Auctioneer - Licensing Information

Required State License(s):

Beginning October 1, 2007, anyone using the title "Registered Auctioneer" will be required to be registered with the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, Bureau of Commercial Services at (517) 241-9288 or visit their website at www.michigan.gov/auctioneers.

A Michigan sales tax license is required for all auctions and may be obtained from the Department of Treasury . The Michigan Department of Treasury can be contacted at (517) 636-4660, and their Web link is www.michigan.gov/businesstaxes.  Please request Form 518 - Registration for Michigan Taxes.

A real estate license is not required to conduct an auction of real property, as long as the auctioneer only "calls the sale" and a real estate broker or attorney performs the closing.

A vehicle broker license is required from the Department of State, Dealer Division if a motor vehicle is to be sold at an auction.  You may contact the Department of State, Dealer Division at (517) 373-9460; www.michigan.gov/sos.

Other Possible License(s):

The city/township clerk of the community in which an auction will be held should be contacted to determine if a license/permit is required.

Further Information:

National Auctioneers Association, 8880 Ballentine Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66214,  telephone number (913) 541-8084 and Web link: www.auctioneers.org.

Revised:  01/09

Dept. of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth - Auctioneer Info.
Dept. of Sec'y of State - Vehicle Dealer Info.
Dept. of Treasury - Sales Tax License Info.