The Future of Locksmith Licensing: Federal Initiatives and State Variations
Key Highlights
- Keys Inc. is working towards a federal licensing system, hoping for Congressional action.
- Opponents argue that existing state regulations are sufficient and express concerns over enforcement, increased costs, and government overreach impacting small locksmith businesses.
- Currently, only 13 states require locksmith licensing, with requirements varying widely, from background checks to exams and continuing education.
Locksmith licensing is in the news, thanks to a somewhat controversial proposal from software provider Keys Inc., calling for national licensing. Keys Inc. is working with legislators to introduce the Locksmith Integrity & National Certification Act (LINC Act) aimed at implementing national licensing of locksmiths. If approved, this proposed federal legislation would create uniform license requirements for all U.S. locksmiths.
Currently 13 states and a few cities and counties require locksmith licensing, based on certification, continuing education and criminal background checks. The trend seems to be moving toward less government oversight.
Naturally, opinions vary among locksmiths. Advocates argue that it helps eliminate issues with unqualified locksmiths, especially if the regulations are stringently enforced. Opponents argue that government regulation is unneeded, and fees and requirements put a strain on small businesses.
Locksmith Ledger took an (unscientific) poll to see what our readers thought about licensing, and we also got some great comments on social media. The key takeaway: for licensing to be of value, the enforcement needs to be there.
- Nearly half the participants were opposed to any government regulation
- 19% were opposed to federal regulation, while 15% would support a federal program
- 13% said it depends on the costs and requirements
I don't know about other states, but Texas doesn't seem to have the resources to take action against companies that are currently operating without a license. I doubt a nationwide license requirement would do anything but cost those of us that choose to operate legally more to run our business.
No no no!!! They won't enforce and the only ones it will hinder is the legitimate guys. They take your money and don’t enforce it just like most licensed states. Keep the big government out of our small industry. They have their hands in enough of our pockets.
Keys Inc. Proposal
“We're dealing with a patchwork of laws that are either too restrictive or nonexistent," said Loay Jamal Alyousfi, CEO of Keys Inc. "This leaves the public vulnerable, hinders ethical businesses, and creates avoidable security risks."
Plans call for the program to be federally funded, with no licensing fees for locksmiths. Licensing requirements will involve training/certifications and criminal background checks. Keys Inc. is hoping to work with ALOA.
Keys Inc. is working to fast-track the legislation to introduce in the next session of Congress, after working with several legislators and the CIA.
All locksmiths on the Keys App are fully vetted, he noted, adding that the company believes true national safety and trust requires a public standard that complements its platform — allowing vetted professionals to operate anywhere with confidence.
The proposed Federal Locksmith License would allow professionals to legally work across state borders by simply turning on the Keys App — expanding business, removing red tape, and creating nationwide mobility for certified locksmiths, he explained.
"I spoke with CIA officials during the ALOA Locksmith and Security Expo in 2024, and they acknowledged this security gap," Alyousfi added. "They encouraged us to lead the charge. This is about public safety, industry integrity, and economic growth."
Keys. Inc. also hopes that the national license could be a solution for automotive locksmiths who must now pay to work through NASTF for access to service certain vehicles.
State by State
Illinois, a state that currently has some of the most stringent locksmith licensing requirements in the country, is scheduled to end locksmith licensing in 2029. Currently, Illinois requires licensing and agency fees, a background check and passing a proficiency exam.
Nationally, only 13 states have licensing requirements: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Virginia. Nebraska and Tennessee repealed their locksmith licensing requirements in 2021. New York City; Nassau County, New York; Miami; and Hillsborough County, Florida; have their own licensing laws. Broward County, Florida, no longer requires licenses.
Even in states that don’t have locksmith licensing requirements, most cities or counties require business licenses for commercial lockshops.
Locksmith Ledger has compiled a breakdown of requirements in 2025, along with links to the regulatory agencies that issue locksmith licenses. Here’s our report.
Alabama
In Alabama, all locksmiths must be licensed through the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (AESBL). Licensing requirements differ for company licenses and individual licenses. Every licensed locksmith will have a picture ID issued by Alabama.
