While some states (like Alaska and Montana) still have state-level laws listing the age as 18 or 19, federal law overrides these, and retailers must comply with the age-21 requirement. International Laws

Outside the United States, the legal age varies significantly:

In most parts of the world, the minimum legal age to purchase cigarettes is either , though some regions have recently implemented "generational bans" to phase out smoking entirely. United States (Tobacco 21)

In the U.S., the federal minimum age to buy any tobacco product—including cigarettes, vapes, and e-liquids—is .

As of September 30, 2024, FDA regulations require retailers to verify the photo ID of anyone under the age of 30 attempting to purchase tobacco.

Known as "Tobacco 21," this law was signed in December 2019 and applies to all 50 states and U.S. territories with no exceptions for military personnel.