How to Become a Locksmith in Washington D.C.

The road to becoming a locksmith in Washington D.C. requires potential licensees to complete a series of steps to become eligible to provide professional services within the state.

Follow the steps below to begin your journey.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Washington D.C.

Step #1. – Meet Basic Requirements

Basic entry requirements for locksmith training programs and Washington D.C. licensing applications include the following:

• Proof of Age: New applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Proof of Early Education: Applicants to advanced locksmith training programs must show proof of completing their high school education or earning a General Education Diploma.
• Background Checks: The nature of the profession requires that incoming locksmiths demonstrate trustworthiness and integrity by passing a mandatory criminal background check and/or drug screen.

Applicants for state licensing and those applying for vocational training and formal education may be subjected to these requirements. 

Step #2. – Complete Formal Locksmith Training or Apprenticeship Programs

Get formal locksmith training or complete a locksmith apprenticeship program to become a locksmith in Washington D.C.

Licensed locksmiths must show proof of formal education and training before becoming eligible to apply for a license with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.

Step #3. – Apply for a Specialty Business License and a Locksmith License

Locksmiths in Washington D.C. are typically required to obtain a business license and/or specialty business license if they plan on working independently.

Step #4. – Complete Continuing Education Requirements for License Renewal

Licensed locksmiths in D.C. are required to complete continuing education credits to maintain their licensed status.

Contact the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs to learn more about which educational programs and activities qualify for continuing education credits.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Washington D.C.

Prospective applicants must provide proof of formal education and training along with proof of general liability insurance before submitting the required licensing fee to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.

Locksmith Programs in Washington D.C.

There are a limited number of colleges and universities offering formal locksmithing education in the immediate DC area.

The following are alternatives for nearby schools offering certificate and degree programs or web-based training opportunities for locksmiths in DC.

Prince George’s Community College

About the Program

The Technology, Engineering, and Construction Department at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Maryland offers an alternative for aspiring Washington DC locksmith students seeking nearby training programs.

PGCC’s campus-based program delivers General Locksmithing education with an immersive training component designed to be completed in just two semesters.

Prospective candidates who complete the required theoretical and hands-on training required for locksmith certification are awarded a certificate of completion upon graduation which is designed to meet the training and educational component for local licensing.

Potential students should contact the academic advisor of the program and the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs to ensure that the curriculum meets the standards for licensing in DC prior to enrollment.

Courses Offered

• Ethics and Regulations
• Legal and Safety Issues
• Locksmith Industry Standards and Practices
• Techniques and Tools of the Locksmithing Trade

Contact Information

• Address: 301 Largo Road, Largo, Maryland – 20774
• Website: Link
• Phone: 301-546-7422

Penn Foster – Online

About the Program

Penn Foster offers an accredited web-based Locksmith and Home Security Technician course.

Their online locksmith training program teaches the fundamentals of key making and electronic lock safety, and educates potential locksmiths on crucial industry standards and ethical concerns.

Penn Foster’s online career diploma is awarded to new locksmiths who demonstrate competency in working with automobile locks, residential locks, safes, and vaults.

This self-paced online locksmithing program can be completed in as little as two months.

However, Penn Foster allows students up to twelve months to complete mandatory program requirements which prepare graduates in most states to apply for state licensure.

Courses Offered

• How to Identify, Create, and Duplicate Keys
• How to Differentiate Different Types of Locks
• Introduction to Keys
• Fundamentals of Home Security
• Locks and Key Mastering

Contact Information

• Address: Penn Foster Online
• Website: Link
• Phone: 800-275-4410

Locksmith Salary – Washington, D.C.

Online salary reports from reputable sources show that Locksmiths in Washington, D.C. make well-paying average annual salaries of just under $60,000.00 per year.

Locksmiths on the lower end of the pay scale earn salaries that begin at around $52,050.00.

The highest-paid locksmiths working in the DC area can bring home as much as $65,587.00 per year.