• Minimum age: 18 years old
• Pre-licensing education: complete an approved auction school course (or serve a one-year apprenticeship under a Louisiana auctioneer licensed for at least five consecutive years if you are a Louisiana resident)
• Surety bond: a $10,000 bond issued in your individual name, not a business name, running through December 31
• Sales tax registration: Louisiana Department of Revenue sales tax registration (or a signed sales tax waiver if you do not collect sales tax)
• Exam requirement: pass the Louisiana auction examination
• Application fee: $300, covering the application, exam, and initial license
• Renewal cycle: licenses expire December 31 each year, renew by January 1 to avoid a late penalty

Step by Step Process

1. Meet the general eligibility requirements. Be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and of good moral character.
2. Complete your pre-license auction education (or apprenticeship pathway). Complete pre-license auction education at an approved auction school (or serve a one year apprenticeship under a supervising Louisiana auctioneer licensed for at least five consecutive years).
3. Secure your surety bond and sales tax registration. Obtain a $10,000 surety bond in your individual name and register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue (or complete the sales tax waiver section of your application).
4. Submit your application and fees. Applications are processed through the Certemy online licensing portal and must be submitted at least two weeks before a scheduled auction board meeting.
5. Pass the written examination. Once your application is approved, the board will contact you to schedule your exam, typically administered the week before the board meeting.

Costs

Fees are set by the Louisiana Auctioneers Licensing Board and are subject to change.

License Renewal

Louisiana auctioneer licenses run on a calendar year basis, from January 1 through December 31. Renewed licenses are issued by January 10 each year, and a $75 late penalty applies if you renew after January 1.

Business License Requirements

A sole owner of an auction business, live or online, only needs an individual Auctioneer license and is responsible for consignments, sales tax collection, records, and escrow. An auction business with more than one owner must also hold a separate Auction Business license and designate a licensed Louisiana auctioneer as its qualifying party.

Reciprocity

Louisiana offers a reciprocal license, without further examination, to applicants who reside in and are currently licensed as an auctioneer in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia.

Source: National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association