Key Takeaways
Here's what you'll learn in this comprehensive guide:
- Which States Require Locksmith Licenses in 2025?
- States Requiring Locksmith Licenses (Detailed Requirements)
- Alabama
- California
- Connecticut
Here’s something that surprises most people: only 13 states require locksmith licensing in 2025.
That means if you’re running a locksmith business in 37 states, you can legally operate without any state-level license. No exam. No background check. No special insurance requirements. Just hang your shingle and start cutting keys.
But before you celebrate, there’s a catch. The regulatory landscape keeps shifting. Tennessee repealed its locksmith licensing law in 2021. Nebraska followed the same year. Florida just preempted all local locksmith licensing effective July 1, 2025. And Illinois has already scheduled its licensing law to sunset on January 1, 2029.
Whether you’re a locksmith wondering if you need a license, a business owner looking to hire qualified techs, or a customer trying to verify legitimacy, this guide cuts through the confusion. We’ve compiled official government sources for all 50 states, including exact requirements, fees, insurance minimums, and direct links to licensing authorities.
No outdated information. No guessing. Just the current regulations you need to know.
Which states require locksmith licenses? Only 13 states require state-level locksmith licensing: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York (NYC only), North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia. The remaining 37 states do not require state-level locksmith licenses.
Which States Require Locksmith Licenses in 2025?
13 states require state-level locksmith licensing:
- Alabama
- California
- Connecticut
- Illinois (scheduled for repeal in 2029)
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Nevada (county-level permits)
- New Jersey
- New York (NYC only, not statewide)
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Texas
- Virginia
37 states do NOT require state-level licensing (though local requirements may still apply).
Recent regulatory changes:
- Florida preempted local licensing July 1, 2025 (Miami-Dade and Hillsborough County licenses eliminated)
- Tennessee repealed licensing May 27, 2021
- Nebraska repealed registration August 28, 2021
- Illinois scheduled for sunset January 1, 2029
The trend? Deregulation. States are moving away from locksmith licensing requirements, viewing them as unnecessary barriers to entry for a trade that poses minimal public safety risk.
States Requiring Locksmith Licenses (Detailed Requirements)
Alabama
Who regulates: Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (AESBL) Official website: aesbl.alabama.gov
Requirements:
- AESBL-approved locksmith training course completion
- Proctored examination within 6 months of course completion
- State and federal background check through Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
- Two fingerprint cards required
- Minimum $250,000 general liability insurance for companies
Fees:
- Individual license: $50
- Background check: $38.25
- Company license: $300 (sole proprietor) or $400 (corporation/LLC)
- First-time admin fee: $150
- Renewal: 16 hours continuing education
Important note: You can’t just get an individual license and work solo. Individuals must work for a licensed locksmith company. Self-employed locksmiths need both company and individual licenses.
California
Who regulates: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), Department of Consumer Affairs Official website: bsis.ca.gov/industries/locksmith
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Criminal background check through California DOJ and FBI
- Live Scan fingerprinting
- No examination required
- Locksmith Company License (LCO) valid for 2 years
- Locksmith Employee Registration (LOC) required for all employees
Special California rule: If locksmith work at a single site exceeds $500, you also need a contractor’s license (C-28, C-61, or D-16).
Why it matters: California is the largest locksmith market in the country. If you’re operating there without proper licensing, you’re risking serious penalties and losing out on commercial jobs that require contractor licensing.
Connecticut
Who regulates: Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Official website: portal.ct.gov/DCP
Requirements:
- Criminal History Record report from Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification
- Online application through eLicense system at elicense.ct.gov
Fees:
- Initial registration: $200 (non-refundable, non-transferable)
- Biennial renewal: $200
- Registrations expire December 31st of even-numbered years
Contact: dcp.licenseservices@ct.gov
Illinois
Who regulates: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Official website: idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/lock.html
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 21 (business owner), 18 (employee)
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Background check and fingerprinting ($28 fee)
- Examination required (held March and September, $50 fee)
- 305 questions, multiple choice and true/false
- Alternative: ALOA test ($500, valid within 3 years)
- General liability insurance: $1,000,000 minimum for businesses
- Continuing education: 16 hours every 2 years
Fees:
- Individual license: $30-$37
- Company license: $400-$412
Critical update: Illinois has scheduled its entire Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004 for repeal on January 1, 2029. After that date, no state licensing will be required.
