Michigan· State Reference
How Auctioneering Works in Michigan
(No State License Required)
Michigan does not require a state-issued license or registration to work as an auctioneer. The state repealed its auctioneer registration program in 2014.
- No state auction license: Michigan does not require a state auctioneer license or registration
- Repeal effective: statewide auctioneer registration was repealed effective June 21, 2014
- Local licensing: cities and counties may enact their own ordinances licensing or regulating auctioneers.
Michigan's Regulatory History
Before 2014, Michigan required a lighter auctioneer registration under Article 29 of the Occupational Code. The Legislature considered upgrading that registration into a full licensing framework, with a Board of Auctioneers, examinations, and a performance bond, in bills introduced around 1999 and 2000 and again in 2001 and 2002. None of those proposals passed. In 2014, the Legislature went the other direction and repealed registration entirely, citing that the program cost more to administer than it collected in fees.
Local Licensing
Since the state does not govern auctioneering, local requirements vary. Cities and counties have authority to license and regulate public auctions. Always confirm requirements directly with the specific city or county where you plan to hold your auction.
Why Education Still Matters
Michigan doesn't require an exam, but understanding the fundamentals of the chant, contract handling, ethics, and running a professional auction business is precisely the kind of practical knowledge that protects you from avoidable mistakes.
Ready to become an auctioneer in Michigan? Missouri Auction School's Michigan course covers the chant and auction business fundamentals.
See our Michigan course →- Michigan LARA, Auctioneer Registration Is No Longer Required, michigan.gov/lara
- 2014 Public Act 151, repealing Article 29 of the Occupational Code, and 2014 Public Act 152, repealing related fees, legislature.mi.gov
- Michigan Public Act 224 of 1955, MCL 446.51 et seq., new merchandise auction licensing, legislature.mi.gov
- Michigan Senate Bill 476 (2013 to 2014) analysis, House Bill 4388 through 4390 (1999 to 2000), and House Bill 4119 (2001 to 2002) analyses, legislative history of Michigan's auctioneer regulation attempts
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to be an auctioneer in Michigan?
No. Michigan repealed its statewide auctioneer registration requirement in 2014.
Did Michigan always have no state auctioneer requirement?
No. Michigan required auctioneer registration until 2014, when the Legislature repealed it. Michigan had considered upgrading that registration into a full licensing system in the years before the repeal, but those proposals never passed, and the state ultimately abolished the lighter registration requirement instead.
Do Michigan cities and counties regulate auctions on their own?
Some do, most don't. Local rules vary. Some municipalities require licenses, permits, or bonds, others don't. Always check directly with your specific city or county.
If Michigan doesn't require a state license, why take an auctioneer course?
Because the professional fundamentals matter regardless of licensing status, and understanding exactly where Michigan's new merchandise carve out and local municipal rules apply is the kind of practical knowledge that keeps you compliant without guesswork.