Are You Up to Date on North Carolina Auctioneer Regulations?

Licensing and Administrative Procedures for Auctioneers in North Carolina

• The North Carolina Auctioneers Commission is responsible for licensing auctioneers, apprentice auctioneers, and auction firms, ensuring compliance with G.S. 85B.

• The Board does not have jurisdiction to settle disputes between parties concerning commissions or pay of assistants.

• The administrative offices of the Board are located in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and office hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding State holidays.

• Definitions of terms used in this Chapter include "auction house", "auctioneers law", "board", "buyer's premium", "course", "minimum bid", "principal(s)", and "sole proprietor auction business".

• Administrative hearings in contested cases conducted by the Board or an administrative law judge shall be governed by Article 3A of G.S. 150B and the General Rules of Practice for the Superior and District Courts.

• Petitions for declaratory rulings shall be submitted to the Board and must include the petitioner's name, address, telephone number, relevant facts, and a statement of whether the petitioner desires to present oral argument.

• Petitions for rule-making shall be submitted to the Board and must include the petitioner's name, address, telephone number, a draft of the proposed rule adoption or amendment, and the effect of the proposal on existing rules.

• Each applicant for an auctioneer license, including non-resident reciprocal auctioneers, must make application on a form prescribed by the Board and meet certain qualifications.

• Applicants for an auctioneer license must submit a color photograph, completed fingerprint cards, proof of high school diploma or equivalency, an employee classification form, applicable fees, and documentation of required auctioneer schooling or apprenticeship experience.

• Apprentice auctioneer applicants must also submit a written statement of each proposed supervisor's background and experience in the auction profession.

• Applicants for an auction firm license must be a principal within the firm and must submit a completed application form, fingerprint cards, proof of high school diploma or equivalency, an employee classification form, applicable fees, certified copies of any applicable Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, Partnership Agreement, or Assumed Name Certificate, and a statement of good standing from the licensing board or Commission of each jurisdiction where the applicant firm and any principal and proposed designated person of such firm holds an auctioneer license of any type.

• Completed applications must be received in the Board office at least seven days prior to a published Board meeting date, or in the case of an application for auctioneer examination, at least 10 days prior to a scheduled examination as published on the Board's website.North Carolina Auctioneer Licensing Board Regulations

• The North Carolina Auctioneer Licensing Board requires individuals and firms conducting auctions to obtain a license.

• License fees vary depending on the type of license and whether the applicant has served an apprenticeship.

• The renewal fee for a license that is in good standing must be submitted with required documents to verify compliance.

• The Board may grant an extension of time for up to one year for completing continuing education credits for licensees who are serving in the Armed Services of the United States.

• The auctioneer license examination tests the applicant's knowledge of the auction business, licensing law, and rules of the Subchapter.

• If an applicant fails to pass the examination, they may request a review with the Board staff, but all examination papers remain the property of the Board.

• Each individual or firm is issued a non-transferable license number and a pocket card with the licensee's name, license number, and expiration date.

• An auction firm must display its license in its premises for inspection by patrons of the firm.

• An apprentice auctioneer's license is valid only while supervised by a licensed auctioneer approved by the Board.

• The supervising auctioneer must be present at the sale location and supervise the apprentice during bid calling, ensuring compliance with the auctioneer law and rules.

• Apprentices must not conduct or contract to conduct an auction without prior written consent from the supervisor, and the supervisor must ensure the apprentice has received the necessary training.

• An apprentice auctioneer must notify the Board in writing within 10 days of termination of association with the supervising auctioneer, and the license will be placed in an invalid status.