Company license requirements:
- A completed, signed, notarized and witnessed company application form
- Proof of at least $250,000 in general liability insurance (company’s physical address must be on the declaration page)
- A state, city or county business license issued through Alabama
- A $150 first-time administrative fee, made payable to the AESBL
- A fee of $300 for a sole proprietor or $400 for a corporation or LLC, made payable to the AESBL
- An application for a Qualifying Agent, along with a company application
Qualifying Agent and individual license requirements:
- A completed, signed, notarized and witnessed Qualifying Agent application or individual application
- A passport-size picture
- Training certificates for the position(s) applied for
- A signed and notarized Affidavit of Applicant that complies with Alabama’s immigration law
- ALEA forms required for a state or federal background check, two fingerprint cards, copy of an unexpired driver’s license and a fee of $38.25
- Qualifying Agent fee of $150, $100 or $50 depending on discipline
- Individual fee of $50
Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure: https://aesbl.alabama.gov/
Application forms: https://aesbl.alabama.gov/applicants/forms-notices/
Alabama Locksmith Association, a good source for training: http://www.locksmithala.org/
California
California requires both individual and company licenses. An individual applying for a locksmith license must specify in the application the person who will manage the business on a day-to-day basis.
Initial fees for a locksmith company are $500, then $300 every two years to renew. An individual license costs $55 initially, then $40 every two years to renew. If the company performs work at a single site that exceeds $500, a contractor's license also is required.
However, these fees may soon be increasing according to the California Bureau of Investigative Services, the agency that licenses California locksmiths.
“The Bureau is seeking to amend the fees charged for locksmiths, private investigators, private security services, alarm company operators and agents, collateral recovery, and proprietary private security officers. These fee changes will apply to the following: application, examination, reexamination, original license and renewal, initial registration, employee initial registration, branch certificates, assignment processing, firearms permit and renewal, qualified manager certificate and renewal, initial baton permit and renewal, as well as delinquency and reinstatement fees. This proposal is necessary to provide the Bureau with the resources required to maintain operations needed to prioritize consumer safety and protection, and to sustain the costs of administration and enforcement,” according to the bureau’s official statement. Details are expected to be posted soon at https://www.bsis.ca.gov/about_us/laws/prop_regs.shtml
Locksmith applications: https://www.bsis.ca.gov/licenses.shtml
Contractors' State License Board: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/
Connecticut
When applying for a locksmith license in Connecticut, applicants must attach a criminal-history report from the State Police Bureau of Investigation and an FBI Identification Record or Criminal Background Check. The documentation should be attached and submitted with a completed application through the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection.
A $200 application fee is charged, and the renewal fee is $200, due Dec. 31 of every even-numbered year.
Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection Locksmith Registration Page: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/License-Services-Division/All-License-Applications/Locksmith-Registration
Criminal-history reports: https://portal.ct.gov/despp
FBI background check: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
Illinois
At this writing, Illinois requires locksmiths to complete an approved 20-hour training course and pass a state exam before applying for a locksmith license, which is issued through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Additional requirements:
- Fingerprint criminal-background check
- Proof of at least $1 million in general liability insurance
However, this will all change in January 2029. In spring 2024, The Illinois General Assembly voted to let all locksmith licensing requirements “sunset” in 2029, a move aimed at easing restrictions for potential locksmiths wanting to enter the field. Lawmakers have said that some less restrictive requirements may be added down the road.
Licensing requirements for funeral directors, veterinarians, public accountants and private security contractors such as private investigators and alarm installers also will sunset in 2029.
Illinois locksmith licensing: https://www.idfpr.com/profs/lock.asp
Info on testing requirements: https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/068012400D03000R.html
Louisiana
Louisiana’s locksmith licensing is handled through the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal. Louisiana House Bill 607, passed in May 2024 and effective Jan. 1, 2025, was aimed at simplifying the licensing requirements. This bill introduced new categories of licensure for locksmiths, aiming to streamline the licensing process and address emerging specializations within the field.
Company fees for the following categories are $250, then $50 for renewal. Fees for individual licenses for the same categories are $100, with $50 for renewal.
- Security, defined as intrusion alarms, special locking, closed-circuit TV (CCTV), household fire
- Special locking, defined as electronic locking systems
- Locksmith, Limited Locksmith, Automotive Locksmith
- Banking locking
- Detention locking
- Door hardware consultant
Accepted ALOA certifications for locksmiths that count as the necessary training: Certified Licensed Locksmith (CLL), Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL), Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL) or Certified Master Locksmith (CML)
Additional approved training sources:
Certificate of graduation from a Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program
U.S. military school or specialty rating, qualification or designation
Lockmasters Security Institute Professional Locksmithing course
Cothron’s Locksmith Basic Field Locksmith Operations course
Pop-A-Lock Fundamentals of Locksmithing course
Bank-Tec South Initial Locksmith Certification course
Elite CEU General Locksmith Certification course
In addition, 24 hours of continuing education are required every three years when licenses are renewed.
