How to Become a Locksmith in Minnesota?

In this guide, you will learn about the following:

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

Should You Become a Locksmith in Minnesota?

Becoming a locksmith in Minnesota can be a rewarding career if you enjoy working with your hands and solving problems. Locksmiths are responsible for making keys, repairing locks, and installing security systems for homes, businesses, and vehicles. People rely on locksmiths when they need to secure their property, lose their keys, or need replacements for keys to their homes, cars, or cabinets.

In Minnesota, many locksmiths are self-employed or run small family businesses. One of the biggest advantages of entering this field is the low cost of starting your own business. With just the right skills and a business address, you can begin working as a locksmith. Many locksmiths start from home or operate a mobile van equipped with the necessary tools.

To begin, you’ll need basic locksmith tools, including key cutting machines and automotive key programming equipment. These are essential to providing the services customers expect.

The good news is that the locksmith profession is not regulated in Minnesota. This means you don’t need a specific license to become a locksmith. Once you’ve learned how to make keys and install locks, you can start working for an established locksmith company or launch your own business anywhere in the state.

If you choose to work independently, building your business will rely on advertising, both online and locally. Reaching your target audience through digital ads can help attract clients.

However, the locksmith industry is competitive, and finding customers will be one of the biggest challenges, whether you’re just starting in Minnesota or anywhere else in the U.S. With hard work, persistence, and the right marketing strategies, you can build a successful locksmith business in Minnesota.

Eligibility for Becoming Locksmith in Minnesota

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 Minnesota.

• 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 Minnesota.
• 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 Minnesota?

• 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota

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

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

With certification to back your knowledge of the trade, it shouldn’t be difficult to get hired as a beginner locksmith in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota. 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 Minnesota 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 world of locks and security is always changing, so locksmiths need to keep learning new things. New types of locks and car keys are coming out all the time, and it’s important to stay up to date.

To be a successful locksmith, you should keep learning about the latest security tools and systems. Going to locksmith events and training programs can help you stay current. Many lock companies, trade groups, and locksmith schools offer great learning opportunities.

That’s a wrap on how to become a locksmith in Minnesota! Just remember to check the latest rules and laws in the state to make sure you’re following everything correctly.