If you’ve ever thought about becoming an auctioneer or wondered how auctions work, you might not realize how important licensing is. In Tennessee, auctioneers must have a license to run live auctions. In 2019, a new law made it clear that auctioneers who hold online auctions need a license, too. This law helps keep auctions fair and honest for everyone involved.
Why Auctioneer Licenses Are Important
An auctioneer license shows that someone has been trained and knows how to handle auctions professionally. To get a license in Tennessee, auctioneers must take classes, pass a test, and follow state rules.
Licensed auctioneers learn how to manage auctions, handle money responsibly, write legal contracts, and make sure everything is done fairly. When auctioneers follow these rules, it builds trust between them, their clients, and the bidders.
The 2019 Online Auction Law
Online auctions have become super popular, but for a long time, they weren’t as regulated as live auctions. This caused problems, like people not getting what they paid for or sellers not getting paid fairly.
In 2019, Tennessee passed a law saying anyone who runs online auctions must have an auctioneer license. This law made sure that online auctions follow the same rules as live ones. Licensed auctioneers are trained to run auctions the right way, no matter if they’re in-person or online.
The 2019 Law Now in Effect
Although the 2019 law was passed several years ago, it was delayed by a lawsuit filed by the Beacon Center. The lawsuit challenged the law, putting it on hold. After years of legal back-and-forth, the law officially went into effect in November 2024. Now that it’s active, all auctioneers conducting online auctions in Tennessee must hold a license, ensuring fair and professional standards across the board.
What About Exemptions?
There are some exemptions to the auctioneer licensing requirements in Tennessee. These exemptions allow specific types of auctions to be conducted without a license under certain conditions. If you’re unsure whether your auction qualifies for an exemption, it’s important to get clarity. Contact the Tennessee Auctioneer Commission or Nashville Auction School for guidance and answers to your questions.
Why This Law Is a Big Deal
The 2019 law protects buyers and sellers. Buyers know they’re bidding in a fair auction, and sellers can trust that their items will be sold properly. The law also makes sure auctioneers are trained and follow ethical rules, which helps keep everyone honest.
How Nashville Auction School Can Help
At Nashville Auction School, we teach people how to become licensed auctioneers. Our classes cover everything from the basics of running an auction to understanding Tennessee’s auction laws. We also show students how to use new technology, like online auction platforms.
If you want to start your career as an auctioneer or learn more about the rules for online auctions, Nashville Auction School is here to help. We’ll give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
In Summary
Tennessee’s auction license rules, including the 2019 online auction law, help keep auctions fair and honest. These rules make sure auctioneers are trained and follow ethical standards. Whether you’re buying, selling, or thinking about becoming an auctioneer, licensing protects everyone.
If you’re ready to learn more about auctions and how to get your license, Nashville Auction School is the place to start!