Indiana · State Reference
Indiana Auctioneer License Requirements
To become a licensed auctioneer in Indiana, you must be at least 18 years old, complete auction school from a course provider approved by the Indiana Auctioneer Commission, pass an examination, and submit a completed application with the required fees. Indiana licenses are notably long lived compared to most states: once issued, an auctioneer license is valid for four years.
Requirements Checklist
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must complete auction school from a Commission approved course provider.
- Must not have a disqualifying criminal conviction, which is grounds for disciplinary action.
- Must pass a Commission approved examination, offered six times per year at the Indiana Government Center South in Indianapolis.
- Must submit a completed application with required documentation and nonrefundable fees.
Step-by-Step Process
-
Complete auction school at Commission approved auction instruction. Confirm your course provider's approval status directly with the Commission before enrolling.
-
Submit your application for examination to the Indiana Auctioneer Commission, including your course completion certificate, application fee, and any required documentation.
-
Sit for the exam. Exams are held six times per year at the Indiana Government Center South.
-
Pass the exam and receive your license, valid for a four year term.
Costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $70.00 (payable upon submitting the initial application for licensure by examination) |
| Examination fee | $35.00 (payable for taking the auctioneer examination) |
| License term | 4 years |
| Continuing education per renewal cycle (4 years) | 16 hours |
Fees are set by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and Auctioneer Commission and are subject to change.
License Renewal
Indiana auctioneer licenses run on an unusually long four year cycle. Most states renew every one or two years. Renewal requires 16 hours of continuing education from a Commission approved provider during the four year period, ending February 28 of every fourth year.
If your license lapses, it can be reinstated up to four years after expiration under standard reinstatement requirements. If it's expired more than four years, a more involved reinstatement process applies.
Auction Companies and Auction Houses
Indiana licenses auction companies and auction houses separately from individual auctioneers, each on the same four year license term structure. If you're planning to operate as a business entity rather than just an individually licensed auctioneer, a separate license application applies.
Reciprocity
Indiana has reciprocal agreements with the following states. Auctioneers licensed in one of these states can qualify for an Indiana auctioneer license through reciprocity: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Source: National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association
Sources
- Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Auctioneers Licensing Information: in.gov/pla/professions/auctioneers-home/auctioneers-licensing-information
- Indiana Code Title 25, Article 6.1, Chapter 3 (Licensing): iga.in.gov
- Indiana Auctioneer Commission, Application for Examination for Auctioneer License (official PDF): in.gov/pla
- National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association, Indiana licensing and reciprocity requirements
Ready to meet Indiana's education and exam requirements?
See our Indiana course →Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an auctioneer license in Indiana?
Completing auction school, followed by exam scheduling, is the first step. Exams are only offered six times per year, so timing your application around the exam calendar matters for how quickly you can get licensed.
Do I need to take an exam to become a licensed auctioneer in Indiana?
Yes, unless you qualify for the Commission's reciprocity waiver as a nonresident applicant from a state with a reciprocal relationship with Indiana.
How long does an Indiana auctioneer license last?
Four years.
How many continuing education hours do I need for renewal?
16 hours over the four year license period.
Does an out of state auctioneer license work in Indiana?
Potentially, through Indiana's reciprocity provisions. If your home state's requirements are substantially equal to Indiana's and your state grants the same privileges to Indiana licensees, you may be able to skip the exam requirement.