Georgia · State Reference
Georgia Auctioneer License Requirements
To become a licensed auctioneer in Georgia, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, graduate from a Georgia Auctioneers Commission–approved auction school, and pass the Georgia Auction Laws & Rules Exam administered by PSI. The full process typically takes a few weeks from course completion to licensing.
Requirements Checklist
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must hold a high school diploma from an accredited high school, or a GED
- Must graduate from an auction school approved by the Georgia Auctioneers Commission
- Must submit a complete license application, signed and notarized, with the required application fee and Auctioneer Recovery Fund fee
- Must pass the Georgia Auctioneer Laws & Rules Exam (administered by PSI)
- Must maintain an active escrow/trust account once licensed
- License must be renewed every two years (see Renewal below)
Step-by-Step Process
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Complete a Georgia-approved auctioneer education program. Missouri Auction School's Georgia Auction License Course is an officially approved provider — always verify a school's status shows “ACTIVE” on the Georgia license search before enrolling.
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Submit your license application through the Georgia Online Licensing (GOALS) portal, along with your application fee, Auctioneer Recovery Fund fee, and required documentation. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
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Wait for application review. Georgia Auctioneers Commission staff review completed applications; incomplete applications may be withdrawn if deficiencies aren't resolved within 60 days.
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Become eligible for the exam. Once your application is approved, PSI will contact you directly with instructions to register for the Georgia Auctioneer Laws & Rules Exam.
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Pass the exam and receive your license.
Timeline and Cost
| Step | Typical Timeframe (after completion of pre-license education) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Application processing | Approximately 3-4 weeks but varies based on Auction Board meeting schedule. | Application fee: $200.00 Recovery Fund fee: $150.00 |
| Exam scheduling (PSI) | Typically within a week of approval | Exam fee: $85.00 |
Application and exam fees are set by the Georgia Auctioneers Commission and PSI Services and are subject to change.
License Renewal
Georgia auctioneer licenses expire on February 28 of every even-numbered year. Renewal requires 8 hours of continuing education completed within the previous two years, finished by February 28 of the renewal year. Renewal is completed online through the GOALS portal. A late renewal window runs March 1–31, after which additional fees apply.
Reciprocity
Georgia allows reciprocal licensing with other states whose licensing laws are substantially similar to Georgia's. In the words of the Commission:
“The Commission is authorized to reciprocate licensure with other states that have licensing laws that are substantially similar to the Commission's law.” — Georgia Secretary of State, Georgia Auctioneers Commission FAQ
This means a Georgia auction license can open the door to licensing in a number of other states without repeating the full process from scratch. Most western states do not require a state auction license at all.
Sources
- Georgia Secretary of State — Georgia Auctioneers Commission FAQ: sos.ga.gov/page/georgia-auctioneers-commission-faq
- Georgia Secretary of State — How to Guide: Apply to be an Auctioneer: sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-apply-be-auctioneer
- O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1 — Georgia auctioneer licensing statute
- PSI Testing Services — Georgia Auctioneer Laws & Rules Exam candidate handbook
- National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association — Reciprocity: nalloa.org/licensing-state-requirements/#georgia
Ready to meet Georgia's education requirement? Missouri Auction School's Georgia Auctioneer License Course is an approved provider covering the full pre-license education requirement, delivered online from home.
See Course Dates & Enroll →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a licensed auctioneer in Georgia?
You complete an approved pre-license education course from a Georgia Auctioneers Commission-approved school, submit your license application through the state's GOALS portal with the required fees, and pass the Georgia Auctioneer Laws and Rules Exam administered by PSI once your application is approved. Most candidates are licensed within a month of finishing their course.
How long does it take to get an auctioneer license in Georgia?
Completing an approved pre-license education course takes about two weeks. After that, application processing and exam scheduling through PSI typically add a few more weeks, so most candidates are licensed within one to two months of finishing their course, depending on Board meeting timing.
Do I need to take a Georgia state auction exam to become a licensed auctioneer in Georgia?
Yes. Once your license application is approved, you become eligible to sit for the Georgia Auctioneer Laws and Rules Exam, administered by PSI. The Commission does not release actual exam questions in advance, since all licensing exams are confidential and administered under secure conditions.
Can I complete the pre-license education requirement online?
Yes, as long as the provider is a Georgia Auctioneers Commission–approved school. Missouri Auction School's Georgia course is delivered through a combination of live Zoom sessions and on-demand lessons, and satisfies the state's education requirement without requiring travel.
Do I need to be a Georgia resident to get licensed?
The Commission's requirements center on age, education, and passing the exam rather than residency alone; non-resident auctioneers are addressed separately in Commission guidance. Confirm your specific situation with the Georgia Auctioneers Commission if you live out of state.
How often do I need to renew my license, and are there continuing education requirements?
Georgia auctioneer licenses expire every two years, on February 28 of even-numbered years. Renewal requires 8 hours of continuing education completed in the prior two years.
Does a Georgia auctioneer license work in other states?
Georgia offers reciprocal licensing with states that have substantially similar licensing laws, which can simplify getting licensed elsewhere. Many western states don't require a state auction license at all.
How long does the Georgia auctioneer license application process take?
Most people complete the application process in 3-4 weeks. Standard applications typically clear in about 20 business days. The Georgia Auctioneers Commission reviews applications on a Board meeting cycle. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days before a scheduled meeting to make that agenda, or they roll to the next one. Submitting a complete, well-prepared application the first time is the surest way to keep things moving.