Minnesota· State Reference
Minnesota Auctioneer
License Requirements
Minnesota requires anyone who conducts the business of an auctioneer to hold an auctioneer's license. The auctioneer license is issued not by a central state board but by the auditor of the county where you apply, though every county follows the same requirements under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 330.
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Residency: Minnesota residents must have lived in the county of application for at least 6 months immediately before applying
- Application: submit a completed application to the county auditor
- Surety bond: an original corporate surety bond between $1,000 and $3,000, with the amount set by the county treasurer and payable to the county
- Application fee: $20, paid into the county treasury
- Renewal cycle: licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually through the same county office
Step by Step Process
- Identify the correct county. Minnesota residents apply in their county of residence, and the county auditor's office administers the license.
- Complete the application for that specific county. Forms are standardized around the state statute but distributed individually by each county.
- Obtain your original corporate surety bond. The amount ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, set by the county treasurer. Copies are not accepted, it must be an original.
- Pay the $20 license fee to the county.
- Receive your license. It is valid for one year and specific to the issuing county, with an individual identifying license number.
Costs
| Step | Cost |
|---|---|
| License fee | $20 |
| Surety bond | $1,000 to $3,000 bond, premium approximately $100 |
| License term | 1 year |
Fees are set at the county level within the statutory framework and are subject to change.
License Renewal
Minnesota auctioneer licenses are valid for one year from issuance and must be renewed annually through the same county office. If you change addresses, you must notify the county auditor in writing within 30 days.
Partnerships and Corporations
If auctioneers combine into partnerships or corporations, every individual member and every agent conducting auction sales on the entity's behalf must be individually licensed. The business structure does not substitute for individual licensing.
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See our Minnesota course →- Minnesota Statutes Chapter 330, Auctioneers, Sections 330.01 through 330.13, revisor.mn.gov
- Minnesota Statutes Section 330.11, Application by Nonresident, revisor.mn.gov
- Minnesota eLicense, Auctioneer License, mn.gov/elicense
- Hennepin County, Auctioneer's License, hennepincounty.gov
- Clay County, Auctioneer License, claycountymn.gov
- Scott County, Dakota County, Becker County, Sibley County, Otter Tail County, and Ramsey County, individual Auctioneer License pages, all confirming consistent statutory requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Minnesota require an auctioneer license?
Yes. Minnesota requires licensing under state law, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 330, but administers it through county auditors rather than a central state board.
Where do I apply for a Minnesota auctioneer license?
Through the auditor's office of your Minnesota county of residence. Every county follows the same state statute, though application logistics like mailing address and accepted payment methods vary by county office.
How much does a Minnesota auctioneer license cost?
The state fee is $20, consistent across counties, plus your surety bond. The bond amount ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, with the actual premium cost typically around $100.