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Michigan does not require a state license for auctioneers. Michigan eliminated state auctioneer licensing as of June 2014.
Auctioneer — AUC/CAI
Governing Authority
No state licensing board (formerly LARA / Bureau of Commercial Services, Board of Auctioneers — abolished by Public Act 151 of 2014)
No
License Required
Not Required
Surety Bond
0 hrs
Pre-Licensing Hrs
Not Required
State Exam
0 hrs
CE Hours
Varies
Total Initial Fees
Pre-Licensing Education & Apprenticeship
VerifiedPre-Licensing Education
Not Required
Hours Required
0 hours
Approved Programs
No state-mandated education requirements; no state auctioneer licensing
Apprenticeship
Not Required
Auctioneer pre-licensing education requirements vary significantly by state, ranging from 0 to 85 hours. Programs typically cover auction law, UCC Article 2, contract law, ethics, bid calling techniques, trust account management, and marketing. Some states require apprenticeship under a licensed auctioneer. The NAA (National Auctioneers Association) offers education through the CAI (Certified Auctioneers Institute) program.
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Bond & Financial Requirements
VerifiedSurety Bond Not Required
Consumer Protection Bond
Bond Details
No state surety bond requirement for auctioneers
Surety bonds protect consumers against fraud, misrepresentation, and failure to remit auction proceeds. Bond amounts vary significantly by state, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The bond premium (annual cost) is typically 1-5% of the bond amount, depending on the applicant's credit history. Bonds must be maintained throughout the license period and renewed with the license.
Not sure if you need a auctioneer license? Check whether your state requires one.
Examination Requirements
VerifiedWritten Exam Not Required
State Licensing Examination
No State Exam
State-Specific Exam
Auctioneer examinations typically cover state auction law, the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC Article 2), contract law, ethics, trust account management, bid calling procedures, and state-specific regulations. Passing scores generally range from 70% to 75%. Some states administer their own exams while others accept the NAA examination or equivalent.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Auctioneer Exam Study Guides
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Auctioneer Licensing Exam
Prepare for your Auctioneer Licensing Exam with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
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Preparation materials for your auctioneer licensing exam.
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State Licensing Requirements
VerifiedNo State License Required
Michigan eliminated state auctioneer licensing as of June 2014.
Approximately 33 states require licensure for auctioneers. States that do not require licensing include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon. Even in non-licensing states, local permits or business licenses may be required.
Practice Scope & Auction Types
VerifiedReal Property
Authorized
Personal Property
Authorized
Online Auctions
No state-level auctioneer licensing requirements for online auctions
Livestock
Livestock auctions may require additional USDA-regulated market licensing and compliance with state agriculture department rules
Exemptions
No state auctioneer license required; charity auctions are not subject to state auctioneer regulation
Auctioneers conduct sales of personal property, real estate, livestock, vehicles, equipment, antiques, art, and other goods through competitive bidding. Many states exempt certain auction types from licensing, including charity auctions, government surplus sales, judicial sales, estate sales, and agricultural auctions. Real estate auctions typically require a separate real estate license in addition to the auctioneer license.
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Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedEndorsement Available
No
Comity Available
No
Most states that license auctioneers offer reciprocity or endorsement for licensed auctioneers from other states. Requirements typically include verification of current licensure, meeting education and examination requirements, obtaining the required surety bond, and completing a background check. Some states may require a state-specific examination. Reciprocity agreements vary and should be verified with the specific state licensing authority.
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See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Michigan eliminated state auctioneer licensing as of June 2014. Auctioneers are no longer required to be licensed by the state. Local licensing may still apply in some municipalities.
Michigan eliminated state auctioneer licensing as of June 2014.
Auctioneers are no longer required to be licensed by the state.
Local municipalities may have their own licensing requirements.
General consumer protection laws still apply.
There is no interstate compact for auctioneers.
Auctioneer requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan (you) | — | 4–14 wks | |
| Illinois | $200 (license fee) | 5–16 wks | → |
| Indiana | $180 (includes $35 application, $75 exam, $70 license) plus Recovery Fund contribution | 7–20 wks | → |
| Ohio | $228.50 (includes $25 exam, $200 license, $3.50 processing) | 5–16 wks | → |
| Wisconsin | $173 (includes $47 credential fee and $126 exam fee) | 5–16 wks | → |
See how Michigan compares: Auctioneer License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Auctioneer licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Michigan compare to other states for auctioneer? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Michigan.
Auctioneer Schools in Michigan
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Michigan? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Auctioneer license to Michigan →
Transfer your Auctioneer license from Michigan to: Indiana → | Ohio → | Wisconsin →
Michigan does not require licensure for auctioneers. All licensing is managed through the No state licensing board (formerly LARA / Bureau of Commercial Services, Board of Auctioneers — abolished by Public Act 151 of 2014).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.