Locksmith license requirements by state

Whether you need a locksmith license depends on where the job is. Here is every state and DC, read from each state's own licensing board.

11States with a state license
0Partly, or registration only
3Leave it to cities and counties

Locksmith licensing in all 50 states and DC

"Partly" means the state covers only part of the trade, such as jobs over a dollar amount or only residential work, or asks for a registration instead of a tested license. "Local only" means no state license, but your city or county may still require one. Pick a state for its full guide.

StateState licenseLicense to get
AlabamaYesLocksmith provider license, with a Qualifying Agent license
AlaskaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
ArizonaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
ArkansasBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
CaliforniaYesLocksmith Company license
ColoradoBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
ConnecticutYesLocksmith Registration
DelawareBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
District of ColumbiaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
FloridaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
GeorgiaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
HawaiiBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
IdahoBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
IllinoisYesLocksmith license, plus a locksmith agency license if you employ others
IndianaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
IowaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
KansasBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
KentuckyBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
LouisianaYesProperty protection firm license with a Locksmith endorsement
MaineBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
MarylandBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
MassachusettsBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
MichiganBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
MinnesotaNo, local onlyNone at state level
MississippiBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
MissouriBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
MontanaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
NebraskaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
NevadaNo, local onlyCounty sheriff locksmith permit (required by NRS 655)
New HampshireBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
New JerseyYesLocksmith license, plus a business license with a licensed business qualifier
New MexicoBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
New YorkBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
North CarolinaYesLocksmith license
North DakotaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
OhioBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
OklahomaYesLocksmith company license, with a licensed locksmith manager
OregonYesCCB locksmith certification, tied to a CCB license
PennsylvaniaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
Rhode IslandBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
South CarolinaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
South DakotaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
TennesseeNo, local onlyNone at state level
TexasYesClass B Security Contractor Company License (locksmith)
UtahBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
VermontBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
VirginiaYesLocksmith registration, with a DCJS licensed private security services business
WashingtonBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
West VirginiaBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
WisconsinBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.
WyomingBeing checkedNot yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon.

Each state page lists the official pages it was built from and the date they were checked. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you file.

Other trades

LicensingHVAC license by stateHeating, cooling and refrigeration work. Some states license it through a mechanical board, some leave it to cities.LicensingPlumbing license by stateWater, drain and gas piping. Many states license plumbers through a state board, often in apprentice, journeyman and master steps.LicensingElectrical license by stateWiring, panels and service work. Many states license electricians at the state level, often with journeyman and master levels.LicensingRoofing license by stateRoof replacement and repair. Some states have a roofing license of their own, others fold it into the contractor license or leave it to cities.LicensingGeneral Contractor license by stateBuilding, remodeling and home improvement. The rules swing from a full state exam to a city permit desk.LicensingHandyman license by stateSmall repairs and odd jobs. Most states draw a dollar line, and above it you need a contractor license.LicensingPest Control license by stateBugs, rodents and termites for paying customers. Most states license the business and certify the applicator, usually through the department of agriculture.LicensingSeptic Installer license by stateInstalling and repairing septic and onsite wastewater systems. Some states license installers, others leave it to county health departments.LicensingLandscaping and Irrigation license by stateLandscape and irrigation work. A few states have a landscape or irrigation license, others fold it into the contractor law or leave it alone.LicensingPainting Contractor license by stateInterior and exterior painting. A few states have a painting class, more cover it under a contractor or home improvement license.

We know what works. Leave it to Koira.

☼⚙
Standard⚡ Turbo
● Koira did it● You by hand
Today $9,300$8,100 / $1,200
This week $25,050$18,570 / $6,480
This month $69,300$46,150 / $23,150
Money, just now
Reminded Sean Love, $1,850. Polite reminder with the pay link.
Bids, 9:44 am
Nudged Dana on the kitchen bid. Day 3 follow up. She opened it at 9:12.
Convos, 9:41 am
Texted back a missed call. Walk through booked Thu 10:00.
Locksmith License Requirements by State (2026)