In Wisconsin, the minimum legal age to buy cigarettes and all other tobacco products is 21 years old. This is because federal law, effective since December 20, 2019, prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 21, and this federal law supersedes any state law that previously allowed sales to those 18 and older
. Although Wisconsin state law historically set the age at 18, federal law requires retailers to check photo ID for anyone under 30 and refuse sales to anyone under 21. Retailers must comply with this federal Tobacco 21 law, and it is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone younger than 21 anywhere in Wisconsin
. While local police enforcement has been complicated by the mismatch between state and federal laws, federal agencies like the FDA conduct compliance checks and enforce the age restriction
. Wisconsin is also working to update state law to align fully with the federal Tobacco 21 law to reduce confusion and improve enforcement
. In summary:
- Minimum age to legally buy cigarettes in Wisconsin is 21.
- Federal Tobacco 21 law applies statewide and must be followed.
- Retailers check IDs of customers who appear under 30.
- Sales to anyone under 21 are illegal and subject to penalties.
This age restriction applies to all tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping products
