Delaware Statewide Rule
Delaware Tobacco 21 Sales Age Law
Key Facts
- Sales Age
- Sales age 21 since July 2019
- Codified In
- Codified in 30 Del.C. 5341
- Id Check Required
- ID check required under 30
- Covers Cigarettes
- Covers cigarettes, vape, and pouches
- No Military Exemption
- No military exemption
Summary
Delaware prohibits tobacco and vapor product sales to anyone under 21 under 30 Del.C. 5341 and 11 Del.C. 1116, aligning with federal Tobacco 21 requirements statewide.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or distribute any tobacco product or tobacco substitute to an individual who has not attained the age of 21 years or to purchase any tobacco product or tobacco substitute on behalf of an individual under 21 years of age.
Full Breakdown
Effective July 2019, Delaware raised the minimum legal sales age for tobacco products, vapor products, and rolling papers to 21. Retailers must verify identification for any purchaser appearing under 30 and may not sell to anyone under 21. The law applies to cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches. Furnishing tobacco to a minor remains unlawful under 11 Del.C. 1116. Active-duty military exemptions previously included were eliminated.
Violations & Penalties
Selling tobacco or vapor products to anyone under 21 carries fines of $250 to $1,000 per violation under 11 Del. C. Section 1116, plus possible retailer license suspension under 30 Del. C. Section 5341.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 19-year-old possess tobacco in Delaware?
What ID is acceptable for tobacco sales?
Sources
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