Auctioneer License

Resident Auctioneer

An Auctioneer License is required by any individual conducting the business of an Auctioneer in the State of Minnesota. To qualify for a license an applicant must be:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Resident of the county in which you submit your application for 6 months prior to the date of your application

Application Process (New & Renewal)

In order to apply, the following forms must be completed and accepted prior to issuing a license. Forms can be downloaded online, but must be completed, printed, signed and mailed or delivered to the Auditor's Office located in the Clay County Government Center at:
3510 12th Ave S 
Moorhead, MN 56560 

Applications / Forms

  1. Application for Auctioneer License - New or Renewal (PDF)
  2. License Applicant Information Form (PDF)
  3. Minnesota Workers' Comp Form (PDF)

Original Corporate Surety Bond

An original Corporate Surety Bond for Auctioneers in the amount of $1,000 - $3,000 must accompany the license application (copies are not acceptable; it must be an original).

The bond should be made payable to Clay County.

License Length of Life

Licenses are valid 1 year from the date of issuance.

Fees

A new or renewal license is $20.

We accept cash, check or money order. Checks should be made payable to the Clay County Auditor.

Nonresident Auctioneer

An Auctioneer License is required by any nonresident in order to conduct an auction within the State of Minnesota. A resident of another state which issues Auctioneer License to Minnesota citizens on the same or similar basis as the citizens of the applicant's state may be licensed as an auctioneer in the State of Minnesota, after complying with Minnesota laws related to the Auctioneer License. An applicant must establish reciprocity prior to issuance of a nonresident Auctioneer License.

To qualify for a license an applicant must be:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Resident of the county and state you are claiming residency for 6 months prior to the date of your application

Application Process (New & Renewal)

In order to apply, the following forms must be completed and accepted prior to issuing a license. Forms can be downloaded online, but must be completed, printed, signed and mailed or delivered to the Auditor's Office located in the Clay County Government Center at:
3510 12th Ave S 
Moorhead, MN 56560  

Applications / Forms

  1. Application for Auctioneer License - New or Renewal (PDF)
  2. Irrevocable Consent Form (PDF)
  3. License Applicant Information Form (PDF)
  4. Minnesota Workers' Comp Form (PDF)
Additional Reciprocity Information
The following is additional information required to establish reciprocity:
  • A certified copy of your Auctioneer's License, if 1 was issued by your resident state (must be submitted with required forms listed above)
  • A certified copy of the state auction laws that exist in your resident state, as they exist at the time of your application
  • If you reside in a state that has no auctioneer statutes, you must submit a certified copy of the auctioneer's ordinance that exists in the municipality in which your Auctioneer's License was issued or a statement from the City Clerk affirming that:
    • The state has no statutes relating to the licensing of auctioneers
    • A Minnesota resident may conduct auctions in the municipality on the same or similar basis as a resident of the municipality
Original Corporate Surety Bond
An original Corporate Surety Bond for Auctioneers in the amount of $1,000 - $3,000 must accompany the license application (copies are not acceptable; it must be an original).

The bond should be made payable to Clay County.

License Length of Life
Licenses are valid 1 year from the date of issuance.

Fees
A new or renewal license is $20.

We accept cash, check or money order. Checks should be made payable to the Clay County Auditor.

Additional Requirements of Auctioneers - Resident & Nonresident
  • All advertisements of auction sales must list the name, address and license number of the auctioneer or auctioneers conducting a sale.
  • Any change of address by the licensee requires a notice in writing, with your new address, to the county Auditor issuing the license. The county Auditor will issue a duplicate license showing the new address.
    • Licensee has 30 days from the date of their change of address to notify the county Auditor.
    • Failure to notify the county Auditor may result in the automatic cancellation of your license.
  • Prior to sale at public auction, every Auctioneer shall enter into a written contract, containing the terms and conditions of the sale, with the owner or consignee of any property to be sold.
Penalties
Any person who violates the provisions for Auctioneers as provided in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 330 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Reference Links