Louisiana
Who regulates: Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal Official website: lasfm.org/licensing
Requirements:
- Firm application with $250 money order
- Minimum $500,000 liability coverage
- Qualifier must have ALOA certification (CLL, CRL, CPL, or CML)
- Required courses: Fire Marshal Administrative Rules, Fire Marshal Plan Review, Life Safety
- Employee registration: $100 per employee
- Fingerprint cards completed by local law enforcement
- All employees must be W-2 employees (no 1099 contractors)
- Annual renewal with 8 hours continuing education
Why Louisiana is different: The Fire Marshal runs licensing because locksmiths often work on fire-rated doors and life safety systems. If you mess up a panic bar or fire door installation, people can die. That’s why they require ALOA professional certification and specific Fire Marshal training.
Maryland
Who regulates: Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor Official website: dllr.state.md.us/license/locksmiths
Requirements:
- Business registration with Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
- State and federal criminal history record check through CJIS
- Fingerprinting for all applicants
- Minimum $300,000 general liability insurance
- No experience requirement
- License valid for 2 years
- All employees performing locksmith services must undergo background check
Contact: DLOPLLocksmiths-LABOR@maryland.gov | 410-230-6159
Nevada
Who regulates: County Sheriff (varies by county) Governing law: NRS Chapter 655
Nevada is unique: There’s no unified state licensing system. Each county sheriff issues permits with their own requirements.
Common requirements:
- Federal ID (Social Security, state ID, passport, driver’s license)
- General liability insurance ($250,000 to $1 million depending on county)
- FBI background check and fingerprinting
- No standardized state examination
- Permit valid for 5 years, renewable
Clark County specific: No education or training requirement, but must pass criminal background and financial stability check.
Why this matters: If you operate in multiple Nevada counties, you need multiple permits. A Las Vegas locksmith expanding to Reno needs both Clark County and Washoe County permits.
New Jersey
Who regulates: Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee, Division of Consumer Affairs Official website: njconsumeraffairs.gov/fbl
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18
- High school diploma or equivalency
- Good moral character
- No conviction of first, second, or third-degree crime within 10 years
- Experience requirement (one of the following):
- 3 years practical hands-on experience (minimum 5,040 hours over 36 months)
- 2-year apprenticeship program approved by U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training
- Fingerprinting and criminal background check
- Online application through MyLicense system
New Jersey has the strictest experience requirements: You need to document 5,040 hours of actual locksmith work over three years. That’s full-time locksmith employment with verifiable records.
New York (New York City Only)
Who regulates: NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Official website: nyc.gov/site/dca/businesses/license-checklist-locksmith.page
Critical distinction: New York State does NOT require locksmith licensing. Only New York City has mandatory licensing.
Requirements:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Current passport-sized color photograph
- Fingerprinting through IdentoGO (Service Code 1585FZ)
- One of the following qualifications:
- Two recommendations from DCWP-licensed locksmiths
- Completion of union apprenticeship plus one recommendation
- Certificate from accredited locksmithing school
- ALOA professional certification
- Existing locksmith license from another U.S. state
Fees: $25-$125 depending on application timing License period: 2 years (expires May 31 in odd years)
Contact: 42 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 | onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov
If you’re in Buffalo, Rochester, or Albany: You don’t need a license. Only NYC requires it.
North Carolina
Who regulates: North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board Official website: nclocksmithboard.org Governing law: NC General Statutes Chapter 74F
Requirements:
- Online application through Certemy platform or paper applications
- Study guide available ($45)
- Examination required
- Apprentice license option available
- Background check
Oklahoma
Who regulates: Oklahoma Department of Labor Official website: oklahoma.gov/labor/licensing
Requirements:
- Various license categories: Technician, Salesperson, Trainee, Company Manager
- Company and individual licensing available
- Background check required
- Online licensing system in development
Contact: 405-521-2150 | odol.licensing@labor.ok.gov
Note: Oklahoma licensing is separate from CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training), which handles private security licensing. Don’t confuse the two.
