# How to Get an Auctioneer License in Texas (2026): 80 Hours and the Exam

> Source: PermitPulled, https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/auctioneer-license-texas
> Compiled from the public TDLR license file. Published under CC BY 4.0; attribution to PermitPulled required.
> For an individual license record, use the official TDLR search: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/

[Texas license lookup](</>) / [Get licensed](</get-licensed>) / Auctioneer

# How to get an auctioneer license in Texas

Texas auctioneers need 80 hours at an approved auction school and a passing score on the state exam. There is no bond, but every license pays into a recovery fund that protects buyers and sellers.

Reviewed 8 October 2026 against TDLR's application page

## At a glance

Eligibility| 18+, high school diploma or equivalent, US citizen or legal alien, no felony conviction in the last 5 years  
---|---  
Education| 80 classroom hours at a TDLR-approved auction school  
Exam| 75% to pass; two attempts within the one-year application period  
Fee| $100 ($50 license + $50 recovery fund); no bond  
Also needed| A tax ID number or a Comptroller exemption letter  
  
[Official TDLR application page](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/auc/aucfaq.htm>) [Exam guide and pass rates](</exams/auctioneer-exam-texas>)

## Step by step

  1. **Complete auction school.** 80 hours of classroom instruction at a school TDLR has approved.
  2. **Apply.** Send the application with $100 and your tax ID or exemption letter.
  3. **Pass the exam.** You get two tries within the one-year application period. Fail both and you must wait a year from the second failure to reapply.

## The associate route

An **associate auctioneer** license ($75, including the $50 recovery fund fee) lets you work under the direct supervision of a licensed auctioneer. After two years supervised and at least ten auctions, you can become an auctioneer without the exam, although you still need the 80-hour course.

## The recovery fund

Claims against the fund are capped at $15,000 per claimant and $30,000 per auction or per auctioneer.

## How many people hold this license

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows **1,689 active auctioneer licenses** , of which 1,611 come up for renewal in the next twelve months.

  * [Auctioneer](</trade/auctioneer>): 1,631 active
  * [Associate Auctioneer](</trade/associate-auctioneer>): 58 active

Where they are: Dallas County (90), Harris County (86), Travis County (38), Denton County (37), Montgomery County (32).

[See the full county breakdown and renewal calendar](</trade/auctioneer>)

## After you are licensed

  * **Renewal:** every year, judging by the expiration dates in the license file.
  * **Continuing education:** 6 hours per license term, including 2 hours of laws and rules. [TDLR CE rules](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/auc/aucce.htm>)

## Before you apply

  * **Criminal history.** TDLR runs a background check on every applicant. With any conviction other than a minor traffic offence, or a guilty or no-contest plea with deferred adjudication, include the Criminal History Questionnaire. Reviews take one to six weeks. You can ask TDLR in advance whether a conviction would bar you, through a [criminal history evaluation letter](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/crimHistoryEval.htm>).
  * **Lawful presence.** TDLR may ask for proof of lawful presence in the United States. Send documents only if it asks. [What TDLR accepts](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/lawful-presence.htm>).
  * **Military.** Service members, veterans and spouses may qualify for [fee waivers and other provisions](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/military/>).

## Questions

### How do I become an auctioneer in Texas?

Complete 80 hours at a TDLR-approved auction school, apply with the $100 fee and pass the state exam with at least 75%.

### Do Texas auctioneers need a bond?

No. Instead, each license pays into TDLR's auctioneer recovery fund.

### How many people hold this license in Texas?

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows 1,689 active auctioneer licenses.

## Related licenses

  * [How to become a property tax consultant in Texas](</get-licensed/property-tax-consultant-license-texas>)
  * [How to get a tow truck operator license in Texas](</get-licensed/tow-truck-license-texas>)
  * [All license guides](</get-licensed>)

## Sources

[TDLR: Auctioneers FAQ](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/auc/aucfaq.htm>); [TDLR: Auctioneer continuing education](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/auc/aucce.htm>). License counts compiled from the public [TDLR license file](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/licensesearch/licfile.asp>) dated 20 September 2026.

Reviewed 8 October 2026. Written by an independent site; not an official TDLR publication and not legal advice. Fees and requirements change: confirm them on the TDLR page before you apply.

**Cite this page**

PermitPulled (2026). _How to get an auctioneer license in Texas._ Retrieved from `https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/auctioneer-license-texas`

Figures compiled from the public TDLR license file and published under [CC BY 4.0](<https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/>). Attribution required.