Louisiana Life Safety licenses: https://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/lic_packet.htm
Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association (offers training and licensing information): https://llssa.org/
Maryland
In Maryland, locksmith businesses are licensed, but individual employees aren’t.
The locksmith license is issued to a business that’s registered with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. A principal official is associated with the company’s Federal Employer Identification number and registration number. The principal official is responsible for keeping the license current and completing all associated paperwork. This includes adding individual locksmiths to the report of employee form. A registration of technicians form also must be completed when adding or removing an employee.
Licenses are issued for two years and require fingerprinting and criminal-background checks of employees and proof of $300,000 in general liability insurance.
Fees are $225 for licenses and renewals, $50 for a business name change and $50 to add an employee.
Maryland locksmith licensing information: https://labor.maryland.gov/license/locksmiths/
Nevada
In Nevada, locksmiths are required to obtain a permit from the sheriff’s department in the county where their business is located. These are the regulations from the state:
The sheriff of a county shall investigate each applicant and shall issue a permit to each applicant who qualifies under any ordinance adopted by the board of county commissioners of the county which regulates the occupation of locksmiths and who is found by the board of county commissioners to be suitable. An ordinance adopted by the board of county commissioners must specify fees for the issuance and renewal of a permit.
A permit expires 5 years after the date it was obtained and may be renewed.
The holder of a permit shall have the permit in his or her possession at all times.
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-655.html
New Jersey
Licensing in New Jersey is through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Applicants are required to be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalency certificate or request a waiver of the education requirement based on work experience. Fingerprinting and background checks also are required.
The fee is $150. Continuing education is required for renewals.
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/fbl/Pages/applications.aspx
North Carolina
North Carolina requires locksmiths to pass a North Carolina Licensing Board examination to receive a license. Initial fees for an individual license total $438 ($200 license fee + $38 for SBI/FBI record check + $200 examination fee). Renewals cost $300.
Licensing information from the North Carolina Locksmiths Association: https://www.ncla.us/licensing-information
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Department of Labor issues locksmith licenses. Individual locksmith license requirements include completed fingerprint cards, a state-issued ID card and a copy of a social security card, unexpired passport or W2 from a current employer. Applicants must be employed by a licensed company. Individual licenses cost $49. Trainee licenses are offered for a $75 application fee and $25 renewal fee.
New companies have to submit the completed Company Application, application fee of $250 and two completed fingerprint cards for each individual who owns 25% or more of the company.
Oklahoma Dept. of Labor: https://oklahoma.gov/labor/safety-and-health/safety-standards/alarm-locksmith-fire-sprinkler-service/licensing-requirements.html
Oregon
To receive a locksmith license in Oregon, applicants must pass an 80-question online locksmith certification test. The testing fee is $60 and uses the following reference materials: “The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing 6th Edition” by Bill Phillips, available at online bookstores, and “The Locksmith Dictionary” (downloadable from the state).
Then, applicants must pass a criminal-history check and pay $60 for a two-year license.
Oregon locksmith licensing: https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/Pages/Specialty%20Licenses.aspx
Pennsylvania
While locksmiths aren't licensed by the state, any locksmith performing more than $5,000 per year, either residential or commercial work, is required by the state to have a Home Improvement Contractors license. The license is handled by the state's Attorney General and requirements are a physical mailing address and proof of proper insurance. The fee is $50 for a two-year license.
Online application: https://hic.attorneygeneral.gov/login.aspx
Attorney General’s Office Information: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/resources/home-improvement-contractor-registration/, 1-888-520-6680 (HIC Consumer Helpline) or email [email protected].
Texas
Locksmiths are required to have a Class B – Security Contractor Company License through the Texas Department of Public Safety. A background check, training (or apprenticeship) and passing an exam are the required. Fees are $37.
Texas licensing: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security
The following information is from the Texas Locksmiths Association, at https://texaslocksmithsassociation.org/how-to-become-a-locksmith-in-texas/
Assuming you have a clear background, the quickest and least expensive way to become a licensed locksmith is to find a reputable lockshop that belongs to a trade association, such as the Texas Locksmiths Association, and work as an apprentice for a couple of years. The lockshop will register you with the state and get you a locksmith pocket card so you’re legal. After two years of consecutive full-time work, you may contact the PSB to schedule a Qualified Managers exam. If you pass, you can become the Qualified Manager of your own lockshop.
Your other option for becoming a Texas licensed locksmith is to do the following:
- Take a 48-hour basic locksmithing course.
