Locksmithing School: Find Locksmith Training & Certifications to Start Your Locksmith Career | How to Become a Locksmith in the US?

As in January 2024, you need a locksmith license in 13 states, and two counties in Florida, and the city of Provo (Utah), marked with an (*) asterisk. For the rest of the US, the paperwork and legal compliance requirements for starting a locksmith business is no different from any general business.

How to Become a Locksmith in the US?

Before we delve into the details, here’s a quick overview of the steps to becoming a locksmith in the US. In 13 states and few counties, the locksmith industry is regulated and requires licensing for businesses and individuals.

• Meet eligibility requirements, including age (18 years) and education
• Good moral character and no serious criminal history is often required
• Those convicted of serious crimes and felonies might not be issues a license
• Get locksmith training and certifications as required by your state
• Obtain locksmith license and registrations as mandated by your state
• Submit your fingerprints and undergo a criminal background check where required
• Work as an apprentice locksmith to gain work experience
• Find work with local locksmith companies or start your own business
• Join a reputed trade association for regular industry knowledge and support
• Upgrade you skills and continue to learn about the latest technologies

Even in states where the locksmith trade does not have any separate licensing, all businesses are still required to meet the state and federal rules for businesses, such as obtaining a business registration, maintaining general liability insurance and obtaining a contractor license.

Find the Right Locksmith School in US

Not all locksmith training courses are accepted by all states. It’s important that you get certified as a trained locksmith by an institution recognized by your state agency that issues locksmith license.

When looking for a locksmith trade school, check the requirements for your state. If your state doesn’t regulate the locksmith trade, you can join any locksmith training / trade school of your choice, including online training.

Some states have an exam for locksmith licensing but don’t require any locksmith training or certifications. If you state regulates the locksmith trade, check if there is a list of locksmith training schools that are recognized by the state.

When you are working as an apprentice, you are often required to get registered as a locksmith apprentice. Your certified locksmith master will certify and endorse your locksmith apprentice application.

Do You Need Locksmith Training / Exam to Become a Locksmith in the US?

Not all US states have any examination or certification requirement for locksmiths, but many states require locksmiths to complete some sort of training or have passed a locksmith examination.

Locksmith training schools help you learn the trade. With an experienced locksmith trainer and a well-designed locksmith training course, you can learn locksmithing and have the necessary knowledge to start working as a professional locksmith.

The required training to become a locksmith varies from state to state, and many states mandate a valid locksmith license to work as a locksmith in the state.

In Texas, for instance, a two-year apprenticeship under a licensed locksmith is mandatory before you can apply for locksmith license.

In many US states, you can simply register your business, pay a small fee at City Hall, and get a locksmith license immediately. However, many states such as North Carolina require applicants to pass a locksmith exam to get a locksmith license.

Some states only require you to take an examination, as prescribed. In this case, you should be aware of the scope of locksmith skill examination for the state. Even if your state does not require an apprenticeship or training, it is advisable to learn the trade for any licensed locksmith or institute.

Finding Locksmith Training Course / Certification

If your state mandates a locksmith training course or examination, you will need to successfully complete the prescribed course. Your state’s locksmith licensing department will provide you the list of valid training schools, institutions and locksmith certification courses.

1. Check with the state department

In most states that mandate examination, training or apprenticeship as a criterion to issue locksmith license also provide the information on accredited locksmith training schools, or details of locksmiths to work as an apprentice. Before you enroll in any locksmith school or start working as an apprentice with any locksmith, check with the local authorities for the certifications accepted for licensing.

If your state regulates the locksmith industry, check for approved courses and certifications required to meet the eligibility requirements for a locksmith license. Go through the state government website and find the required locksmith training or course. Get the list of locksmith training schools recognized by your state. Check with the locksmith schools for the available courses.

If you are looking to work as a San Diego locksmith in California you can start by visiting the California state website for locksmith licensing requirements and procedure. If you are looking to work as a locksmith in Chicago Illinois, you can start by visiting the Illinois state website for locksmith licensing requirements and procedure.

Many of the locksmith training courses are available as online locksmith training and also distance education for locksmiths. You can enroll for online locksmith courses and learn at your own pace.

2. Check you local phone directory

You can also check your local phone book for locksmith training schools near you. All major cities have locksmith training schools with classroom learning. You can find a locksmith training center near you in the US by checking the local phone and web directories for professional locksmith training courses.

If there are no local locksmith school in your city, you can register for online locksmith training programs available. Online locksmith courses offer the comfort of learning at your own pace. Most online locksmith schools will send you a locksmith training kit, which you can use with video courses to learn locksmith trade.

The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) provides training and certificates such as Registered Locksmith, Certified Automotive Locksmith, or Certified Master Safe Tech. It also offers continuing education for locksmiths through study materials, seminars and workshops.

Your state does not requires a training / certification for locksmith license? Irrespective, it is advisable that you get the necessary hands-on training and learning for success.

• Complete locksmith apprenticeship (under a Master or Certified/Licensed Locksmith)
• Enroll in online locksmith course from a licensed/recognized locksmith school

Training will help you hone your skills and acquire specialized skills such as automotive locksmith, commercial locksmith, security, etc.

During the course, we will also discuss how to set up your own locksmith business. You will also learn about getting necessary licenses and other requirements to start a locksmith shop.

Which US States Need Locksmith License?

You are currently required to get a locksmith license before starting out as a locksmith in 13 US states. In these states, it is illegal for anyone other than a licensed locksmith to try opening any lock or tinker with security installations.

In addition to the locksmith license requirement, the following cities / districts currently require more documentation for issuing locksmith licenses.

Nebraska and Tennessee repealed their locksmith licensing requirements in 2021. You no longer need a locksmith license in these states.

Effective August 28, 2021, County Clerk’s Offices in Nebraska no longer issue locksmith certificates. Registration requirements were repealed per LB169. In Tennessee, the licensing requirement for locksmiths was repealed with effect from May 27, 2021. The state of Tennessee no longer regulates the locksmith business.

Even in states that don’t have locksmith licensing requirements, most cities or counties require business licenses for commercial lockshops. You will need a fictitious name or a business name if you don’t want a business tied to your personal identity. When you intend to start a business, you might want to incorporate it into a company.