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LICENSING


This office issues licenses to those who SELL items at auction.
There is no license needed to attend an auction unless you want to attend a dealer only car auction.
To buy cars at a dealer only car auction, you must contact the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission

 

What License(s) Do I Need to  

Legally Operate in Louisiana? 

Please read then proceed below for application links.

Contact the Board office with any questions BEFORE applying.

All licensing fees are nonrefundable, expire annually on Dec 31st, and are not prorated.

 

LOUISIANA RESIDENTS

 

LIVE OR ONLINE AUCTION:  you need an Auctioneer license.  If bid calling for someone else’s auction, it is your responsibility to ensure that business is properly licensed as an Auction Business in Louisiana. 

 

SINGLE OWNER of the auction business for LIVE OR ONLINE AUCTIONS:  you need an Auctioneer license.  You will be responsible for handling consignments, collecting sales tax, maintaining auction records, escrow account, etc., you may operate under only your Auctioneer license as a resident as long as you are the sole owner of the business.

 

MULTIPLE OWNERS - LIVE OR ONLINE AUCTIONS: you will need an Auction Business license to operate the Auction Business. Each Auctioneer must also be properly licensed.   

 

WANT TO OWN AN AUCTION BUSINESS BUT NOT BE LICENSED AS AN AUCTIONEER: you will need an Auction Business license. Any Auctioneer used must also be licensed in LA.   

As of January 1, 2025, you will need to hire a qualifying party. (see below for full details on qualified party)

 

 

RECIPROCAL AUCTIONEERS: you must reside AND be currently licensed in good standing as an Auctioneer in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia.

 

LIVE OR OLINE AUCTION:  you need an Auctioneer license.  If bid calling for someone else’s auction, it is your responsibility to ensure that business is properly licensed as an Auction Business in Louisiana. 

 

LIVE OR ONLINE AUCTION AND it is your Business/Auction or you have 1 or more business partners: you will need an Auction Business license.  Louisiana has an Auction Business requirement. If you are the owner of the Auction Business in which you will bid call, you are responsible for handling consignments, collecting sales tax, maintaining auction records, etc., you will need an Auction Business license.  Each Auctioneer must also be properly licensed. 

 

As of January 1, 2025, you will need to hire a qualifying party. (see below for full details on qualified party)  

 

You are exempt from this Auction Business license only if you are a resident of Texas, Arkansas, or South Carolina AND you are a sole proprietor AND you are currently licensed in good standing in your home state of Texas, Arkansas, or South Carolina as an Auctioneer. 

 

NON-RESIDENTS AND NON-RECIPROCALS:

 

LIVE OR ONLINE AUCTION:  you need an Auctioneer license.  If bid calling for someone else’s auction, it is your responsibility to ensure that business is properly licensed as an Auction Business in Louisiana. 

 

LIVE OR ONLINE AUCTION AND it is your Business/Auction or you have 1 or more business partners:  Louisiana has an Auction Business requirement. If you are the owner of the auction business in which you will bid call, you are responsible for handling consignments, collecting sales tax, maintaining auction records, etc., you will need an Auction Business license.  Each Auctioneer must also be properly licensed. 

 

As of January 1, 2025, you will need to hire a qualifying party. (see below for full details on qualified party)  

 

QUALIFYING PARTY REQUIREMENTS- EFFECTIVE JAN 1, 2025:

 

An Auction Business applying for a new license or renewal must designate a "qualifying party." 

 

This person must be licensed as a Louisiana Auctioneer and acts as the legal representative of the auction business under state law.

 

(Those who conduct wholesale motor vehicle auctions in compliance with R.S. 32:794 are NOT required to have a qualifying party)" 

 

The qualifying party (who MUST be licensed as LA Auctioneer) can be: 

  • the sole proprietor of the business
  • their spouse
  • a full-time employee of at least 120 days
  • a stockholder, officer, or director
  • a partner
  • a member or manager of the LLC

 

The Board has the authority to approve or deny a qualifying party based on factors such as their experience in the auction business, any legal issues they may have been involved in, and their financial history including bankruptcies or unpaid judgements.

If the qualifying party ceases their association with the Auction Business, the board must be informed in writing within 30 days. a new qualifying party must be designated.

 

Application Requirements 

Alongside the application, Auction Business must submit copies of:

  • The Auctioneer license of the designated qualifying party.
  • A dealer license from the LA Used Motor Vehicle Commission if the business intends to auction 5 or more vehicles in a year.

 




RENEW or MAINTAIN EXISTING LICENSES:

To RENEW or maintain a license, login using the email address you have on file with the Board.

You will use this link throughout the year to update the Board with contact information changes, view surety bond details, and obtain proof of licensure.

Email the Board office if you need assistance or to verify the email address you have on file.

Surety Bond Information


East Baton Rouge Parish Auctions

Holding an auction in East Baton Rouge City/Parish? You must apply for an auction license directly from them in addition to your LA Auctioneer's license. For additional information contact the Department of Finance, Revenue Division at 225-389-3084.

Ordinances

Application