New Jersey · State Reference
New Jersey Auctioneer
Requirements
New Jersey does not have a state auction license. There is no auction exam.
Requirements Checklist
- No state auctioneer license.
- State law authorizes municipalities to regulate and license auctions and auctioneers on their own, under New Jersey Statutes Annotated Sections 40:48-1(8) and 40:52-1(i) and (j).
- Cities may regulate public auctions under Section 45:17-5.
- City requirements may vary. Check with your specific city or township directly.
Local Requirements
If you are planning to auction in one of New Jersey's historically largest cities, do not assume that because New Jersey does not have a state auction license that cities do not have an auction license. Section 45:17-5 allows cities to regulate auctions.
City Requirements May Vary
A few examples show just how differently New Jersey municipalities approach this.
| Municipality | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Manalapan Township | $25 annual auctioneer's license fee, plus a separate auction permit for each specific premises |
| City of Newark | $2,000 bond for general auction business licensing. Jewelry auctions require at least two years of continuous, established jewelry business in the city beforehand |
| City of Paterson | $5,000 bond |
These are examples only. Requirements and fees are set independently by each municipality and are subject to change. Confirm current requirements with the specific city or township where you plan to operate.
Why Education Still Matters Without a State Licensing Exam
New Jersey does not require an exam, but understanding the fundamentals, including the chant, contract handling, ethics, and running a professional auction business, is precisely the kind of practical knowledge that protects you from avoidable mistakes.
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View the New Jersey CourseSources
- New Jersey Statutes Annotated Sections 40:48-1(8) and 40:52-1(i) and (j), municipal licensing authority
- New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 45:17-5, licensed auctioneers required in cities of the first class
- City of Newark, New Jersey, Municipal Code, Chapter 8:1, Auctions and Auctioneers
- City of Paterson, New Jersey, Municipal Code, Chapter 125, Auctions and Auctioneers
- Township of Manalapan, New Jersey, Municipal Code, Auctions and Auctioneering
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to be an auctioneer in New Jersey?
No, not at the state level. However, some cities have their own licensing requirements.
How much does it cost to get licensed as an auctioneer in New Jersey?
It depends entirely on the city, since there is no state auction license. Check your specific city or township directly.