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How to Become a Locksmith in Texas

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In the state of Texas locksmiths are governed by the Private Security Act, which is administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety Bureau (PSB).

TDPS does not require all locksmiths to maintain a license in order to practice. However, if you are the manager or owner of a locksmithing business you will be required to obtain a company license.

Although the statue does not require a license for employees, they still must meet the following requirements (this applies to owners/managers as well):

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Not have been convicted of any felony or Class A misdemeanor
  • Be mentally competent
  • Not be alcohol or drug depending
  • Not have been dishonorably discharged from any US Armed Services

Licensing Requirements

If you are looking to open your own locksmith company in Texas you must complete the following steps.

Step 1

Complete form PSB-01, Company License Application by downloading it here: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/RSD/PSB/LicenseRegistration/licensingServices.htm

This application is for obtaining a private security business license for a new company in the state.

Fee: $412

Step 2

Complete form PSB-04A, Owner/Manager Application which can be downloaded at the link in Step 1 above.

This form is to establish the management team of your new company and is required by PSB in order to register your company.

In this step all managers will be required to submit/complete the following:

  • Submit two (2) classifiable sets of fingerprint cards and fees (for a full criminal history background)
  • Three (3) years of experience or a bachelors degree in criminal justice
  • Successful completion of the Qualified Manager’s Exam (which can also be downloaded at the link in Step 1)

Fee: $55 per owner

The applications in Step 1 and Step 2 can be submitted online at the PSB website or sent to the following address:

Texas Department of Public Safety
Private Security Bureau
5806 Guadalupe, Building I
Austin, Texas 78752

Note that even if you apply online you will still need to manually submit some of the supplemental forms (such as fingerprinting or criminal background history).

For any additional information be sure to read the Texas Legislature Online.

Featured Online Program
Penn Foster Request Info Select Program:
  • Locksmith & Home Security Technician
Program Details:
  • Getting a career diploma in as little as 5 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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Comments

  1. jude says

    May 19, 2015 at 5:55 pm

    TDPS does not require all locksmiths to maintain a license in order to practice. However, if you are the manager or owner of a locksmithing business you will be required to obtain a company license.

    this is wrong

    section 2 section 1702.102a that all locksmith in texas have to have a licence

    Reply
    • Locksmith Expert says

      July 12, 2015 at 4:59 pm

      Jude, I appreciate the comment, but I don’t agree.

      Here is a link to Section 2, 1702: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Search/DocViewer.aspx?ID=84RHB021611B&QueryText=%22locksmith%22&DocType=B

      And here is what it says:

      SECTION 2. Section 1702.102(a), Occupations Code, is
      amended to read as follows:
      (a) Unless the person holds a license as a security services
      contractor, a person may not:
      (1) act as an alarm systems company, armored car
      company, camera systems company, courier company, guard company,
      guard dog company, locksmith company, or private security
      consultant company;

      You may practice locksmithing without a license, BUT you have to work for a licensed locksmith company. If you work alone as a locksmith, you will be required to have a license.

      Reply
      • Jason says

        January 25, 2017 at 9:16 am

        I suppose it depends on how “company” is defined. Every one of those in the list end in “company.”

        Reply
      • Edwin Marulanda Vargas says

        November 5, 2020 at 2:20 am

        I’m a Certified Diesel Technician, I’ve had to programmed new keys before as part of diagnosing and repairing electrical-related issues; with my current high tech scanners. I want to expand the services for the shop I work for, would I need to get a license to add these services if needed?…

        Reply
      • Joe Duke Skelton says

        June 3, 2021 at 7:53 pm

        I’ve owned diesel pickup repair shop since 2007, I need to get approved for programming’17up trucks. I haven’t had problems with ‘16 and earlier. Haven’t had any convictions in 8yrs. And it was a misunderstanding charge that happened, I hope to get expunged soon.

        Reply
  2. William says

    May 28, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    I am a retired trucker living in Texas @would like to learn and practice the locksmith trade, what would you suggest I do to get started? Thanks for any advice.

    Reply
    • Locksmith Expert says

      July 12, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      William, I would start by reading this: https://www.howtobecomealocksmith.org/locksmith-training/

      There is really 2 main options:
      1. Take locksmith training on your own and learn the trade that way, or
      2. Find a locally locksmith and just go talk to them. Sometimes they will mentor your as an apprentice.

      Hope that helps!

      Reply
  3. paul says

    May 28, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    whoah this blog is fantastic i really like studying your articles.

    Keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • Locksmith Expert says

      July 12, 2015 at 5:01 pm

      Thanks Paul!

      Reply
  4. Miglior says

    July 11, 2015 at 2:42 am

    This has been an extremely wonderful article. Thanks for providing these details.

    Reply
    • Locksmith Expert says

      July 12, 2015 at 5:02 pm

      No problem Miglior, hope it was helpful.

      Reply
  5. thomas says

    July 17, 2015 at 9:38 pm

    My questions are
    1 I worked for pop a lock from 1997 to 2006
    Was very good at what I was doing and have not for got a Thang. I really want to get back in to it but I don’t no if a deferred and dismissed case will keep me from doing so? Any help will be good help thanks

    Reply
  6. William Parker says

    October 30, 2015 at 1:54 pm

    I am a semi retired locksmith from Arizona and have been licensed for 40 years there, so what steps are necessary to obtain a license here?

    Thanks, Bill

    Reply
  7. Elizabeth says

    March 8, 2016 at 6:44 pm

    Is it required to work full time under a licensed company for a year if the person has completed the required schooling?

    Reply
  8. Monty says

    December 1, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    I owned and operated a locksmith company for 11 years in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, do I still have to have a license to open a new shop? Thanks

    Reply
  9. Brian says

    December 22, 2016 at 5:35 pm

    It says no felony or class A misdemeanor convictions. Does that mean ever or is there a time limit, for example no convictions in the past 10 years?

    Reply

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