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How to become a licensed Locksmith in Louisiana. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Locksmith
Yes
License Required
Yes
Exam Required
Required
Background Check
$500,000
Insurance
Not Required
Surety Bond
$100
Total Initial Fees
Training & Certification
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Training Hours
Not Specified
Apprenticeship
Not Available
ALOA Certification Accepted
Yes
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
VerifiedRequired
Exam Required
ALOA certification exam
Exam Type
Yes
ALOA Exam Accepted
Exam Details
Technicians must hold one of the following ALOA certifications: Six-Day Basic Locksmithing Course, CLL, CRL, CPL, or CML
Passing Score
70%
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
Criminal history reviewed; fingerprint cards submitted to local law enforcement
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
$500,000
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 | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Individual technician license fee; company license is $250. ALOA certification fees are separate. | $100 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$50
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 hold valid ALOA certification and meet all Louisiana requirements.
Portability Details
Louisiana does not have formal reciprocity. ALOA certification is required for all applicants regardless of state of origin.
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.
Louisiana requires locksmiths to hold ALOA certification, making it one of the few states where the national trade association exam is the only accepted qualification. Licensed through the Office of State Fire Marshal as a property protection service.
Louisiana requires locksmith licensing through the Office of State Fire Marshal.
ALOA certification is mandatory; no state-specific exam exists.
Liability insurance of at least $500,000 is required.
Individual technician license is $100; company license is $250.
Annual renewal requires $50 fee and 8 hours of continuing education.
Fingerprinting through local law enforcement is required.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Louisiana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#40 of 51
Salary
#46 of 51
Cost
#4 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
$26,140
25th percentile
Median
$40,390
-20% vs. national avg ($50,490)Experienced
$60,430
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: Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal — Licensing Requirements
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Louisiana requires a license for locksmiths. A background check is required. All licensing is managed through the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.