Oregon
Who regulates: Construction Contractors Board (CCB) Official website: apps.oregon.gov/SOS/LicenseDirectory Governing laws: ORS 701 and OAR 812
Requirements:
- Pass online certification exam (80 questions)
- Reference texts: “The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing” (6th Ed.) and “The Locksmith Dictionary 2009”
- 3 hours education on laws, regulations, and business practices
- Must be associated with a CCB-licensed contractor to work
- Certification renewal every 2 years
Fees (all $60):
- Application fee
- Exam fee
- Initial 2-year certification
- Renewal fee
Processing time: 7-10 business days
Contact: Construction Contractors Board: 503-378-4621
Oregon’s unique approach: You can’t just be a certified locksmith. You must work for a CCB-licensed contractor. This prevents unlicensed contractors from hiring certified locksmiths as a workaround.
Texas
Who regulates: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Bureau Official website: dps.texas.gov/section/private-security
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Criminal background check and fingerprinting ($28)
- Experience requirement (one of the following):
- 2 consecutive years full-time locksmith experience, OR
- 48-hour basic locksmith course + 600-hour fundamentals course + proficiency exam + 1 year experience
- Continuing education: 16 hours every 2 years
- No exam for individual locksmiths; qualified managers must pass exam through TOPS
Fees:
- Individual license: $30-$37
- Company/business license: $400-$412
Important: Texas has no reciprocal agreements with other states. Your California or Florida locksmith experience doesn’t automatically transfer. You still need to meet Texas-specific requirements.
Virginia
Who regulates: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Official website: dcjs.virginia.gov/faq/locksmith
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18
- U.S. citizen or legal resident alien
- Criminal record free of major convictions
- 18-hour entry-level training course (25E Locksmith)
- Written exam following training
- Fingerprinting through Field Print Virginia ($50)
- 4-hour in-service training (25I) for renewal
Fees:
- Application: $25 (online through DCJS Online Regulatory Licensing System)
- Fingerprinting: $50
Grace period: You can work up to 90 consecutive days while completing training if fingerprints submitted by hire date.
States with NO Locksmith Licensing Requirements
The following 37 states do NOT require state-level locksmith licensing:
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida (as of July 1, 2025), Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska (repealed 2021), New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York (except NYC), North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee (repealed 2021), Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Important caveat: Just because your state doesn’t require licensing doesn’t mean you’re completely unregulated. Many cities and counties have local requirements:
- Business licenses - Nearly all municipalities require general business licenses
- Zoning permits - Operating from a home office or commercial location may require permits
- Registration with law enforcement - Some localities require locksmith registration with local police
- Insurance requirements - Commercial clients often require proof of liability insurance
- Background checks - Many commercial property managers won’t hire locksmiths without background checks
Always check with your city hall, county clerk, and local police department for requirements in your specific area.
Recent Regulatory Changes & Trends
The Deregulation Movement
Locksmith licensing is being systematically eliminated across the United States. Here’s what’s happened recently:
Tennessee (May 27, 2021): Repealed the Tennessee Locksmith Licensing Act of 2006. The state determined licensing created unnecessary barriers to entry without improving public safety.
Nebraska (August 28, 2021): Repealed locksmith registration requirements through LB169. County clerks no longer issue locksmith certificates.
Florida (July 1, 2025): Preempted all local locksmith licensing through HB 735/SB 1142. Miami-Dade County and Hillsborough County can no longer require locksmith licenses.
Illinois (Scheduled January 1, 2029): The entire Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004 is scheduled for sunset. After this date, no state licensing will be required.
Why States Are Repealing Licensing Laws
The argument against locksmith licensing comes down to three points:
1. Minimal public safety risk. Unlike electricians or plumbers, locksmiths rarely create situations that endanger lives. A bad lock installation is inconvenient, not deadly.
2. Licensing doesn’t prevent crime. Criminal “locksmiths” don’t apply for licenses. Licensing only restricts honest people trying to earn a living.
3. Barriers to entry hurt consumers. Fewer licensed locksmiths means higher prices and less competition. Removing licensing requirements increases market competition and lowers prices.
Failed Attempts to Create Licensing
Several states have tried and failed to establish locksmith licensing:
- Hawaii (HB 188 in 2008, HB 344 in 2009)
- Mississippi (HB 1192 in 2011, HB 395 in 2012, HB 1395 in 2013)
- South Carolina (Bill 3038 in 2017-2018, Bill 278 in 2019-2020)
- Washington (SB5177 in 2011)
- Wisconsin (SB698 in 2013, SB770 in 2015)
The trend is clear: States are moving away from locksmith licensing, not toward it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states require locksmith licenses in 2025?
