New Hampshire · State Reference
New Hampshire Auctioneer
License Requirements
To become a licensed auctioneer in New Hampshire, you must be at least 18 years old, qualify through an approved auction school program or a supervised apprenticeship, pass the state's written examination, obtain a $25,000 surety bond, and submit a complete application with professional references and a criminal history record.
Requirements Checklist
- Must be at least 18 years of age by the date the application is received.
- Must qualify through an auction school certificate program, or through at least 6 months of apprenticeship under a licensed auctioneer, participating in at least 10 auctions during that period.
- Must pass the New Hampshire Board of Auctioneers' written examination.
- Must submit recommendations from two individuals who have had at least 3 months of business dealings with the applicant.
- Must obtain a $25,000 surety bond.
- Must submit a current government issued photo ID.
- Must submit a certified copy of a criminal history record, issued within 90 days of the application.
Step by Step Process
- Choose your qualifying path. Complete an auction school certificate program, or a 6 month, 10 auction apprenticeship under a licensed New Hampshire auctioneer. Missouri Auction School's New Hampshire course satisfies the auction school path.
- Register for the state exam at least two weeks before your desired exam date, along with the $75 examination fee. Exams are offered four times a year.
- Pass the New Hampshire Board of Auctioneers' written exam.
- Assemble your application materials. You will need two business references, photo ID, a criminal history record, and proof of your qualifying path.
- Obtain your $25,000 surety bond through a licensed bonding company.
- Submit your complete application to the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, along with the license fee.
- Receive your license, valid for a two year term.
Timeline and Cost
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Examination fee | $75 |
| Resident license fee | $220 every two years |
| Application fee | $220 |
| Surety bond | $25,000 bond (bond cost approximately $250) |
Fees are set by the New Hampshire Board of Auctioneers and are subject to change. https://www.oplc.nh.gov/find-board/board-auctioneers/auctioneers-license-fees
License Renewal
New Hampshire auctioneer licenses expire two years from the date of issuance and must be renewed before expiration. No continuing education is required.
Business Naming Protections
The New Hampshire Secretary of State will not issue a certificate of incorporation or foreign business registration to any entity that includes auction, auctioneer, auctioneering, or a derivative of those words in its business name, or that lists auctioneering among its purposes, unless the entity has first obtained a certificate of authorization from the New Hampshire Board of Auctioneers.
Reciprocity
New Hampshire has a formal reciprocity list, currently including Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.
Source: National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association.
Ready to prepare for New Hampshire's licensing exam? Missouri Auction School's New Hampshire course covers the auction school path in full.
View the New Hampshire CourseFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an auctioneer license in New Hampshire?
Plan around the state exam schedule. It is offered only four times a year, with a two week advance registration requirement. Combined with completing your chosen qualifying path, either auction school or a 6 month apprenticeship, most applicants should plan for several months.
Do I need to take an exam to become a licensed auctioneer in New Hampshire?
Yes. Regardless of whether you complete an auction school or an apprenticeship, you need to pass the Board's own written exam.
Do I need a bond to get licensed in New Hampshire?
Yes, a $25,000 surety bond.
How often do I need to renew my New Hampshire license?
Every two years from your issuance date. No continuing education is required.
Does an out of state auctioneer license work in New Hampshire?
Potentially, if your home state is on New Hampshire's official reciprocity list.