Auctioneer Commission
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Who is required to be licensed?
How do I obtain an apprentice license?
How do I obtain an auctioneer license?
How do I obtain an auctioneer firm license?
How do I obtain a gallery license?
How do I obtain a branch license?
How do I obtain a public automobile auctioneer license
How do I obtain a public automobile auction license
How long will it take to process my application?
May I sign up for my licensing exam online?
I passed my exam, what do I do next?
I am licensed in another state and want to operate in Tennessee. Do you have reciprocity agreements with other states? Which states?
Changes in license status:
How do I renew a license?
How far in advance of expiration date should my renewal be completed?
I let my license expire. How do I have it reinstated?
How do I reactivate my retired license?
Can I change my license to inactive status?
I recently updated my status. Why isn’t the change reflected online?
Change of Address/other key information:
Am I required to notify the board if I change my address?
Am I required to notify the board if I change my firm’s address?
Can I change my information online?
Training/Continuing Education:
Is continuing education required?
Is there a list of approved courses, schools, trainers, etc., and how may I obtain a list?
Complaints:
How do I file a complaint against a company/individual?
What happens after I file a complaint?
What can the state do if I have a legitimate grievance?
Misc.:
How do I determine if an individual/company is licensed?
Am I required to notify the board if my job status changes?
How can I get the forms I need?
How do I know when and where regulatory boards meet?
Does this board have a newsletter to which I can subscribe?
Who is required to be licensed?
Anyone person or firm who acts as or advertises as an auctioneer, apprentice auctioneer, or auctioneer firm
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How do I obtain a license?
The following conditions must be met in order to obtain an apprentice license:
- Complete 80-hour approved auction education program
- Retain a copy of the application for your records.
- Complete and submit to testing company (PSI):
- Application for apprentice license
- 80-hour qualifying education certificate
- After receiving notice that you have successfully completed the apprentice exam, remit the appropriate fees to the Tennessee Auctioneer Commission for issuance of your apprentice license. You may begin your apprenticeship upon receipt of your license.
For fee schedule, please refer to application.
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The following steps must be taken in order to obtain an auctioneer license:
- Applicant must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
- Complete an apprenticeship of at least two (2) years under the supervision of a licensed Tennessee auctioneer.
- Complete a 30-hour approved auction education program.
- Retain a copy of the application for your records.
- Complete and submit to testing company (PSI):
- Application for auctioneer license
- 30-hour qualifying education certificate
- Completed apprentice log
- Copy of high school or GED certificate
After receiving notice that you have successfully completed the auctioneer exam, remit the appropriate fees to the Tennessee Auctioneer Commission for issuance of your auctioneer license. You may begin practicing as an auctioneer upon receipt of your license and proper affiliation with a licensed auction firm.
For fee schedule, please refer to application.
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Requirements for firm license, defined as an auction firm of which a licensed Tennessee auctioneer has ownership:
- Complete application
- Escrow account form, completed by bank
- Submit payment of license fees to the Tennessee Auctioneer Commission. For fee schedule, please refer to application.
Licensure for an auction firm when the ownership does not include a licensed Tennessee auctioneer (firm must maintain a principal auctioneer)
- Retain a copy of the application for your records.
- Complete and submit to testing company (PSI):
- Application for firm license
- Escrow account form, completed by bank
- 30-hour qualifying education certificate
- Firm owner's high school diploma or GED certificate
- Submit payment of license fees to the Tennessee Auctioneer Commission. For fee schedule, please refer to application.
Requirements for licensure of a gallery license, which must employ a licensed Tennessee auctioneer but not requiring a principal auctioneer
- Complete and submit to testing company (PSI):
- Application for gallery license
- Escrow account form, completed by bank
- 30-hour qualifying education certificate
- Submit testing fees to the testing company (PSI) at time of examination
- Submit payment of license fees to the Tennessee Auctioneer Commission. For fee schedule, please refer to application.