Thirteen states require state-level locksmith licensing: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada (county-level), New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia. New York requires licensing only in New York City, not statewide.
What happens if I work without a license in a regulated state?
Operating without a required license is typically a misdemeanor criminal offense. Penalties vary by state but can include:
- Fines ranging from $500 to $10,000
- Criminal charges and potential jail time
- Cease and desist orders
- Inability to collect payment for services rendered
- Lawsuits from customers for breach of contract
In states like California and Texas with strict enforcement, unlicensed locksmiths face aggressive prosecution.
Can I work across state lines with my locksmith license?
No. Locksmith licenses are not reciprocal between states. Each state has its own requirements, and your California license doesn’t allow you to work in Texas.
Some states (like New York City) will accept an existing locksmith license from another state as ONE of several qualification pathways, but you still need to apply for and receive a NYC license.
If you operate in multiple states, you need separate licenses for each regulated state.
Are locksmith licenses being phased out?
Yes, the trend is toward deregulation. Tennessee and Nebraska repealed their licensing laws in 2021. Florida preempted local licensing in 2025. Illinois has already scheduled repeal for 2029.
The locksmith industry itself is divided. Organizations like ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) support voluntary professional certification rather than mandatory government licensing. They argue that professional credentials provide legitimacy without creating artificial barriers to entry.
Do I need insurance if my state doesn’t require a license?
While your state may not require insurance, commercial clients almost always do. Property management companies, commercial buildings, automotive dealerships, and government contracts typically require:
- General liability insurance: $1,000,000 to $2,000,000
- Professional liability insurance: $500,000 to $1,000,000
- Workers’ compensation (if you have employees)
- Commercial auto insurance (if using vehicles for business)
Even in non-licensing states, insurance is a practical necessity for serious locksmith businesses.
What’s the difference between licensing and certification?
Licensing is a legal requirement enforced by government. Operating without a required license is illegal.
Certification is a voluntary professional credential. Organizations like ALOA offer certifications (CLL, CRL, CPL, CML) that demonstrate expertise but aren’t legally required.
Many locksmiths pursue ALOA certification even in non-licensing states because it builds credibility with customers and opens doors to commercial contracts.
What This Means for Your Locksmith Business
If You’re in a Licensing State
Get properly licensed. Don’t take shortcuts. The penalties for operating without a license aren’t worth the risk, and customers increasingly verify licensing before hiring.
Budget for ongoing compliance. Licensing isn’t a one-time cost. Factor in renewal fees, continuing education, insurance requirements, and background checks every 1-2 years.
Use your license as a marketing advantage. Prominently display your license number on your website, vehicles, and marketing materials. In regulated states, being properly licensed immediately sets you apart from unlicensed competitors.
If You’re in a Non-Licensing State
Don’t assume you’re unregulated. Check local city and county requirements. Get proper business licenses. Register with law enforcement if required.
Consider voluntary certification. ALOA certification builds credibility and can be a competitive differentiator, especially for commercial contracts.
Get proper insurance. Even if not legally required, locksmith insurance requirements protect your business and make you eligible for better contracts.
Stay informed about regulatory changes. If your state proposes licensing requirements, get involved early. Industry input can shape regulations before they’re enacted.
Hard-Earned Advice from 17+ Years in the Locksmith Industry
Look, I need to share some real talk here. I was a former partner in a multi-city, multi-state locksmith company, and I’ve spent the last 17+ years helping locksmith and garage door companies get Google verified, navigate LSA approval, optimize Google Ads, and dominate local SEO. I’ve personally dealt with state licensing and compliance headaches across multiple jurisdictions. So when I tell you this stuff matters, I’m not speaking from a textbook—I’m speaking from scars.
Follow ALL State Regulations (Or Risk Everything)
Here’s what keeps me up at night: seeing locksmith owners build impressive businesses—multiple trucks, great technicians, solid reputation—only to have it all collapse in a single day because they missed a licensing requirement or cut corners on compliance.
