How to Become a Locksmith in New Hampshire

Although New Hampshire does not license its locksmiths, they have to register their business, just like every other company in the state.

You must include your “doing business” name if it does not match your legal name.

The New Hampshire Department of State Quickstart page has a business name search tool to help you avoid rejections and potential trade infringement lawsuits.

If your intended business name does not appear on the list, you can safely register it.

Give Yourself a Professional Edge in New Hampshire Locksmithing

New Hampshire and its neighbors — Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts — do not require a locksmith’s license.

The closest state (as the crow flies) that licenses any locksmiths — New York — only does so in New York City.

Consequently, make your Granite State locksmithing business stand out by:

1. Apprenticing yourself to a master locksmith in New Hampshire
2. Becoming a certified registered locksmith
3. Joining a professional locksmith organization
4. Continuing your locksmith education to reach the master’s level and
5. Educating the next generation of New Hampshire locksmiths.

Steps to Becoming a Locksmith in the Granite State

1. Contact New Hampshire locksmiths near you about becoming their apprentice or hiring you as a trainee.
2. Attend an entry-level locksmith training course in New Hampshire or online.
3. Study all six locksmith training practice exams at Practice Test Geeks.
4. Take the certified registered locksmith exam and pass with 70 percent or higher.
5. Decide where to open your Granite State locksmith shop.
6. Look up your intended New Hampshire locksmith trade name here.
7. Register your New Hampshire locksmith business.
8. Bond and insure yourself, your business, and your employees in New Hampshire.
9. Create a New Hampshire-based domain name for your business.
10. Create an About Your New Hampshire Locksmiths page, including bios and photos.
11. Post your credentials prominently.
12. Create New Hampshire-specific ads for your business.
13. Hold a soft opening and a Grand Opening 30 days later.
14. Give away promotional items with your New Hampshire locksmith company’s contact information.

Licensing Requirements to Become a New Hampshire Locksmith

You do not need a locksmith license in New Hampshire or its bordering states.

Salary

The mean annual salary for locksmiths in the United States is $47,810.

However, Granite State locksmiths average $48,310, a difference of $500 annually.

Consequently, Granite State locksmiths gain an average of $23,500 more in lifetime earnings between 18 and 65.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2025

Online and At-Home Training Programs for New Hampshire Locksmiths

Choose an accredited locksmith training program, even if it’s more expensive.

That way, if you move to a state that requires licensing, you will find it easier to transfer any CEUs you acquire throughout your career.

Ashworth College Career Diplomas: Locksmithing

The Distance Education Accrediting Commission has accredited Ashworth’s program.

Moreover, the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize DEAC.

Although you can complete the career diploma program in four months, you have up to a year from your enrollment date, if needed.

Tuition for the four-month course typically runs $1,074.00, but if you pay a single lump sum, it will only cost you $799.00.

Check here for any current tuition specials.

As of 2019, Ashworth belongs to the Penn Foster network of colleges.

California Institute of Locksmithing

The LIVE Online Program, updated in 2020, features real-world, industry-expert instructors.

Combining pre-recorded videos, live lectures, and live question-and-answer sessions, you will first attend the introductory “Lock Box” course for $400.

Upon completion, you receive a discount code for $300 off the Basic Locksmithing course.

Next, the Basic Locksmithing course costs $2,500 after applying your discount code.

Fortunately, you can watch the Basic Locksmithing lessons in any order.

Included in the program, you will receive:

• Access to CIL’s locksmithing industry video library
• Membership in national locksmith organizations
• One year of email and text support services
• A complete instructional year of class videos and live lectures
• Fully-paid locksmith dispatching software
• Essential hand tools
• CIL cylinder cap removal tool
• Pinning mat
• Locksmith files
• Eligibility for a California professional locksmith’s license

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Hampshire require locksmiths to obtain licenses?

Although New Hampshire does not license its locksmiths, they must register their businesses.

How can you learn locksmithing without taking any classes?

Contact New Hampshire locksmiths near you about apprenticeships.

Can locksmiths make a living wage in New Hampshire?

Granite State locksmiths gain an average of $23,500 more in lifetime earnings between 18 and 65 than in other states.

Who provides accreditation for Ashworth College's locksmithing program?

The Distance Education Accrediting Commission, as recognized by the US Department of Education.