Auction Licenses

Information about City of Boulder Auction Licenses

How to apply for an auction license and process checklist.

The Auction application must be completely filled out and signed; including, i) applicant business name, ii) legal name, home address, and birth dates for all owners, officers, member, managers, and auctioneer that will be on-site to conduct auction, and iii) phone number during auction event. License application will be routed to Sales Tax Department to check business license and tax remittance status and background checks will be conducted on all owners, managers, and auctioneers.
A surety bond in the amount of $1,000, payable annually must be posted with the city. Surety bond or cashier’s check will be held for 60 days after last planned auction event.
A city business license with associated city sales tax number must be obtained, and a sales tax deposit in the amount of $500 (business check only) must be submitted. For questions, email Sales Tax at salestax@bouldercolorado.gov.
An application must be received at least two weeks prior to the event. A late fee of $200.00 will be charged for all applications that are submitted after deadline.
Please Note: Auction licenses are not required for auctions conducted under any legal process (court order, property seizure, etc.), and Auctions that are held during fund-raising events for local non-profit organizations are not required to obtain a city auction license, but may still need a city business license.