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How to become a licensed Locksmith in California. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Locksmith
Governing Authority
California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)
Official website →(916) 322-4000
Yes
License Required
No
Exam Required
Required
Background Check
Not Required
Insurance
Not Required
Surety Bond
$407
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.
Examination Details
VerifiedNot Required
Exam Required
N/A
Exam Type
No
ALOA Exam Accepted
Exam Details
No state exam required. Locksmith company applicants and employees must pass a criminal background check.
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.
Criminal Background & Fingerprinting
VerifiedRequired
Background Check
Required
Fingerprinting
Criminal History Disqualifiers
Felony conviction; any conviction involving dishonesty, fraud, theft, or burglary reviewed by DOJ and FBI
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
Not Required
Surety Bond
Not Required
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 | $407 |
Renewal Fee | $825 |
Total Initial Fees Company license application fee; employee registration fees are separate | $407 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$825
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 meet all California requirements independently; no formal reciprocity agreements exist.
Portability Details
California does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state locksmiths must apply for a new license.
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.
California licenses locksmith companies and registers employees through BSIS, the same agency overseeing private investigators and security guards. No exam is required, but criminal background checks are mandatory. Fees increased 10% effective October 2025.
California requires locksmith companies to be licensed and employees to be registered through BSIS.
No state exam is required for locksmith licensing.
Criminal background checks through DOJ and FBI are mandatory.
Company license fee is $407 (increased 10% effective October 2025).
Renewal fee is $825 every 2 years.
Employees receive a temporary registration valid for 120 days while application is processed.
No continuing education is required.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#40 of 51
Salary
#6 of 51
Cost
#12 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
$49,750
25th percentile
Median
$61,500
+22% vs. national avg ($50,490)Experienced
$77,990
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,130 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: California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) — Licensing Requirements
Study materials for locksmith certification and licensing exams.
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California requires a license (company) / registration (employee) for locksmiths. A background check is required. All licensing is managed through the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.