Do you want to become a locksmith in New Jersey (NJ)? Learn how to become a locksmith in New Jersey and get a locksmith license to start working. In this guide, you will have the details needed to train as a locksmith in New Jersey, and to become a licensed locksmith.
Do you need a Locksmith License in New Jersey?
Yes, the state of New Jersey regulates the trade of locksmiths as well as fire and burglar alarm system technicians.
All locksmiths require to obtain a locksmith license before starting work as a locksmith in NJ. No one may provide services for installation and repair of fire alarms, burglar alarms and locksmith services without a current, active license.
How to get Locksmith Training in New Jersey?
The state of New Jersey has educational and professional training and experience requirements for locksmiths. To qualify for a locksmith license, the person must qualify a locksmith examination as laid out by the state law.
You must have worked as an apprentice for the last two years or have worked as a full-time locksmith for the last 3 years.
Training is required for becoming a locksmith. You can start working as an apprentice locksmith.
When you are just starting out, you should learn the basics of locksmithing through any online training program or attend a classroom course. Once you have the basic training, you should approach local locksmith companies to get hired as an apprentice.
To become a locksmith in New Jersey, you are required to work as an apprenticeship under an experienced locksmith. You should still consider obtaining locksmith certification from recognized entities.
How to Find Locksmith School in New Jersey?
Anyone looking to work as a locksmith in New Jersey should acquire knowledge of the trade.
Locksmith certificate and diploma courses are available through community colleges, vocational schools, and locksmith trade associations.
Find a local locksmith school in your city in New Jersey. 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 trade school near you in New Jersey and nearby states. You can also enroll in an online locksmith course to get a formal training in the locksmith trade.
How to Get Locksmith License in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, all locksmith licenses are issued by the Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee, a unit of the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. The Advisory Committee governs the licensing and monitoring of alarm installers and locksmiths.
The Advisory Committee issues licenses to qualified individuals who want to be employed as locksmiths. The Advisory Committee also issues licenses to alarm and locksmith businesses.
Who can apply for a locksmith license in New Jersey (NJ)?
To qualify for a locksmith license, the individual should meet the following conditions:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Holds a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
- No conviction of a crime of the first, second, third degree within 10 years to filing the application for a locksmith license. You will have to undergo a criminal history background check by submitting your fingerprints with the designated fingerprinting locations.
- Have successfully completed the locksmithing examination set forth in New Jersey Administrative Code, Title 13: Law and Public Safety, N.J.AC. 13:31A-2.3. All applicants for a license to provide locksmithing services shall obtain a passing score on the locksmith examination.
- In the 3 years immediately preceding the application date, the applicant should have work experience in full-time locksmithing services (3 years, with at least 5,040 work hours) as defined in N.J.A.C. 13:31 A-1.2; or should have completed a 2-year apprenticeship program in locksmithing services approved by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the US Department of Labor.
- No earlier than 3 years from the date of application, the applicant should have completed the following courses and trainings: successfully completed two hours of training in the Barrier Free Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7, two hours of training in the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23, exclusive of the Barrier Free Subcode, two hours of training in the Americans with Disabilities Act Code, 36 CFR 1191, two hours of training in industrial safety, and two hours of training in New Jersey law and rules governing the provision of burglar alarm, fire alarm, and locksmithing services.
You can apply for a Locksmith License using the online application process via the MyLicense Online Licensing for the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. There are separate links for individuals and businesses.
You can also download a copy of the application form and submit it after properly filling it, clearly type-written or printed. The non-refundable application fee of $150.00 must be paid in the form of a check or money order payable to the STATE OF NEW JERSEY. When your application is approved, it is genrally valid for 3 years, and has to be renewed before expiry. When applying for a license, provide supporting information as much as possible.
Department: Department of Law and Public Safety
Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee
Physical address: Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee
124 Haley StreetNewark, NJ 07102
Phone: (973) 504-6245
Mailing address: Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee
P.O. Box 45042Newark, NJ 07101
How to Get Locksmith Business License?
A locksmith license is issued to an individual, and locksmith businesses need to have their own licenses too.
A locksmith business must apply for a license with a designated licensee (individual locksmith license holder) who will serve as the Business Qualifier. A Business Qualifier is required for each license category (fire alarm, burglar alarm and locksmith) in which the business is seeking a license. A licensee may serve as a Business Qualifier for more than one category provided the person holds a license in each category. The Business Qualifier must submit an affidavit along with the business license application.
After a locksmith business is licensed, it has to provide the names of its employees and the duties they perform. Applications for employees will be sent to licensed businesses. All locksmith business employees have to undergo a criminal history background review and obtain photo identification cards.
All locksmith businesses require to maintain a general liability insurance of $500,000, and an additional insurance coverage (or surety bond) of $10,000 payable to the State of New Jersey.
To start a new business in New Jersey (NJ), you will have to register your business. The exact process depends on the business structure and industry. In general, the process of business registration involves:
- Searching for available business names
- Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Incorporate or form your business entity
- Register for New Jersey Tax and Employer Purposes