How to Become a Locksmith in Michigan?

In this guide, you will learn about the following:

• How to get locksmith training in Michigan?
• Finding the right locksmith schools in Michigan
• How to become a locksmith in Michigan?
• How to start your own locksmith business in Michigan?

Should You Become a Locksmith in Michigan?

Locksmiths make keys, repair locks, and install locks at homes, commercial establishments and vehicles. People seek help from locksmiths when they need to secure their homes or business, lose keys or need replacement keys for homes, cars or cabinets, etc.

In Michigan, many locksmiths are self-employed or run small family businesses. Starting a locksmith business doesn’t require a large investment—just the right skills and a business address will do. You can even begin by working from home or using a mobile van equipped with the necessary locksmith tools. To get started, you’ll need essential equipment like key cutting machines and automotive key programming tools.

In Michigan, the locksmith trade is not regulated. You don’t need any locksmith license in Michigan 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 Michigan or start your own locksmith business anywhere in Michigan.

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 Michigan. 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 Michigan, or anywhere in the US.

Eligibility for Becoming Locksmith in Michigan

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 Michigan.

• 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 Michigan.
• 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 Michigan?

• 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 Michigan 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 Michigan

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

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

With certification to back your knowledge of the trade, it shouldn’t be difficult to get hired as a beginner locksmith in Michigan. 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 Michigan 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 Michigan. 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 Michigan 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

Technology is always changing. The security industry is no exception. So, locksmiths need to keep learning about new locks, car keys, and security systems. For locksmiths, it’s important to stay updated on the latest changes in lock technology.

Successful locksmiths attend industry events, seminars and trade exhibitions. You can also improve your skills by taking training and classes from lock manufacturers, trade groups, and locksmith schools.

That’s everything you need to know about becoming a locksmith in Michigan. Be sure to check for any updates to laws and regulations, as well as compliance requirements for the locksmith industry in the state.