On November 5, 2025, National City officially adopted the Tobacco Retail Ordinance (ORD 2025-2550). The ordinance includes rules for all tobacco sales, location restrictions for new retailers, updated penalties for violations, revised procedures for compliance inspections, and more.

In addition to applying for and obtaining a National City Tobacco Retail License (TRL), tobacco retailers must comply with other eligibility, operating, and tobacco product requirements. All retailers will be required to renew their TRL and pay an annual application fee.

More information can be found on the City’s TRLP website. All licensed premises are subject to an annual business inspection as well as a compliance check at least once per two-year period.

The TRL includes the following eligibility requirements:

• Tobacco retailers must be licensed by California’s Department of Tax and Fee Administration. More information can be found at CDTFA - CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
• Tobacco retailers must have a valid Business License. More information can be found on the National City HdL website.
• New retailers must receive the approval of a Conditional Use permit and adhere to the limits of eligibility in Section 9.38.040 of the Tobacco Retail Ordinance (ORD 2025-2550).

Tobacco Retailer’s may apply for the Tobacco Retail License by clicking here. At the time of application, a copy of a valid State of California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Cigarette and Tobacco Products License and National City Business License for the business location must be provided.

Retailers must meet the eligibility requirements for a National City TRL. A complete application and licensing fee must be submitted for all new applications. For renewals, a complete application and licensing fee must be submitted during the designated renewal period. The retailer must also be in compliance with National City’s Tobacco Retail Ordinance (ORD 2025-2550).

As long as the tobacco retailer remains in compliance with National City’s Tobacco Retail Ordinance (ORD 2025-2550), the TRL will be good until February 28^th of each year. Licenses are required to be renewed on an annual basis no later than January 31^st.

The fee to issue or renew a TRL is determined from time to time by resolution of City Council. The current fee is posted on the City’s TRLP website.

Planning staff are available to answer questions by contacting us at (619) 336-4310 or planning@nationalcityca.gov.