Even worse? You could face criminal charges and deceptive practices litigation. I’m talking lawsuits, fines, potential jail time. That’s not scare tactics—that’s reality in states with strict enforcement like California, Texas, and New Jersey.
Don’t be the guy who thinks “nobody checks” or “I’ll deal with it later.” State licensing boards DO check, especially when a customer complains or a competitor reports you. And by the time they knock on your door, it’s too late to fix it.
NEVER Run a Business Without Insurance (Seriously, Don’t Be Cheap Here)
In some states, insurance is mandatory for licensing. But even where it’s not legally required, you need to educate yourself on proper coverage and get it anyway.
I’ve seen too many service business owners cut corners on insurance to save a few hundred bucks a month. Let me paint you a picture of what “saving money” looks like:
You’re a locksmith. You’re doing a rekey at a nice home. You leave a tool on the floor for just a second. The homeowner walks around the corner, slips on your tool, falls hard, and breaks their hip. Now they’re chasing you for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. Without proper liability coverage, that’s coming out of your personal assets—your house, your savings, your kids’ college fund.
Or here’s another one: You accidentally damage a commercial door frame while installing a new lock system. The building owner wants $15,000 to repair and replace it. Without insurance, you’re paying that out of pocket or getting sued.
Get the right coverage:
- General liability - Covers property damage and bodily injury ($1M-$2M minimum)
- Professional liability - Covers errors and mistakes in your work
- Workers’ comp - Required in most states if you have employees
- Commercial auto - Covers your work vehicles and equipment
Yes, it costs money. But it costs a hell of a lot less than one serious lawsuit.
Beware the “Inside Guy” at Google (It’s Complete Horse Shit)
Here’s one that really gets me fired up. I’ve been helping locksmiths get verified on Google Maps, approved for Local Service Ads, and optimized for Google Ads for nearly two decades. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard about vendors promising they have an “inside guy” at Google who can get you approved without meeting the proper Google verification requirements.
Let me be crystal clear: This is absolutely horse shit.
Even if—and this is a big if—they somehow manage to get you a Google Maps listing or Google Ads account without proper licensing or insurance documentation, it won’t last. Google’s automated systems will catch it. Your listing will get suspended. Your LSA profile will get rejected. Your Ads account will get banned. And now you’ve paid some shady vendor AND you’re still not properly set up.
I’ve cleaned up these messes more times than I can count. Business owners who paid thousands to these “inside guy” vendors, only to have everything come crashing down weeks or months later. Then they have to start over from scratch AND deal with Google’s extra scrutiny because their account got flagged for suspicious activity.
Look, I’m not against pushing limits. That’s literally what Optymizer is all about—finding every legitimate advantage, testing boundaries, and maximizing results within the rules. But when it comes to licensing, insurance, and Google compliance, my best advice is this:
Be good boys and girls.
Get properly licensed in states that require it. Get proper insurance everywhere. Submit accurate documentation to Google. Build your business on a solid foundation, not on shortcuts that will blow up in your face.
The boring, legitimate path might take a little longer, but you’ll sleep better at night knowing you’re not one complaint or algorithm update away from losing everything.
How Optymizer Can Help Your Locksmith Business
Whether you’re navigating licensing requirements, building your online presence, or competing for customers in a crowded market, we understand the unique challenges locksmith businesses face.
We help locksmiths:
- Set up Google Business Profiles that rank in local search
- Create a professional locksmith website that converts visitors into phone calls
- Manage licensing documentation and insurance requirements
- Build review strategies that attract more customers
Get your free consultation: Contact us to discuss our locksmith marketing services and how we can help your business grow in your local market.
Final Thoughts
The locksmith licensing landscape is shifting. What’s required today might not be required tomorrow. Tennessee, Nebraska, and Florida have already eliminated requirements. Illinois is scheduled to follow in 2029.
If you’re starting a locksmith business, verify current requirements with your state’s official licensing authority. Don’t rely on outdated information or advice from online forums. Regulations change, and operating without required licensing can shut down your business before it starts.
If you’re already licensed, stay current on continuing education and renewal deadlines. And if you’re in a non-licensing state, use that freedom responsibly - get proper insurance, pursue professional certifications, and dominate your local search results with quality work.
The best locksmiths don’t just meet minimum licensing requirements. They exceed them.
