District of Columbia · Jurisdiction Reference
District of Columbia Auctioneer
License Requirements
Washington, D.C. does not have a separate auctioneer licensing board. There is no auction exam. Auctioneering is regulated as a licensed business activity through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. A Basic Business License covering Auction Sales is required.
Requirements
- A Basic Business License covering Auction Sales is required. This is issued by Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), not a separate professional licensing board, and is applied for online through the DC Business Portal.
- Fingerprints through the Metropolitan Police Department.
- Submit supporting documents with your application.
Fingerprint Requirement
An applicant must have three sets of fingerprints taken by the Metropolitan Police Department, which become part of the application. Applicants who live outside the District can have this done by their local police department or a comparable authority instead, provided the fingerprints are accompanied by a sworn affidavit from whoever took them. Fingerprints are then run through the FBI and any other authorities the Chief of Police deems necessary. A signed Statement of Approval from MPD is required before the license can be issued.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents required with the application include a sworn affidavit, a Certificate of Occupancy if applicable, corporate registration if applicable, a legible copy of a driver's license, a police criminal history report, proof of residency if applicable and age, and a Tax Registration and Clean Hands Certificate confirming no outstanding debt to the District.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2 year Auction Sales license | $99 |
| 4 year Auction Sales license | $198 |
| 6 month license, for temporary auction sales activity | $49 |
Fees are set by DLCP and are subject to change.
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View the District of Columbia CourseSources
- DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Auction Sales business licensing page
- D.C. Municipal Regulations, Title 16, Chapter 16-11, Auctions and Auctioneers, Section 16-1101
- Code of the District of Columbia, Section 47-2808, repealed by D.C. Law 24-333
- DC Business Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to be an auctioneer in Washington, D.C.?
Yes. DC requires an Auction Sales business license issued by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, which functions as the District's auctioneer license.
Do I need a background check to get licensed in DC?
Yes. Applicants must submit three sets of fingerprints through the Metropolitan Police Department, along with a police criminal history report and a signed Statement of Approval from MPD before the license can be issued.
What if I do not live in the District of Columbia?
Nonresident applicants can have fingerprints taken by their home police department or a comparable authority instead of MPD, as long as that authority provides a sworn affidavit confirming the fingerprints belong to the applicant.
How much does an Auction Sales license cost in DC?
A 2 year license is $99 and a 4 year license is $198. A 6 month license is available for $49, intended for temporary auction sales activity.