Ohio · State Reference
Ohio Auctioneer
License Requirements
To become a licensed auctioneer in Ohio, you must be at least 18 years old, complete an approved auction school course, pass an exam administered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and obtain a $25,000 surety bond (or qualify for Ohio's Auction Recovery Fund instead).
Requirements Checklist
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must have successfully completed a course of study in auctioneering at a school approved by the Ohio Auctioneers Commission.
- Must pass an auction exam administered by the Department of Agriculture.
- Must obtain a $25,000 surety bond (unless you qualify for Ohio's Auction Recovery Fund instead).
- Must pay the applicable license and examination fees.
Step by Step Process
- Complete an Ohio Auctioneers Commission approved auction school course.
- Assemble your application through Ohio's eLicense portal.
- Submit your application no earlier than 30 days and no later than 14 days before your intended examination date.
- Take the auction exam. It is administered directly by the Ohio Department of Agriculture at their headquarters in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, generally on a monthly schedule. Specific dates are scheduled by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. See Ohio Auction Exam Dates.
- Receive your license upon passing the exam and meeting all documentation requirements.
Timeline and Cost
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| License fee, applying at the start of a two year term | $200 |
| License fee, applying mid term | $100 |
| Examination fee | $25 |
| Surety bond, individual auctioneer | $25,000 |
| Continuing education, per renewal | 8 hours every two years |
Fees are set by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and are subject to change.
License Renewal, an Alphabetical Split Worth Knowing
Ohio auctioneer and auction firm licenses are issued every two years, but expiration is staggered by name to balance the agency's workload. Your specific expiration year is determined by the first letter of your last name or business name.
A $100 late fee applies after July 1. If you miss September 1, you will need to complete the entire initial license process again.
Four License Types
Ohio's Auctioneer Program issues four distinct license types.
- Individual auctioneer license, the standard credential.
- Auctioneer corporation, LLC, partnership, or association license.
- Auction firm license, for businesses providing auction services. Requires designating a firm manager with real operational authority, who must pass a written exam if not already a licensed individual auctioneer.
- One time auctioneer license, a license for one auction, one time, for out of state auctioneers. Very limited use.
Auction Firms Cannot Call Their Own Bids
Ohio law specifically prohibits an auction firm from conducting the bid calling itself at a live auction. A licensed individual auctioneer must always be the one calling bids, even when a firm manages, arranges, sponsors, or takes consignments for the auction.
Reciprocity
Ohio offers a reciprocal license, without further examination, to applicants who reside in and are currently licensed as an auctioneer in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, or West Virginia.
Source: National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association.
Ready to become an Ohio licensed auctioneer?
View the Ohio CourseSources
- Ohio Department of Agriculture, Auctioneers Program
- Ohio Revised Code Section 4707.02, license required, exemptions
- Ohio Revised Code Section 4707.07, individual auctioneer license requirements, reciprocity
- Ohio Revised Code Section 4707.074, auction firm license requirements
- Ohio Revised Code Section 4707.11, bond requirements
- Ohio House Bill 321 (2022) and House Bill 507 (2023), online auction licensing provisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take an exam to become a licensed auctioneer in Ohio?
Yes. The exam is administered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Does an out of state auctioneer license work in Ohio?
Very likely yes. Ohio offers a reciprocal license, without further examination, to applicants who reside in and are currently licensed as an auctioneer in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, or West Virginia. Source: National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association.
How often do I need to renew my Ohio license?
Every two years, with your specific expiration year determined by the first letter of your last name or business name.
What happens if I miss my Ohio renewal deadline?
A $100 late fee applies after July 1. If you miss September 1, you will need to complete the entire initial license process again.
Can an auction firm call its own bids in Ohio?
No. Ohio law requires a licensed individual auctioneer to conduct bid calling at any live auction, even when a firm is managing or sponsoring the sale.