Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed Locksmith in Oregon. Data verified 2026-03-24. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Locksmith
Yes
License Required
No
Exam Required
Not Required
Background Check
$100,000 per occurrence
Insurance
$15,000
Surety Bond
$400
Total Initial Fees
Training & Certification
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Training Hours
Not Specified
Apprenticeship
Not Available
ALOA Certification Accepted
No
Additional Certifications
States that license locksmiths may require specific training hours, approved education programs, or ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) certification. Some states also accept apprenticeship experience as an alternative to formal education.
Browse Locksmith study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Examination Details
VerifiedNot Required
Exam Required
N/A
Exam Type
No
ALOA Exam Accepted
Exam Details
The RLSC endorsement is exempt from the RMI pre-licensing training and exam requirement. However, the business must employ an Oregon Certified Locksmith Services (OCLS) certified individual.
Licensed states may require a state-specific exam, an ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) exam, or both. Exam content typically covers lock mechanisms, key systems, security hardware, and relevant state laws.
Study materials for locksmith certification and licensing exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Criminal Background & Fingerprinting
VerifiedNot Required
Background Check
Not Required
Fingerprinting
Due to the security-sensitive nature of locksmithing, most licensed states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting. Certain felony convictions, particularly those involving theft, burglary, or fraud, may disqualify applicants from obtaining a locksmith license.
Liability Insurance & Surety Bond
VerifiedLiability Insurance
$100,000 per occurrence
Surety Bond
$15,000
Some states require locksmiths to carry liability insurance and/or a surety bond to protect consumers. Insurance requirements typically cover general liability, while surety bonds protect against fraudulent or improper work by the locksmith.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $400 (effective July 1, 2025 for new applicants) |
Renewal Fee | $400 per two-year cycle (effective July 2024 for renewals, July 2025 for new licenses) |
Total Initial Fees CCB contractor license fee (effective July 1, 2025); bond and insurance costs are additional | $400 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$400
Study guides & supplies
Locksmith Exam Prep
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$400
Average Locksmith salary in Oregon: $49,780/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 3 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$400
Regulatory Board
Locksmith licenses must be renewed on schedule. Some states require continuing education covering topics such as lock technology, security systems, and relevant state laws. Background check updates may also be required at renewal.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
No
Reciprocity Requirements
Must obtain Oregon CCB license independently; no formal reciprocity agreements exist.
Portability Details
Oregon does not have reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state locksmiths must obtain a CCB license with locksmith certification.
Locksmith license reciprocity varies between states. Because most states do not license locksmiths, transferring credentials is primarily relevant for the ~15 states that require licensing. Background checks are typically required regardless of prior licensure.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Oregon regulates locksmiths through the Construction Contractors Board rather than a dedicated locksmith board. The certification exam requires a perfect score (100%), making it unique among states. The RLSC license restricts the holder to locksmith services only.
Oregon requires locksmith services to be performed under a CCB contractor license with locksmith certification.
The certification test is 80 questions, open-book, and requires 100% correct answers.
A Residential Locksmith Services Contractor (RLSC) license allows only locksmith services.
A $15,000 residential bond and $100,000 per occurrence insurance are required.
CCB license fee is $400 (increased effective July 1, 2025).
No continuing education or background check is required.
Locksmith requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon (you) | $400 | 16–56 wks | |
| California | $407 | 16–56 wks | → |
| Idaho | — | 4–26 wks | → |
| Nevada | — | 4–26 wks | → |
| Washington | — | 4–26 wks | → |
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Oregon.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#40 of 51
Salary
#20 of 51
Cost
#11 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers (SOC 49-9094)
Entry Level
$42,240
25th percentile
Median
$49,780
-1% vs. national avg ($50,490)Experienced
$60,080
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
230 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Locksmiths and Safe Repairers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+1%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
1,800
per year (avg.)
15,200 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 16–56 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) — Licensing Requirements
Moving to Oregon? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Locksmith license to Oregon →
Transfer your Locksmith license from Oregon to: California → | Idaho → | Nevada → | Washington →
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Oregon requires a contractor license with locksmith certification for locksmiths. A surety bond of $15,000 is required. All licensing is managed through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.