Do you want to start working as a locksmith in Maryland? If you want to explore the option of locksmith career, you will need to know how to become a licensed locksmith in Maryland. You will also need to locate the best locksmith training schools for learning the trade.
If you live anywhere in Maryland, this guide will help you in exploring the locksmith profession and working in Maryland, including Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, Waldorf, Frederick, and Ellicott City.
Who is a Locksmith in Maryland?
In Maryland, Title 12.5 of the “Maryland Locksmiths Act” sets forth the requirements for the licensing and regulation of businesses or commercial entities that “provide locksmith services” in Maryland.
The term “provide locksmith services” is defined in Section 1-101 of the Act (Business Regulation Article, Annotated Code of Maryland).
“Provide locksmith services” means to engage professionally and for compensation in:
(1) repairing, rebuilding, rekeying, repinning, recombinating, adjusting, or installing mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical locking devices, safes, vaults, or safe deposit boxes; or
(2) operating a mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical locking device or opening safes, vaults, or safe deposit boxes by a means other than that intended by the manufacturer of such locking devices.
How to Get Locksmith Training in Maryland?
Do you need any locksmith training course or certification to become a locksmith in Maryland? No experience or training is required by law to become a licensed locksmith in the state of Maryland. Only locksmith businesses need to comply with the licensing requirements.
Can I start working as a locksmith without any training? Yes, you can. However, in a real world scenario, you will need training and experience to handle locksmith tasks. You can start your training by taking online locksmith training courses, join class programs for locksmith training, attend manufacturer trainings, and various other ways. You can start with any recognized locksmith course. There are locksmith training schools that provide classroom training with practical learning. It’s a good idea to invest in your locksmith training for a great career ahead.
A well-designed locksmith training course will teach you how to pick and repair locks, make keys, understand the mechanics of different type of locks, and install different security equipment at homes and businesses. With a large number of people looking for automotive keys and locks at any given time, it is important to learn how to make keys and unlock doors for cars and vehicles popular in your city in Maryland.
Locksmith courses also impart you knowledge about the local laws related to the locksmith industry in Maryland. You can also learn specialized locksmithing such as making automotive keys and access control installation.
You should also consider continuing education to upgrade your locksmith skills. Industry and manufacturer training programs help you learn latest lock technologies. You can also attend classroom programs and locksmith industry conventions to stay updated.
How to Get Locksmith License in Maryland?
Individuals do not need any locksmith license in Maryland. However, this does not mean that they can start working as a locksmith on their own. Individuals can only get employed by licensed locksmith businesses. If you want to work on your own, you will need to get a license as a locksmith business.
All locksmith businesses must obtain a license to operate in Maryland. Whether you are a sole proprietorship or a corporation, you need a locksmith license in Maryland. Individual locksmiths employed with locksmith companies do not require a license to do hands-on work defined as locksmith services. However, employees are required to undergo a criminal background check, the results of which may have an effect on employability. There are certain scenarios when the licensing requirement does not apply.
The locksmith license is issued to a business that is registered with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. The principle official associated with the business’ Federal Employer Identification number and registration number is responsible for keeping the license current and completing all paperwork.
If you are the only owner, you can complete the formalities and get registered as a proprietorship business. You may need a fictitious business name.
Locksmith businesses have to be licensed in Maryland to operate as a legal locksmith service provider. All locksmith business licenses in Maryland are issued with a validity period of two years, and has to be renewed subsequently.
The owner or designee (who is responsible for the business) has to undergo a full state and federal criminal history record check through the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository. You need to submit your fingerprints and pay the associated fees for a criminal history background check by the law enforcement department concerned.
All employees who provide locksmith services on behalf of a licensed locksmith business must also submit their fingerprints and undergo a background check for criminal history. Employees who do not provide locksmith services are not bound by this requirement. A registration of technicians form must also be completed when adding and removing an employee.
The Maryland Locksmiths Act empowers the Department of Labor to deny a license to an applicant who under the laws of the United States or of any state, is convicted of a:
- Felony; or
- Misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee to be involved in providing locksmith services.
Such persons are also not eligible for employment with locksmith companies. Any locksmith company that knowingly employs a person ineligible to work as a locksmith can have its license cancelled.
To apply for a locksmith license on behalf of your corporation (INC. or CORP.), partnership, limited liability corporation (LLC), limited liability partnership (LLP), or sole proprietorship, you must:
- Be eighteen years of age or older
- Complete the locksmith application form.
- Report any addresses from which you conducted business during the prior 36 months if different from the fixed business address under which this application is being filed
- Separately, apply to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository (CJIS) for a Federal and State criminal history records check. You will have to provide a copy of the fingerprinting receipt with the application.
- For corporations only:
- Provide a copy of the Articles of Incorporation.
- Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
- File a Report of Employee and receive approval for each employee who provides locksmith services on behalf of your business. All employees who perform locksmith services are required to undergo a criminal background check and to obtain completed fingerprint cards.
- A passport size photo of the owner/designee applicant is also required.
- Certificate of Liability Insurance
All locksmith businesses have to maintain a general liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000. The insurance certificate should reflect the name of the licensed business or sole proprietor being insured as a part of the policy, and the policy shall be written through a company approved by the Maryland State Insurance Administration to issue such policies in Maryland.
Completed applications with all supporting documentations should be mailed to:
Maryland Locksmith Licensing Program
1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 1281
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Email: DLOPLLocksmiths-LABOR@maryland.gov
Please visit the website of Maryland Locksmith Licensing Program for updated information and fees.
Here are the locksmith license fees in Maryland as in June 2022.
- License fee (original and renewal): $225
- Business name change: $50
- Personal name change: $50
All licensed locksmiths must to notify the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing of any name change or change of mailing/e-mail address. The intimation can be made by completing the mandated form and send it via email.
All locksmith businesses must be renewed every two years. Renewal applications are sent by the licensing department approximately 60 days before the expiration of the license. You need to submit the Registration of Locksmith Technician Form and a current certificate of liability insurance for license renewal.