Massachusetts Auction License

Do you want to become an auctioneer in Massachusetts? If yes, the first thing you got to do is to apply for a Massachusetts auction license. Here, the article guides you on all the necessary information relevant to this topic including the requirements,  application process, and more.

Main Requirements for Massachusetts Auction License

Generally, if you want to carry out an auction in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you must obtain a license. The issuance and regulation of licensure are carried out at the state and city level. The state requirements are established by the Division of Standards Auctioneer Licensing. The required documents include:

• A completed application form
• Certificate of diploma in the relevant field obtained from an authorized school
• Signed and notarized surety bond proving $10,000 coverage
• 2 reference letters from different sources (they must include notices from an authorized auctioneer, member of the MA bar, or the elected official)
• Payment of applicable fees

However, we recommend contacting your local municipality to understand the city prerequisites as well. In the next paragraphs, we talk about the prerequisites of major cities in Massachusetts.

Boston and Cambridge

As we have mentioned earlier, the necessities of licensing of each municipality in MA may vary. For example, in Boston, the licensure is issued by the Police Department. Residents may apply for annual and special permits. The special permit is valid for up to 10 days and to receive it you should have:

• A completed application form
• Proof of identity
• A copy of your state licensure
• General info and the value of the property, goods you want to sell

Keep in mind that this form is applicable only to individuals who have acquired the state-level authorization. To add up, each day you put items in an auction, charges in the amount of $5 will apply. You should pay the processing fees in advance at the Cashier’s Office.

However, Cambridge requires owning a state-level authorization before you can apply to the licensing office. The governing body that regulates this process in the city is the Cambridge Licensing Commission. Here are the documents you will need:

• Completed annual form 
• An 8.5×11 floor plan
• Certificate of good standing or DBA (you can get this from the local Clerk’s office)
• Copy of the MA license
• If you have employees a proof of worker’s compensation
• Letter of intent or a signed lease obtained from your landlord
• Payment of processing fees in the amount of $200

Once you finish this step, you should submit the request form to the Inspectional Services Department for zoning approval. After that, you can submit all the necessary papers to the Commission along with the processing payments. The licensure costs $60 plus $175 for the hearing and advertising fee. To get further details, reach the Commission by calling at 617-349-6140.

Requirements for Auto Dealers

Generally, auto dealers must decide whether to sell new, used, or junk cars. As soon as you choose the type of vehicles you want to trade in, you should collect the following paperwork:

• First of all, submit identification documents.
• Secondly, obtain a zoning approval form.
• Provide a proof of $25,000 surety bond.
• You also need approval from the manufacturers indicating you as an authorized agent.
• Get a copy of a notarized affidavit of repair facilities
• Finally, submit lease agreement (check this condition in your local clerk’s office)

In addition to the above-mentioned documents you may also need to provide the followings:

• A Massachusetts driver’s license
• A copy of the Use of Premise Permit and Use and Occupancy Permit
• A Fire Department Certificate of Registration (in some cases)

Contact Info

So, to contact the licensure office in person, pay a visit to the following address or enter the official website:

Division of Standards
One Ashburton Place, Room 1115
Boston, MA 02108