How to Become a Locksmith in Iowa?

Do you want to build your a career as a locksmith? Want to know how to become a locksmith in Iowa? Whether you’re in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Waterloo, Iowa City, Council Bluffs, Ames, Dubuque, or West Des Moines—this guide has everything you need to get started.

Should You Become a Locksmith in Iowa?

Locksmiths create keys, repair and install locks for homes, businesses, and vehicles. People rely on locksmiths when they need to improve security, replace lost keys, or get new keys for cars, homes, cabinets, and more.

In Iowa, many locksmiths operate as independent professionals or run small family-owned businesses. Starting a locksmith business doesn’t require a large investment—just your skills and a business address. In fact, many locksmiths begin by working from home or out of a mobile van fully equipped with the necessary tools.

To get started, you’ll need essential locksmith equipment such as key cutting machines, lock picking tools, and automotive key programming devices.

In Iowa, the locksmith trade is not regulated. You don’t need any locksmith license in Iowa to work as a locksmith. You can learn how to make keys and install locks, and you are good to get employed with any locksmith company in Iowa or start your own locksmith business anywhere in Iowa.

If you are working as a self-employed locksmith or an independent business, you will have to build your business through advertising, both online and in your local market in Iowa. You can reach your target customers using online ads.

The locksmith industry is a competitive market. Finding customers is going to be the main challenge when you are starting as a locksmith in Iowa, or anywhere in the US.

Eligibility for Becoming Locksmith in Iowa

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 Iowa.

• 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 Iowa.
• 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 Iowa?

• 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 Iowa 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 Iowa

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

Find a local locksmith school in your city in Iowa. 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 Iowa. If you cannot find a locksmith training program in Iowa, 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 Iowa.

With certification to back your knowledge of the trade, it shouldn’t be difficult to get hired as a beginner locksmith in Iowa. 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 Iowa 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 Iowa. 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 Iowa 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 lock and security industry is always changing, so locksmiths need to keep learning. New types of locks and car keys come out often, and staying updated is key to doing well in this field.

To keep your skills sharp, try attending locksmith events, workshops, or training sessions. Many lock companies, trade groups, and schools offer courses to help you stay current.

That’s the basic overview of how to become a locksmith in Iowa. Just remember to check for any new rules or changes in state laws so you stay compliant while working.