Requirements for branch license (firm or gallery), which must have same name as principal firm or gallery:
Complete and submit application and payment to Tennessee Auctioneer Commission
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Requirements for obtaining a public automobile auctioneer license:
- Applicant must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age
- Applicant must have served as an auctioneer for a period of two (2) years
- Complete 30-hour qualifying education in automobile auctioneering
- Complete an application and submit to the Tennessee Auctioneer Commission including the above-referenced information along with the total license fee.
| Application fee License fee Recovery fund TOTAL |
$50 $175 $50 $275 |
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Requirements for obtaining a public automobile auction license:
Owner must be licensed in Tennessee as a public automobile auctioneer or must have a Tennessee public automobile auctioneer as principal. Application must be completed and submitted to the Tennessee Auctioneer Commission along with proof of the following and total license fee:
- Letter of compliance with local ordinances from the local zoning authority
- Garagekeeper's legal liability insurance in the amount not less than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000)
- Surety Bond of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) issued by a licensed bonding company
- Financial statement prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles by a certified public accountant or public accountant dated not earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the date of the application along with any changes to the statement. (Must have a minimum net worth of $100,000)
- Business telephone in the auction company name (cellular telephones are not acceptable).
- Local business tax license as required by local applicable law
- Valid motor vehicle dealer license from the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission.
Application fee License fee Recovery fund TOTAL |
$50 $175 $50 $275 |
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How long will it take to process my application?
10-14 days if all requirements have been met
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May I sign up for my licensing exam online?
Contact PSI online or 1-800-733-9267.
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I passed my exam, what do I do next?
When you receive an exam report from PSI indicating you have passed your exam, you will be advised to submit the appropriate license fee to our office.
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I am licensed in another state and want to operate in Tennessee. Do you have reciprocity agreements with other states? Which states?
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
For fee schedule, please refer to information on the appropriate application.
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How do I renew a license?
Renewal applications are mailed 60 days prior to the expiration of your license. Submit the application to our office with the fee indicated on the form or use online renewal.
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How far in advance of expiration date should my renewal be completed?
Renewal applications must completed online or returned and postmarked to our office by the date of expiration.
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I let my license expire. How do I have it reinstated?
You must pay a penalty of $50 plus renewal fee if your license has been expired less than two months, $150 plus renewal fee if more than two months but less than six months, and $200 plus renewal fee if more than six months but less than two years. If your license has been expired for two years or more, you must re-apply.
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How do I retire my license?
Submit a letter requesting that your license be retired, a fee of $150, and your current license.
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How do I reactivate my retired license?
Submit an application with licensing fee requesting that your license be reinstated. For fee schedule, please refer to application.
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Can I change my license to inactive status?
No. You must voluntarily surrender your license, which would require a complete reapplication if you want to reactivate your license. You also may place your license in retirement to avoid re-examination.
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I recently updated my status. Why isn’t the change reflected online?
Your status will change online the business day after it is processed and approved by our office.
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Am I required to notify the board if I change my address?
Yes
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Am I required to notify the board if I change my firm’s address?
Yes
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Can I change my information online?
No. Only renewals may be processed online.
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Is continuing education required?
Yes. Auctioneers are required to complete 6 hours of continuing education
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Are courses available online?
Yes
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Is there a list of approved courses, schools, trainers, etc., and how may I obtain a list?
A list is posted on our Web site.
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How do I file a complaint against a company/individual?
Complete and submit a complaint form. Forms are available online or by request at 615 741-3600.
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What happens after I file a complaint?
Your complaint will be processed by our complaint coordinator who will forward a copy to the company for their response. The response will reviewed to determine if further investigation or disciplinary action by the Commission may be necessary.
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What can the state do if I have a legitimate grievance?
If you have a grievance against a person or business regulated by the Auctioneer Commission, you may file a complaint with our office or may consider consulting legal counsel.
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How do I determine if an individual/company is licensed?
License Search is available online.
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Am I required to notify the board if my job status changes?
Yes. Auctioneers and apprentices must be affiliated with a firm or gallery.
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How can I get the forms I need?
From our Forms and Downloads section or by calling the Auctioneer Commission at 615 741-3600.
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How do I know when and where regulatory boards meet?
Calendars and agendas are available online.
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Does this board have a newsletter to which I can subscribe?
Yes. You may subscribe or unsubscribe online.
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