Illinois · State Reference
Illinois Auctioneer License Requirements
To become a licensed auctioneer in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass the Illinois Auctioneer Licensing Exam administered by PSI. Illinois does not require auction education by statute, so the exam, the application, and a background review are the state's core qualifying requirements.
Requirements Checklist
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must have graduated high school, obtained a GED, or equivalent.
- Must pass the Illinois Auctioneer Licensing Exam, administered by PSI.
- Must submit a complete application to IDFPR's Division of Real Estate, including personal history and criminal background disclosure.
- Must not be delinquent on Illinois state taxes, student loans, or court ordered child support, or have an official payment agreement on file if you are.
- Must pay the $200 license application fee (non refundable) plus applicable exam fees.
- Must complete a 45-day sponsor period under a Managing Auctioneer (or you can sponsor yourself as a self-sponsor, if operating independently) as part of initial licensing.
Step-by-Step Process
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Confirm your eligibility. You'll need to meet the age and education requirements (18 years old, high school diploma or GED) and have no disqualifying background issues.
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Prepare for and pass the Illinois Auctioneer Licensing Exam, administered by PSI. Since Illinois doesn't require auction education by statute, a structured course is your primary preparation route, not a state requirement you're checking off. Missouri Auction School's Illinois auction course covers the material for the Illinois state auction exam.
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Submit your application to IDFPR's Division of Real Estate, along with your PSI exam report as proof of passing, the $200 application fee, and required disclosures.
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Complete your 45 day sponsor period under a Managing Auctioneer, or file the 45 day permit yourself if self sponsored.
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Receive your license and begin practicing.
Costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| License application fee | $200.00 (non refundable) |
| Examination fee (PSI) | $37.00 (set by PSI) |
| Continuing education (per renewal cycle, after first renewal) | 12 hours every 2 years |
Fees are set by IDFPR and PSI and are subject to change.
License Renewal
Illinois auctioneer licenses expire biennially, on December 31 of even numbered years. Continuing education is required for renewal, 12 hours every two years, except for an auctioneer's very first renewal, which is exempt from the CE requirement.
Reciprocity
Illinois has reciprocal agreements with the following states. Auctioneers licensed in one of these states can qualify for an Illinois auctioneer license through reciprocity: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Source: National Auctioneers License Law Officials Association
Estate Sales and Illinois Licensing
As of January 1, 2026, running an estate sale in Illinois requires an auctioneer license in certain situations. This is a significant recent change under Public Act 104-0145. Check IDFPR's Real Estate, Estate Sale FAQs page for the specific circumstances that trigger this requirement.
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Real Estate, Estate Sale FAQs (Public Act 104-0145): idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/auctioneers.html
Sources
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Auction profession page: idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/auctioneers.html
- Illinois Auction License Act, 225 ILCS 407
- Illinois Administrative Code, Title 68, Part 1440 (Auction License Rules): ilga.gov
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Real Estate, Estate Sale FAQs (Public Act 104-0145)
- Illinois State Auctioneers Association, Auction License Information: illinoisauctioneers.org
- National Auctioneers License Law Officials Association, Illinois licensing and reciprocity requirements
Ready to prepare for Illinois's licensing exam? Missouri Auction School's Illinois auction course covers the material for the Illinois state auction exam.
See our Illinois course →Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an auctioneer license in Illinois?
The timeline depends mainly on your exam preparation and IDFPR's application processing time. Course completion, passing the PSI exam, and submitting your application are the main sequential steps.
Do I need to take an exam to become a licensed auctioneer in Illinois?
Yes, unless you're applying through reciprocity from a state with a qualifying agreement with Illinois. The exam is administered by PSI.
Do I need an auctioneer license to run estate sales in Illinois?
Yes. This is a significant recent change under Public Act 104-0145. Check IDFPR's Real Estate, Estate Sale FAQs page for the specific circumstances that trigger this requirement.
Do I need a real estate license to auction real property in Illinois?
Yes, in addition to your auctioneer license. New auctioneers should plan on needing both licenses to auction real estate. Older auctioneers were grandfathered as a Real Estate Exempt Auctioneer under an earlier version of the law.
How often do I need to renew my license, and are there continuing education requirements?
Illinois auctioneer licenses renew every two years, on December 31 of even numbered years. Twelve hours of continuing education is required per renewal cycle, except your very first renewal, which is exempt.
Does an out of state auctioneer license work in Illinois?
Possibly, through Illinois's reciprocity process, if your home state has a qualifying agreement with Illinois. This does not cover real estate auctions, which require a separate Illinois real estate license regardless of reciprocity status.