How to Become a Locksmith in Maine?

Looking to start a career as a locksmith in Maine? Whether you’re in Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland, Auburn, Biddeford, Sanford, Saco, Augusta, or Westbrook, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a locksmith in Maine.

Should You Become a Locksmith in Maine?

Locksmiths are experts who make keys, fix locks, and install security systems for homes, businesses, and vehicles. People need locksmiths when they want to secure their property, lose their keys, or need replacements for keys to their homes, cars, or cabinets.

In Maine, many locksmiths are self-employed or run small family businesses. Starting a locksmith business is affordable—just bring your skills and a place to work. You can even start from home or use a van with the right tools.

To get started, you’ll need key cutting machines and tools for programming car keys.

The good news is that Maine doesn’t require a special license to become a locksmith. This means you can start working as a locksmith with the right skills, either by joining a company or starting your own business anywhere in the state.

If you decide to work on your own, you’ll need to advertise both locally and online to attract customers. Using digital ads is a great way to find clients.

The locksmith business can be competitive, and getting customers might be one of the biggest challenges, whether you’re just starting in Maine or anywhere else in the U.S.

Eligibility for Becoming Locksmith in Maine

Generally speaking, there is no specific requirement for becoming a locksmith. You just need to be eligible to start a business in the state of Maine.

• Age: 18 years or older (a major) and sound mind is a universal requirement.
• Education Degree: You don’t need any education degree or training certification to become a locksmith in Maine.
• Criminal History: Good moral and ethical background is a general requirement. A criminal record will not automatically deny you a chance to work as a locksmith.
• Key Skills: Mechanical and mathematical ability, knowledge of lock components, and ability to use locksmith tools to open & repair locks and make new keys.
• License and Certification: State-issued business license or a business license issued by your City Hall is generally required. Professional certifications recommended.
• Average Salary of Locksmiths: $50,000 – 60,0000 / year (approximate average in the US, as in April 2025, Source: Salary.com).

How to Become a Locksmith in Maine?

• Get locksmith training (join a trade school)
• Work as an apprentice locksmith to gain work experience
• Get locksmith certifications for showing your qualifications (optional)
• Find work with local locksmith companies in Maine or start your own business
• Join a reputed trade association for regular industry knowledge and support
• Upgrade you skills and continue learning about the latest locks & security technology in home, automobile & business space

Step 1: Get Locksmith Training in Maine

Anyone looking to work as a locksmith in Maine should acquire knowledge of the trade.

Find a local locksmith school in your city in Maine. Check local phone directories, yellow pages and online directories for locksmith training courses near you. You can also seek guidance from your local friendly locksmith.

Locksmith schools are few in numbers, and not present in every city. You should expand your search and try to find a good locksmith school near you in Maine. If you cannot find a locksmith training program in Maine, expand your search to include other states.

You can find several reputed locksmith schools in the US that provide online courses. Enroll in an online locksmith course to get a formal training in the locksmith trade.

Locksmith certificate and diploma courses are available through community colleges, vocational schools, and locksmith trade associations.

As an alternative to locksmith training, an aspiring locksmith can also work as an apprenticeship under an experienced locksmith. Even  if you learn the trade as an apprentice, you should consider obtaining locksmith certification from recognized entities.

Step 2: Get Employed as a Locksmith (or Apprentice)

Once you have successfully completed a locksmith training course, you should seek employment with reputed local locksmith companies and also with the maintenance departments of local businesses and organizations in Maine.

With certification to back your knowledge of the trade, it shouldn’t be difficult to get hired as a beginner locksmith in Maine. If you fail to find a locksmith technician job, you should look for an apprenticeship under an experienced locksmith to gain real hands-on experience.

Aspiring locksmiths can contact local locksmith businesses for apprenticeship positions. Apprenticeships are generally unpaid or with stipends, but provides you the technical, legal, and business aspects of the locksmith trade.

Though Maine does not require any licensing for locksmiths at the time of writing this article, you are advised to verify the current legal requirements and formalities.

Step 3: Start Your Own Locksmith Business

Many locksmiths enjoy a great career working with local locksmith companies and the maintenance departments of other organizations. However, some like to be their own bosses.

If you are entrepreneurial in nature, you can easily start your own locksmith business in Maine. You can have your own storefront lockshop or operate as a mobile locksmith, with a van fitted with equipment and spares as your workplace.

Many local locksmith businesses in Maine will have both, a lockshop and a locksmith van for mobile services. If you are short on the investment front, you should start working as a mobile locksmith by converting your existing car as your workshop.

Obtain business license: Whether you work from a store or a locksmith van, it is a general requirement that your register your business with the City Hall (and the state where required). You will also need to obtain work permits such as contractor licenses. Where your business name is different from your legal name (Doing Business As), you will need to register your business fictitious name too.

Insurance: General liability insurance is often a requirement for obtaining business licenses. Even if your state / county does not mandate any insurance, you should obtain adequate insurance cover to protect your business. A work gone wrong can attract hefty payments for damages. Insurance will ensure that you don’t go bust.

Step 4: Join Locksmith Trade Association

Once you get your locksmith license, or start working as a locksmith, you should join any prominent trade association in your state. It will help you stay informed with developments in the sector. You can also find help with several other issues through your trade association.

Being a member of a trade association will help with expanding business, building customer base, continued education, legislative representation, industry bonding, insurance options, and more.

Step 5: Continue Learning

The security hardware industry is constantly evolving, so locksmiths must stay up to date with the latest locks, keys, and security systems. Keeping your skills current is key to success in this field.

To stay ahead, attend seminars and events, and take advantage of training opportunities offered by lock manufacturers, trade groups, and locksmith schools.

That’s all on how to become a locksmith in Maine. Don’t forget to verify the applicable laws (for new legislations and amendments) and compliance requirements for the locksmith industry in Maine.