(1) Any person who has practiced the auctioneering profession in this state and has been a resident of the State of Mississippi for at least two (2) years before July 1, 1995, may apply for an auctioneer’s license hereunder without taking the examination as set forth in Section 73-4-17. The requirements for such an application are as follows:
(a) Submit an application as provided in this chapter.
(b) Submit an affidavit with the application that such applicant has been a practicing auctioneer and a resident of the State of Mississippi for at least two (2) years before July 1, 1995, and that such applicant has actually called bids in at least three (3) sales in the past one (1) year.
(c) Tender with the application the license fee set by the commission.
(d) Tender proof of financial responsibility in the form of a surety bond in the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00).
(2) If, upon verification of the information contained in the application, the individual is found to be otherwise qualified, the commission shall issue the applicant a license without examination.