Do You Need a Locksmith License? Requirements by State (2026)
Locksmithing is a skilled trade that involves installing, repairing, and adjusting locks and security devices. If you are thinking about becoming a locksmith, one of the first things you need to understand is whether your state requires a license. Locksmith licensing varies widely across the United States — some states have comprehensive licensing requirements including background checks and exams, while others have no state-level regulation at all. The industry has been pushing for more standardization, but for now requirements depend heavily on where you plan to work.
Quick Answer
13 of 51 states require a state-level locksmith license.
State-by-State Locksmith License Requirements
The table below shows whether each state requires a locksmith license, the level of regulation, and a link to the relevant licensing board website where available.
| State | License Required | Regulation Level | Board Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Alaska | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Arizona | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Arkansas | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| California | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Colorado | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Connecticut | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Delaware | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| District of Columbia | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Florida | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Georgia | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Hawaii | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Idaho | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Illinois | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Indiana | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Iowa | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Kansas | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Kentucky | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Louisiana | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Maine | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Maryland | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Massachusetts | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Michigan | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Minnesota | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Mississippi | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Missouri | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Montana | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Nebraska | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Nevada | ✓ Required | — | — |
| New Hampshire | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| New Jersey | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| New Mexico | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| New York | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| North Carolina | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| North Dakota | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Ohio | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Oklahoma | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Oregon | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Pennsylvania | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Rhode Island | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| South Carolina | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| South Dakota | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Tennessee | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Texas | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Utah | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Vermont | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Virginia | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Washington | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| West Virginia | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Wisconsin | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Wyoming | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
What If My State Doesn't Require a License?
Even in states without a state-level locksmith license, you may still need to meet local requirements. Many cities and counties require locksmiths to obtain a business license or register with the local government. Some jurisdictions require background checks for anyone working in the security field, even when the state does not mandate licensing. Check with your local government offices to determine what permits or registrations you may need before operating as a locksmith.
How to Get Licensed
Becoming a licensed locksmith generally involves completing a training program, gaining practical experience, and in some states passing a licensing exam or background check. The specific steps depend on your state's requirements. For a complete overview of the process, check out our guide on how to become a locksmith.
Requirements change — always verify with your state's licensing authority.
Check Your State's Requirements
See the full licensing requirements for your state, including fees, education hours, and exams.