Frequently asked questions: Auctioneers

Do I have to have an auctioneer license if I’m calling for bids for a non-profit organization or on behalf of a political organization?

If you don’t receive compensation for conducting the sale, you aren’t required to be licensed as an auctioneer.

If I don’t receive any wages, but they furnish my lunch, is that considered compensation?

Yes.

Do I have to have an auctioneer license to auction my own items?

If you personally own the goods and you didn’t acquire them for the purpose of reselling them, you aren’t required to get an auctioneer license.

Can I auction vehicles?

A licensed auctioneer can call bids for cars and other motor vehicles. The paperwork for releasing the title to the vehicle must be completed by someone with a dealer’s license.

Can I auction firearms?

See Chapter 3: Additional Information, Rulings, Procedures, and Industry Circulars, ATF Rul. 96-2, Engaging in the Business of Dealing in Firearms (Auctioneers) in the Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide.

Can I auction real estate?

A licensed auctioneer can call bids for real estate. However, you or an associate must be licensed to perform the activities regulated under Washington Real Estate Licensing Law, including earnest money, contracts, and marketing.