Massachusetts· State Reference
Massachusetts Auctioneer
License Requirements
To become a licensed auctioneer in Massachusetts, you must be a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old, complete a course at a school recognized by the Division of Standards, pass the written exam, obtain a $10,000 surety bond, and submit two letters of recommendation.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Education: complete a course of study at a school recognized by the Deputy Director of the Division of Standards
- Exam requirement: pass the written examination, administered at the end of the school program
- Surety bond: a $10,000 bond issued in your own individual name and signed by you personally once received
- Letters of recommendation: two signed letters from different sources, each from a licensed auctioneer, an elected public official, or an attorney licensed in Massachusetts
- Application fee: $100 license fee, plus an additional $100 if applying in person
- Renewal cycle: licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance, no continuing education required
Step by Step Process
- Complete an approved auctioneer course. Enroll at a school recognized by the Division of Standards. The Missouri Auction School is an officially certified institution approved by Massachusetts to fulfill the state's mandatory pre-licensing auction education requirements. The written exam is administered at the end of the program.
- Pass the written examination.
- Obtain your surety bond. Secure a $10,000 bond in your own individual name, and sign it personally once received.
- Gather two letters of recommendation. Each must come from a different source: a licensed auctioneer, an elected official, or a Massachusetts attorney.
- Submit your application. Apply online through the Division of Standards' registration portal with your course diploma or certificate, bond, recommendation letters, and the $100 license fee.
Costs
| Step | Cost |
|---|---|
| License fee | $100 |
| In person application fee | Additional $100 |
| Surety bond | $10,000 bond (premium varies but approximately $100) |
| Continuing education | None required |
Fees are set by the Division of Standards and are subject to change.
License Renewal
Massachusetts auctioneer licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance, on a rolling term based on when you were originally licensed. No continuing education is required for renewal.
Reciprocity
Massachusetts has reciprocal agreements with several states including Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Source: National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association
Ready to get your Massachusetts auction license? The Missouri Auction School is an officially certified institution approved by Massachusetts to fulfill the state's mandatory pre-licensing auction education requirements.
See our Massachusetts course →- Mass.gov, Auctioneer Licensing, mass.gov
- Mass.gov, Apply for a New Auctioneer License, mass.gov
- Massachusetts General Laws governing auctioneers, Division of Standards, Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
- NC Auctioneers Licensing Board, Reciprocal Licensing States, ncalb.org
- National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an auctioneer license in Massachusetts?
The written exam is administered at the end of your auctioneer school program, so your timeline largely follows your course schedule, plus time to gather your bond and recommendation letters before submitting your application.
Do I need to take an exam to become a licensed auctioneer in Massachusetts?
Yes. A written examination is required, administered as part of completing an approved auctioneer school program.
Do I need a bond to get licensed in Massachusetts?
Yes. A $10,000 surety bond is required, which must be in your own individual name, not a business name, and signed by you personally.
How long does a Massachusetts auctioneer license last?
One year from your date of issuance, on a rolling term based on when you were originally licensed.
Do I need continuing education to renew my Massachusetts license?
No. Massachusetts does not require continuing education for renewal, unlike many states.