Can You Buy Cigarettes At 18 In California May 2026

: California raised the minimum age from 18 to 21 on June 9, 2016.

: While California previously had an exemption for active-duty military personnel aged 18 or older, federal law and updated state regulations have removed this carve-out. can you buy cigarettes at 18 in california

Retailers are required to check a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport) for anyone who reasonably appears to be under the age of 21. Selling tobacco products to anyone under 21 is illegal and can result in significant fines or criminal penalties for the retailer. : California raised the minimum age from 18