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How to Become a Locksmith in Illinois

Featured Online Program
Penn Foster Request Info Select Program:
  • Locksmith & Home Security Technician
Program Details:
  • Getting a career diploma in as little as 2 months.
  • Gain experience with practical exercises and interactive assignments.
  • Learn how to identify, create, and duplicate keys.
  • Learn to work with several types of locks including safes, valuts, and auto.
  • and more...
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To become a locksmith in the state of Illinois there are several general requirements:

Illinois

  • Be at least 21 years of age (you may need to be 18 to be an employee only)
  • Not convicted of a felony within the last 10 years
  • Can not be dishonorably discharged from the armed services
  • Successfully pass the Locksmith Licensure Examination
  • Proof of insurance sufficient for the individual’s business circumstances (only required if you are the Owner)

Table of Contents

  • The Application Process
    • Step 1
    • Step 2
    • Step 3
    • Step 4
    • 2 Best Locksmith Schools in Illinois
  • Salary
    • Average Salary of Locksmiths in Illinois
    • Regional Salary in Illinois

The Application Process

The application for licensure can be found by clicking here.

Once you’ve read through the application you’ll find there are essentially 3 steps.

Step 1

Access and complete the Locksmith Licensure Examination via the Internet at www.continentaltesting.net.

There is an examination and licensure application fee of $167.

Note that this application is going to be for both the license and the exam.

Step 2

Within 60 days of submitting the licensure application schedule a fingerprinting appointment by going to https://www.idfpr.com/LicenseLookUp/fingerprintlist.asp.

This is an electronic submission and the fee is usually $32.

You may also be required to submit to a criminal background check, which is usually done through the FBI.

Fees are unknown for this, but typically it is around $17.

Step 3

Apply and supporting documents to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Step 4

Be patient.

It can take up to 6 weeks to obtain exam results.

After the successful completion of the examination, you will be notified of the licensure fee.

Once you pay the final licensure fee and submit your proof of insurance (if you are the owner) then you are all done.

2 Best Locksmith Schools in Illinois

School Name Address
Acme School Locksmith Division 11350 South Harlem Worth, IL 60482
AKG Academy 633 Hickory Hill Drive Vernon Hills, IL, 60061

Salary

Annual Salary Range:
$47K
$54K
$60K

Average Salary of Locksmiths in Illinois

City Name Salary
Arlington Heights $54,711
Cicero $55,992
Moline $49,961
Springfield $51,775
Peoria $51,348
Naperville $55,031
Bloomington $51,135
Rock Island $50,014
Champaign $51,669
Joliet $54,658
* Salary information last updated 2025

Regional Salary in Illinois

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI410$47,630$22.9$70,160$34,720
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers, OCC Code 49-9094, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Featured Online Program
Penn Foster Request Info Select Program:
  • Locksmith & Home Security Technician
Program Details:
  • Getting a career diploma in as little as 2 months.
  • Gain experience with practical exercises and interactive assignments.
  • Learn how to identify, create, and duplicate keys.
  • Learn to work with several types of locks including safes, valuts, and auto.
  • and more...
Sponsored

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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. paul says

    November 9, 2015 at 5:40 pm

    hi,

    in regards to opening for a business, since its primarily a mobile service business can the business operate out of a residence in Illinois?

    thanks,

    Reply
  2. Matt Pope says

    August 19, 2024 at 7:10 am

    Becoming a locksmith in Illinois is pretty straightforward. Just make sure to complete your training and get licensed. It’s a solid trade with good demand.

    Reply

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Get your locksmith and home security career diploma in as little as 2 months!

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LOCKSMITH CAREERS

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ESSENTIAL RESOURCES

  • Pros & Cons Of Being a Locksmith
  • Career Possibilities for a Locksmith
  • What is a Certified Locksmith?
  • Becoming a Certified Locksmith
  • Becoming a Locksmith Apprentice
  • ALOA CRL Practice Test
  • Locksmith Statistics

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