online services system beginning August 12, 2019. You will need to visit our website and click on Sign Up Now, under Online Services to create a new Username and Password. Using these new credentials, you may login to reactivate your expired license in the new online services system.

If you already have a Username and Password to log in and file your return for a Sales and Use Tax, eWaste, and/or Tire Fee account, no additional action is required as you will be able to view all your accounts in the new system on and after August 12, 2019.

There are several options available to make a payment. Please visit our Make a Payment/Prepayment webpage.

Online help is available while you are renewing your license. Just click on the help icons identified by a question mark (?). You may also contact our Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 (CRS:711), Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific time), excluding state holidays. From the main menu, select the option "Special Taxes and Fees".

We are committed to assisting you through each step of the process.