Auctioneers - FAQs
Motor vehicle auctions, kit form vehicles and dealer’s licences
Q. Does an auctioneer selling vehicles owned by another dealer by way of internet auction require a licence under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act?
A. Yes. A licence is required because the auctioneer is selling vehicles as an agent of the dealer and comes within the definition of a dealer.
Q. Is an auctioneer selling vehicles owned by another dealer by way of internet auction entitled to an exemption under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act?
A. No. The Motor Vehicle Industry Board will not exempt auctioneers who sell vehicles on behalf of trade owners. The Board policy states the number of sales which can be made annually by an exempted auctioneer is 25 only.
Q. Does a vehicle internet auction business based in WA and selling into the WA market require a licence under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act?
A. Yes. Even if you do not physically own or hold the vehicles, you need a licence.
Q. Does a vehicle internet auction business based in a state or territory other than WA and selling into the WA market require a licence under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act?
A. Yes. Please also contact our Licensing Section on (08) 9282 4362 for more information about this.
Q. Does an auctioneer who attends the premises of a licensed motor vehicle dealer to conduct an on-site auction require a licence under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act?
A. Sometimes. If the auction is a "one-off" then it is likely that auctioneer is not considered to be "carrying on the business of buying or selling motor vehicles." However, if this becomes a regular activity of the auctioneer, even if only one auction is conducted at several different dealerships then a licence would be required.