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How to become a licensed Locksmith in New Jersey. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Locksmith
Governing Authority
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm, and Locksmith Advisory Committee
Official website →(973) 504-6245
Yes
License Required
No
Exam Required
Required
Background Check
Not Required
Insurance
Not Required
Surety Bond
$228
Total Initial Fees
Training & Certification
VerifiedFormal Education
Required
Training Hours
Not Specified
Apprenticeship
2 years
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 written exam; applicants must demonstrate at least 3 years of full-time experience or completion of a 2-year apprenticeship
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; convictions may affect license eligibility
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 | $150 |
Background Check Fee | $78 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($150) and fingerprinting/background check ($78) | $228 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
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 New Jersey requirements independently; no formal reciprocity.
Portability Details
New Jersey does not have reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state locksmiths must apply and meet all NJ requirements.
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.
New Jersey licenses locksmiths through the same advisory committee that handles fire and burglar alarm licenses. No exam is required, but 3 years of experience or a 2-year apprenticeship is mandatory. This is one of the highest CE requirements at 24 hours per triennial cycle.
New Jersey requires locksmith licensing through the Division of Consumer Affairs.
No written exam is required; experience-based qualification.
3 years of full-time experience or 2-year apprenticeship required.
High school diploma or equivalency required (waiver available).
Criminal background check with fingerprinting ($78) is required.
Application fee is $150.
24 hours of continuing education required per 3-year renewal cycle.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Jersey.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#40 of 51
Salary
#10 of 51
Cost
#8 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
$47,750
25th percentile
Median
$59,300
+17% vs. national avg ($50,490)Experienced
$68,440
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
570 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.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study materials for locksmith certification and licensing exams.
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New Jersey requires a license for locksmiths. A background check is required. All licensing is managed through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm, and Locksmith Advisory Committee.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.