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How to Start a Locksmith Business: State Laws

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We’re officially four weeks into the “How to Start a Locksmith Business,” series and you’ve completed Unit 1!

Before we get started on today’s lesson, let’s take a few minutes to review everything you’ve accomplished thus far.

Over the past month, we’ve helped you: (1) decide whether to start a mobile or brick-and-mortar locksmith business, (2) come up with a unique selling proposition and decide on your services, and (3) test your skill sets against the services you want to offer.

Starting today we’re moving on to Unit 2: Looking at the Legal Side of Locksmithing.

The next two months are all about research and planning which are extremely vital parts of any business.

So, without further ado, let’s look at our first topic of the research unit: looking into state licensing laws.

Locksmith state licensing laws.

You’re in luck, we’ve done all the heavy lifting for you by researching each and every state that requires special locksmithing licenses.

Which States Require a Locksmith License?

The following states currently require locksmith licensing:

(Simply click on the state below to find out exactly how to become a locksmith where you live!)

  • Alabama
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Illinois
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia

In addition, the following cities/districts currently require locksmith licensing that may require extra documentation:

  • Hillsborough County, FL
  • Nassau County Long Island
  • New York City
  • Washington D.C.

States That Don’t Require a License

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Take It Slow

We know that reading through pages and pages of state licensing laws isn’t exactly something you want to be doing.

Unfortunately, it’s got to be done. So, take it slow and read through your state laws carefully.

If for any reason something is confusing, or hard to understand feel free to leave us a comment below and we’ll try our best to respond!

Coming up next: In the fifth lesson, we’ll be looking into location, location, location.

So, stay tuned!

Our Most-Recommended Online Programs
Automotive Locksmithing & Car Lock Picking View Course

Self-paced automotive locksmith training that covers real-world car lock and key techniques.

The Art of Lockpicking: A Complete Guide View Course

A beginner-friendly course that explains how locks work and teaches practical lockpicking techniques step by step.

Sponsored

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Locksmith Expert

About Locksmith Expert

I'm Thomas. I have been a locksmith for the better part of my life. It is my livelihood, my career, and my hobby. I started about 23 years ago and never looked back. I welcome any questions you might have about being a locksmith.

Comments

  1. Inez says

    at

    So New Mexico doesn’t require a license to operate or open vehicles?

    Reply

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