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M. BURR KEIM AGENCY · License & Permit Surety Bonds · Reviewed November 2026

Auctioneer Bond

An auctioneer bond is a surety bond required by many state or local licensing authorities before an auctioneer can conduct auctions. It gives consignors, buyers, and the licensing authority a way to recover certain losses caused by an auctioneer’s failure to account for funds or follow auction laws.

Apply for This Bond Online How to Apply Questions

At a glance

Product
Auctioneer Bond
Category
License & Permit Surety Bonds
Required amount
State or local licensing authorities usually set auctioneer bond amounts, and common amounts range from $10,000 to $25,000. Some jurisdictions set a higher amount or use a schedule based on the type of auction. Confirm the amount and obligee with the licensing office.
Online issue
Instant issue up to $25,000. With acceptable credit, instant issue is available above $25,000 up to $100,000. Most standard auctioneer bonds can be issued online once the licensing requirements are confirmed.
Term
Auctioneer bonds are usually written for a one-year term and renewed with the license. Some jurisdictions require a bond that runs for the full license period or a specific expiration date. Follow the licensing office’s instructions for the required term.

Who needs an auctioneer Bond?

  • Auctioneers applying for a state or local auctioneer license that requires a surety bond.
  • Auction companies adding a licensed auctioneer or renewing a license where a bond is required.
  • Estate, equipment, livestock, and online auction businesses required to file a bond with a licensing authority.

Why is an auctioneer Bond required?

Auctioneers handle money and property for other people. The bond protects consignors and buyers if the auctioneer fails to remit sale proceeds, mishandles entrusted property, or violates the state or local auction law. The licensing authority can also require the bond as a condition of the license.

The bond is not a substitute for business insurance or professional liability coverage. It responds only to covered obligations under the bond form and the governing statute.

How much bond do I need?

State or local licensing authorities usually set auctioneer bond amounts, and common amounts range from $10,000 to $25,000. Some jurisdictions set a higher amount or use a schedule based on the type of auction. Confirm the amount and obligee with the licensing office.

Instant issue up to $25,000. With acceptable credit, instant issue is available above $25,000 up to $100,000. Most standard auctioneer bonds can be issued online once the licensing requirements are confirmed.

Bond amount is not the premium. The required amount is the maximum the surety could pay under the bond. The premium you pay is a separate charge based on the bond amount, the risk, the term, and your credit. The online application shows the premium before you bind coverage.

How much does an auctioneer Bond cost?

Premium depends on the bond amount, the licensing jurisdiction, the term, and the applicant’s credit. An auctioneer bond is typically inexpensive relative to the bond amount. Apply online for the current premium and the available term.

How to apply online

  1. Confirm the bond amount and obligee. Use the amount and legal name of the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires the bond. The obligee name must match the requiring party’s records.
  2. Gather the application information. Have the legal business or entity name, address, license or case number, ownership information, and the required bond amount ready.
  3. Start the CNA Surety application. Use the online application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency.
  4. Pay the premium and bind coverage. If the bond is eligible for instant issue, the application will show the premium and let you complete the purchase online. Otherwise, the surety will review the application and contact you if additional information is needed.
  5. File the bond. Provide the issued bond to the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires it, and keep a copy for your records.
Apply for This Bond Online All Bonds

Auctioneer Bond term and renewal

Auctioneer bonds are usually written for a one-year term and renewed with the license. Some jurisdictions require a bond that runs for the full license period or a specific expiration date. Follow the licensing office’s instructions for the required term.

Good to know

  • If you conduct auctions in more than one city or county, you may need a separate bond for each licensing authority. Confirm whether your state license covers local requirements.
  • Have the legal business name, license number if assigned, bond amount, and obligee ready before applying.

Auctioneer Bond questions

An auctioneer bond is a surety bond required by many state or local licensing authorities before an auctioneer can conduct auctions. It gives consignors, buyers, and the licensing authority a way to recover certain losses caused by an auctioneer’s failure to account for funds or follow auction laws.

Auctioneers applying for a state or local auctioneer license that requires a surety bond. Auction companies adding a licensed auctioneer or renewing a license where a bond is required. Estate, equipment, livestock, and online auction businesses required to file a bond with a licensing authority.

Premium depends on the bond amount, the licensing jurisdiction, the term, and the applicant’s credit. An auctioneer bond is typically inexpensive relative to the bond amount. Apply online for the current premium and the available term.

State or local licensing authorities usually set auctioneer bond amounts, and common amounts range from $10,000 to $25,000. Some jurisdictions set a higher amount or use a schedule based on the type of auction. Confirm the amount and obligee with the licensing office. Instant issue up to $25,000. With acceptable credit, instant issue is available above $25,000 up to $100,000. Most standard auctioneer bonds can be issued online once the licensing requirements are confirmed.

Apply online through CNA Surety using the application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency. Complete the application, pay the premium online if the bond is eligible for instant issue, and then file the bond with the agency, court, or client that requires it.

Auctioneers may need both. A surety bond is required by the licensing authority and protects consignors, buyers, and the public in specific situations. Business insurance and professional liability coverage protect the auction business from other risks. The licensing office controls the bond requirement.

Some licensing authorities allow a company bond that covers multiple licensed auctioneers, while others require an individual bond for each auctioneer. Confirm the allowed form with the licensing office before applying.

Online application and important note

Bond requirements, forms, amounts, and fees are set by the requiring agency, court, or carrier and can change. This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current requirement with the agency, court, client, or your attorney before applying. M. BURR KEIM AGENCY is an insurance and surety bond agency; the bond or policy is issued by the carrier named on the document.