- Attend an approved locksmith trade school (must include a specific curriculum consisting of about 600 hours of class time).
- Work full time for a licensed lockshop for one year.
After you complete your education and work experience, you may register to take the Qualified Managers exam.
The Qualified Managers exam is difficult and will require you to be familiar with laws that govern the industry. Texas locksmiths are regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702 and the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 35. To own a lockshop, you have to pass a federal background check, your work experience or education will be verified and you have to maintain general liability insurance.
Virginia
In Virginia, locksmiths are licensed through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and must complete 18 hours of training before being licensed. Other eligibility requirements are U.S. citizenship and passing a criminal background check.
The application fee is $25, and applicants can work for a locksmithing business for up to 90 days while the licensing application is being processed.
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services: https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/licensure-and-regulatory-affairs/locksmith
Hillsborough County, Florida
Each locksmith services business must have a Florida Department of Revenue Sales Tax Certificate, a current valid Hillsborough County or other applicable business tax receipt and valid commercial general liability insurance coverage of at least $500,000 per incident for loss or damages that result from the negligence of the locksmith services business or any person it employs to perform locksmith services, other employees or agents.
The owner and all of the employees of the locksmith services business who perform locksmith services must pass criminal-background checks. Each locksmith-services business must disclose on the application its physical address and the addresses of any additional business locations.
Photo ID cards are issued to all licensed locksmiths and must include the name and photograph of the person, the name of the locksmith services business and its license number. Each person employed by the licensee to perform locksmith services on its behalf must carry the photo identification card on their person at all times while performing locksmith services.
Fees for a two-year Locksmith Business Service License (company, not individual) are $500 for a one- to five-employee business, $750 for a six- to 10-employee business and $1,000 for businesses that have 11 or more employees.
Locksmith application: https://hcfl.gov/businesses/small-business-support/business-licensing-and-regulation/locksmith-services-businesses
Miami-Dade County, Florida
Each locksmith business must have at least one licensed locksmith in its employ. Persons who perform electrical work as part of their locksmith services also might require a county or state contractor license.
Each individual who provides locksmith services must secure a license. First-time applicants must have held an apprentice locksmith permit for at least one year or provide documentary proof of being actively engaged as a locksmith or a locksmith supervisor for one year out of the 10 years preceding the application for a locksmith license.
Upon successful completion of the application process, each locksmith will be issued a locksmith ID card that must be displayed on the locksmith at all times when performing locksmith work, whether on or off the premises of the individual’s primary place of work.
Company application requirements also include:
- A copy of current Miami-Dade County local business tax or valid municipal business tax receipt
- Articles of incorporation or fictitious name registration
- Certificate of insurance, with a minimum of $25,000 combined liability
- Individual locksmith licenses issued by the Office of Consumer Protection (Each locksmith business must employ at least one licensed locksmith, a separate Individual locksmith application is required.)
- Workers’ Compensation Certificate or affirmation
- Copy of owner’s driver’s license
Miami/Dade licensing information: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/license.page?Mduid_license=lic1495136161985604
New York City
Although the state of New York doesn’t require a locksmith license, New York City does. New York City locksmith licenses are administered by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs.
The following are required to apply for a locksmith license: a government-issued photo ID, a passport-size color photo, a criminal background check and proof of qualifications, which can include any of the following:
- Two certificates recommending an applicant for a locksmith license signed by DCA-licensed locksmiths or
- A letter from Local Union No. 74 Service Employees International Union that indicates successful completion of a locksmithing course at a school and one Certificate Recommending an Applicant for a Locksmith License
- A certificate from a school that indicates successful completion of a locksmithing course
- Professional certification from ALOA
- Proof of licensure as a locksmith from another jurisdiction within the United States
Fees are $100 for a two-year license with a date-based sliding scale for shorter timeframes.
New York City locksmith licensing info: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/businesses/license-checklist-locksmith.page
Nassau County, New York
Locksmith companies are licensed through the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs. Many regulations are aimed at advertising and recordkeeping. Two examples: All advertisements and promotional materials must contain the company’s license number. Also, the past three years’ transactions must be kept in an electronically searchable database and be available for inspection by the commissioner, any person authorized by the commissioner, any police officer or any judge of the criminal court.
Requirements include information and photos of all owners and employees, background checks and insurance policy numbers.
Fees: $650 for a new application for a two-year company license, $110 for an additional location
Locksmith business rules and regulations: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12177/Locksmith-Business---Regulations-04-03-15?bidId=
Application: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17634/LockSmith-License?bidId=