Missouri · State Reference
Missouri Auctioneer
License Requirements
To become a licensed auctioneer in Missouri, you must obtain a state auctioneer license from the County Clerk or County Collector in one Missouri county, under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 343.010. There is no auction exam to get a license. Once issued, your license is valid statewide for its full term.
State Law Administered by County
Missouri does require an auctioneer license. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 343.010 states that no person shall exercise the trade or business of a public auctioneer by selling goods, property, or real estate without a license.
Missouri does not run a single, central state licensing board. The license is administered at the county level.
Requirements Checklist
- A license is required to sell as a public auctioneer in Missouri.
- Missouri has no central state licensing board. Licenses are issued at the county level.
- Apply through the County Clerk's or County Collector's office, depending on the county.
- A license issued in any Missouri county is valid statewide for the period for which it is issued.
- Licenses are issued to individuals, not companies. Each auctioneer working for a multi auctioneer business needs their own license.
- There is no auction exam.
- Fees and license terms vary by county. Some counties offer one month, three month, six month, or twelve month terms.
Step by Step Process
- Choose the Missouri county where you will apply. Since a license from any county is valid statewide, many auctioneers choose whichever county is most convenient or offers the best terms.
- Contact that county's Clerk's or Collector's office. Confirm current fees.
- Submit your application and pay the fee for the license term you select.
- Receive your county issued auctioneer license. It is valid throughout Missouri for the term you chose, not just in the issuing county.
Costs and License Terms
| County | Fees and Terms |
|---|---|
| Contact the County's Clerk's or Collector's office | Fees range from $10 to $50, depending on the license term selected |
Fees and terms are set by each county and are subject to change.
Who Does Not Need a License
- Sales conducted by or under the jurisdiction of a court.
- Sales conducted pursuant to a judicial judgment or order.
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- Missouri Revised Statutes Section 343.010, Auctioneers must have license, auctioneer defined, via the Missouri Revisor of Statutes
- Missouri Revised Statutes Section 343.080, license fees and statewide validity
- Clay County, Missouri, Licenses and Permits
- Boone County, Missouri, Auctioneer License
- Lincoln County, Missouri, Auctioneer and Liquor Permits
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Missouri require an auctioneer license?
Yes. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 343.010 requires a license to work as a public auctioneer, though it is administered by individual counties rather than a central state board. This is a registration system and does not require an auction exam.
Where do I apply for a Missouri auctioneer license?
Through the County Clerk's or County Collector's office in the county where you apply. This varies by county, so check with your specific county government. Once issued, your license is valid in every Missouri county for its full term.
Do I need a separate license in every Missouri county where I want to auction?
No. A Missouri auctioneer license issued in any one county is valid statewide, per Section 343.080(2). You only need to obtain it once.
How much does a Missouri auctioneer license cost?
Fees vary by county and by the license term you select. Some counties offer fees as low as $10 for shorter terms. Confirm current fees and available terms directly with your county.