April 3, 2007 |
2007-R-0299 | |
LOCKSMITHS | ||
| ||
By: Daniel Duffy, Principal Analyst | ||
You asked how many states regulate locksmiths.
SUMMARY
We identified eight states that regulate locksmiths. One state, Nevada, requires locksmiths to obtain a permit from the county sheriff, but does not establish permitting criteria. The other seven states require locksmiths to obtain a license from a state agency and establish licensing standards. In five of the seven licensing states, the state agency administering the locksmith law also administers the licensing law of related security trades, such as burglar alarm system installers.
Five states require a locksmithing business, as distinguished from an individual, to obtain a state credential. Four of these require the business's principals, such as the partners of a partnership or the officers of a corporation, to undergo a criminal records check as a condition of licensure. All seven states require individuals performing locksmithing services to undergo a criminal records check. Six states also require locksmiths to prove competency, typically by passing an examination. Two states require applicants to pass both a written and a practical examination.
Five states require licensees to carry state issued identification, usually with their photograph. Four states require locksmiths to check the identity of the person requesting services. Three require locksmiths to make a record of the identification obtained and to keep it for examination by police.
MAJOR FEATURES OF EACH STATE'S LAW
Alabama (Ala. Code § 341A-1 et seq.)
State Agency | |
Agency |
Electronic Security Board of Licensure |
Regulated with Other Security Trades |
Alarm system installers |
Licensing Businesses and Individuals | |
Business License |
Required |
Principal Criminal Background Check |
Not required |
Employee License or Registration |
Required |
Employee Criminal Record |
Required |
Competency Tested |
Yes. Qualifying standards determined by board |
State Issued ID |
Issued. Employees must carry |
Documenting Work | |
Client ID Check |
Not required |
Document Service Call |
Not required |
Record Retention |
Not applicable |
California (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 6980 et seq.)
State Agency | |
Agency |
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services in the Department of Consumer Affairs |
Regulated with Other Security Trades |
All other security and investigative business, such as alarm installation and private detective agencies |
Licensing Businesses and Individuals | |
Business License |
Required for each location where the business operates |
Principal Criminal Background Check |
Required |
Employee License or Registration |
Required |
Employee Criminal Record |
Required |
Competency Tested |
Not required |
State Issued ID |
Yes. Licensees and registrants must carry |
-Continued-
Documenting Work | |
Client ID Check |
Required. Must record client's name, address, telephone number, birth date, driver's license number or that of another identification card |
Document Service Call |
Required, with address or Vehicle identification number, as appropriate |
Record Retention |
Two years |
Illinois (Ill. Ann. Stat. § 447/5-5 et seq.)
State Agency | |
Agency |
Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, and Locksmith Board |
Regulated with Other Security Trades |
Private detective, alarm system installers, private security agencies |
Licensing Businesses and Individuals | |
Business License |
Required |
Principal Criminal Background Check |
Required |
Employee License or Registration |
Required |
Employee Criminal Record |
Required |
Competency Tested |
Required. Applicants must pass written and practical examination |
State Issued ID |
|
Documenting Work | |
Client ID Check |
Required. Must record client's name, address, telephone number, birth date, driver's license number or that of another identification card |
Document Service Call |
Required |
Record Retention |
Two years |
Other | |
Training |
Locksmith agencies must provide employees with at least 20 hours of training by a qualified instructor within 30 days of employment |
Louisiana (La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1664.3 et seq.)
State Agency | |
Agency |
Louisiana Life Safety and Property Protection Advisory Board |
Regulated with Other Security Trades |
Fire detection and alarm system installers, and fire sprinkler systems installers |
-Continued-
Licensing Businesses and Individuals | |
Business License |
Required |
Principal Criminal Background Check |
Required |
Employee License or Registration |
Required |
Employee Criminal Record |
Required |
Competency Tested |
Yes. There are five levels of licensure. Locksmith (unlimited) and limited locksmith, door hardware, bank locking, and detention locking |
State Issued ID |
State ID issued. Statute does not specify whether it is a photo ID |
Documenting Work | |
Client ID Check |
No |
Document Service Call |
No |
Nevada (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 655.010)
Nevada requires locksmiths and safe mechanics to obtain a permit from the county sheriff but does not establish any permit criteria.
New Jersey (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 45:5A-2 et seq.)
State Agency | |
Agency |
Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors in the Department of Law and Public Safety |
Regulated with Other Security Trades |
Burglar and fire alarm installation, electronic security systems |
Licensing Businesses and Individuals | |
Business License |
Businesses are not regulated, only individuals |
Principal Criminal Background Check |
Not applicable |
Owner or Employee License or Registration |
Required |
Employee Criminal Record |
Required |
Competency Tested |
Yes. Applicants must (1) pass a written examination after meeting board-set training requirements or (2) complete an approved locksmith apprentice program |
State Issued ID |
Yes. Must carry state-issued photo ID |
Documenting Work | |
Client ID Check |
Not required |
Document Service Call |
Not required |
Record Retention |
Not applicable |
Other | |
Insurance |
Must carry liability insurance |
North Carolina (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 74F-1 et seq.)
State Agency | |
Agency |
North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Act |
Regulated with Other Security Trades |
No |
Licensing Businesses and Individuals | |
Business License |
Businesses are not regulated, only individuals |
Principal Criminal Background Check |
Not applicable |
Employee License or Registration |
License required |
Employee Criminal Record |
Required |
Competency Tested |
Required. An individual may be a registered apprentice for up to three years. If an apprentice cannot pass the licensing examination within three years, the board must not grant another apprenticeship. |
State Issued ID |
Issued. Licensees and apprentices required to carry |
Documenting Work | |
Client ID Check |
Must make reasonable effort to verify that client is legal owner or authorized by legal owner |
Document Service Call |
Not required |
Record Retention |
Not applicable |
Tennessee (Tenn. Code § 62-11-101 et seq.)
State Agency | |
Agency |
Department of Commerce and Insurance |
Regulated with Other Security Trades |
No |
Licensing Businesses and Individuals | |
Business License |
Required |
Principal Criminal Background Check |
Required |
Employee License or Registration |
Required. Locksmiths are licensed in several categories, such as general locksmithing, safe and vault work, and automotive work |
Employee Criminal Record |
Required |
Competency Tested |
Required. Applicants must pass both written and practical examinations. |
State Issued ID |
Not specified |
Documenting Work | |
Client ID Check |
Required, which may be personal knowledge, driver's license, other photo ID, address taken from a reliable source, or description of specific or unusual items that may be found on entry |
Document Service Call |
Required |
Record Retention Period |
Not specified |
Other | |
Insurance |
Licensees are required to carry liability insurance |
DD:ts