How to renew a tobacco sellers licence

Below are some common questions regarding the renewal of tobacco sellers’ licenses.

Do I need to renew my tobacco licence?

Yes. Licences are valid for 12 months and must be renewed if the licensee continues to sell tobacco products. Reminder letters and relevant information will be issued 10 weeks before licence expiry.

To ensure a licence remains valid, licence holders must follow the instructions forwarded with the reminder letters and fully complete and promptly return the renewal forms. Renewal forms must be signed by the registered licence holder.

Why haven't I received my renewal notice yet?

If it is more than 10 weeks before your licence is due to expire your renewal form will not have been sent out yet.

Why haven't I received my licence yet?

If you have paid and submitted your licence application/renewal form but you have not received your licence it may be because the application is not due to be assessed yet. An application will be assessed on or before the nearest date to the payment due date which is 28 days before the licence expires.

My postal details have changed – what do I do?

You must inform the Department of Health in writing by email, fax or post.

Alternatively, you can amend the postal details on the renewal form and your details will be updated.

My trading name has changed – what do I do?

A current, updated Business Names Extract must be provided with your renewal form.

This will show the updated trading name. This is only in an instance when the business name has changed, there cannot be any change to ownership of the business or the address of the business premises.

My business location has changed – how do I amend my licence?

An application to amend form must accompany your renewal form and fee payment (currently $87.00). A current Business Names Extract form must also be provided. There must be no change to ownership otherwise it will be considered a new application.

I don't sell tobacco anymore – what do I do?

On the back of the renewal form – within the checklist – tick the box under the heading licence no longer required and returning expired licence.

Attach the most current licence and return it with the renewal form to the Department of Health.

The Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 (external site) requires a licence holder to return a tobacco licence once it is no longer needed.

It is an offence not to return a licence as required – maximum penalties $10,000 for an individual and $40,000 for a body corporate apply.

I am selling my business soon – do I need to renew my licence?

If the sale of business is after the date of your licence expiring and you intend to sell tobacco products, you will need to renew your tobacco licence.

Once a licence approval process has commenced, there is no provision in the Act to refund fees.

If you are unclear about the Act, please contact the Department of Health on 1300 784 892 to discuss your circumstances.

I have sold my business and my licence is valid – do I get a refund?

No, there is no provision in the Act to refund fees once a licence has commenced.

I need to amend my licence to include another sales type – what do I do?

You will need to apply for a new licence and provide documentation at the time of renewal if you want an additional sale type to be included on your current tobacco licence.

How do I lodge a renewal application?

Please submit your licence renewal application, with all supporting documents and fees payment to:

Tobacco licensing
Department of Health
PO Box 1335
West Leederville 6901

All other general enquiries should be forwarded to the postal address listed below.

Last reviewed: 30-06-2023
Produced by

Tobacco Control Branch