Do you need a vape products license?

Beginning October 1, liquid nicotine and nicotine vapor products licensing will move to the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC). Contact Virginia ABC for more information.

If you sell liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor (vape) products, you may need a Liquid Nicotine and Nicotine Vapor Products License. Use our quick tool below to find out - it should take less than a minute. 

See if you need a license

How to Get a License

How to get a license

If you find out you need a license:

  • Fill out the Form TT-10 (Application for Liquid Nicotine and Nicotine Vapor Products License).
  • Fill out a separate Form TT-10A (included in the TT-10 package) for anyone in your business who needs to have a background check.
    • You'll find a complete list of who needs a background check in the "Background Checks" section below.
  • Send the application with your $400 application fee to: 

    Virginia Department of Taxation
    Tobacco Unit
    P.O. Box 715
    Richmond, VA 23218-0715

For detailed information on liquid nicotine licensing, please review Tax Bulletin 24-4.

Background Checks

Who needs to have a criminal background check?

If you're required to have a Liquid Nicotine and Nicotine Vapor Products license, criminal background checks are required for the following people:

  • Any officer
  • Any director
  • Any manager
  • Sole proprietor
  • Partner
  • Member
  • Stockholder
  • Any other person with 10% or more ownership interest
  • Anyone who has control over the purchase, storage, sale or distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products; or
  • Anyone who has control over compliance with cigarette or tobacco products tax laws

Background Check Fees

When you apply for your Liquid Nicotine and Nicotine Vapor Products license, background checks for the people included on that application are included in your application fee.

Anyone who assumes one of these roles after the initial application will need to complete a Form TT-10A within 10 days of assuming the role and apply for a background check within 30 days. There is a $100 fee for every background check done after the initial application is approved. 

Penalty for Not Having a License

Penalty for not having a license

If you're required to have a Liquid Nicotine and Nicotine Vapor Products license, but don't get one, you may be charged a penalty of up to $400 for each location that doesn't have one. 

Specific Requirements for Vape Product Manufacturers

If you make vape products, you must register with the Attorney General's office and be listed in their Liquid Nicotine and Nicotine Vapor Products Registry by December 31, 2025. If do not register, you may be charged a civil penalty of $1,000 per day until you register. For more information, please contact the Office of the Attorney General.