Mississippi · State Reference
Mississippi Auctioneer
License Requirements
To become a licensed auctioneer in Mississippi, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, graduate from a Commission approved auction school, pass the state auction exam, obtain a $10,000 surety bond, and submit a complete application.
Requirements Checklist
- Must be at least 18 years of age by the license issuance date.
- Must hold a high school diploma or GED.
- Must hold a diploma from a Commission approved auction school.
- Must pass the Mississippi auction exam (unless applying through reciprocity from out-of-state).
- Must obtain a $10,000 surety bond.
- Must provide a notarized copy of your voter registration card, a clear photocopy of your driver's license and personal references.
- Must submit the completed state application with required fees.
- Reciprocal out-of-state applicants provide letters of good standing from their home state instead of taking the exam.
Step by Step Process
- Complete a Commission approved auction school. Missouri Auction School's Mississippi course satisfies this requirement and prepares you for the state exam.
- Gather your supporting documents. You will need a notarized copy of your voter registration card, a clear photocopy of your driver's license, and personal references.
- Obtain your $10,000 surety bond through a licensed bonding company. Typical premiums run $100 to $200 a year.
- Pass the Mississippi auction exam. Reciprocal out-of-state applicants may submit letters of good standing instead of testing.
- Submit your complete application with all required fees to the Mississippi Auctioneer Commission.
- Receive your license, valid for a two year term.
Costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Examination fee | $100 |
| License fee, Mississippi resident | $200 every two years |
| License fee, out-of-state resident | $450 every two years |
| Surety bond | $10,000 bond (bond cost approximately $100 to $200) |
Fees are set by the Mississippi Auctioneer Commission and are subject to change.
License Renewal
Mississippi auctioneer licenses run on a two year term, expiring March 1 at the end of that period. No continuing education is required for renewal, and Mississippi does not offer temporary permits or licenses of any kind.
A Few Rules Worth Knowing
Real estate auctions. If you conduct real estate auctions in Mississippi, whether you are only calling bids or handling the full transaction including closing, you also need a Mississippi real estate license in addition to your auctioneer license.
Tobacco auctions. Mississippi prohibits licensed auctioneers and auction firms from auctioning tobacco products, under FDA Center for Tobacco Products regulations.
Online auctions. Since July 1, 2019, the Mississippi Auctioneer Commission has required an auctioneer license, a firm license, or both to conduct auctions online in Mississippi, the same as an in person auction.
Contracts and recordkeeping. Any buyer's premium or other fee must be included in the written contract with the property owner or consignor, not arranged separately. Copies of every written contract must be kept for two years from the date of the auction.
Exemptions
Mississippi law exempts several categories from the licensing requirement, including bankruptcy sales, sales by the U.S. government or the State of Mississippi, sales by a charity or nonprofit organization, sales of an individual's own personal property, foreclosure sales, sales by sealed bid, stockyard sales as defined under the Federal Packers Act of 1921, and livestock sales by nonprofit associations. Source: Mississippi Code of 1972, Title 73, Chapter 4, the Mississippi Auctioneers Licensing Act.
Reciprocity
Mississippi has reciprocal agreements with a number of states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Source: National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association.
Ready to meet Mississippi's education requirement? Missouri Auction School's Mississippi Auctioneer License Course is a Mississippi approved pre-license education course.
View the Mississippi CourseSources
- Mississippi Auctioneer Commission, Frequently Asked Questions
- Mississippi Code of 1972, Title 73, Chapter 4, the Mississippi Auctioneers Licensing Act, including 2013 amendments under House Bill 1165
- National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association, Mississippi
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an auctioneer license in Mississippi?
Your timeline depends mainly on completing an approved auction school and passing the state auction exam. There is no temporary permit option in Mississippi, so plan to complete the full process before conducting your first Mississippi auction.
Do I need to take an exam to become a licensed auctioneer in Mississippi?
Yes, unless you are applying through reciprocity from a qualifying state, in which case letters of good standing substitute for the exam.
Do I need a real estate license to work real estate auctions in Mississippi?
Yes. Whether you are only calling bids or handling the full auction including closing, Mississippi requires a real estate license in addition to your auctioneer license.
Can I auction tobacco products in Mississippi?
No. Mississippi specifically prohibits licensed auctioneers and auction firms from auctioning tobacco products, under FDA Center for Tobacco Products regulations. Source: Mississippi Auctioneer Commission.
How often do I need to renew my Mississippi auctioneer license?
Every two years, expiring March 1.
Do I need a license to run auctions online in Mississippi?
Yes. Since July 1, 2019, the Mississippi Auctioneer Commission has required an auctioneer license, a firm license, or both to conduct auctions online in Mississippi, the same as an in person auction.