Not all locksmiths are licensed — and scammers know it. Here’s exactly how to verify a locksmith is legitimate before they touch your lock or step inside your home.
Hiring an unlicensed locksmith is more than a financial risk — it can compromise your home’s security if they make unauthorized key copies, damage your lock, or case your property. Verifying a locksmith’s license takes under two minutes and can save you from a costly mistake. Here’s how to do it.
Which States Require Locksmith Licensing?
Locksmith licensing is regulated at the state level in the US, and not all states require it. As of 2026, states with explicit locksmith licensing requirements include:
- Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia — active licensing programs with background check requirements
- Other states may have business license requirements without specific locksmith licensing
Even in states without a specific license requirement, a legitimate locksmith should carry a business license, liability insurance, and be willing to show a photo ID and their company vehicle identification.
How to Verify a Locksmith’s License
Step 1: Ask directly before they start work
A licensed, legitimate locksmith will show their license without hesitation. Ask: “Can I see your locksmith license and ID?” If they refuse or give evasive answers, don’t let them touch your lock.
Step 2: Check your state’s licensing database
Most licensing states maintain an online database searchable by name or license number:
- Texas: Texas Department of Public Safety — Private Security Bureau (txdps.state.tx.us)
- California: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services — BSIS License Search (bsis.ca.gov)
- Florida: Department of Agriculture — Division of Licensing (fdacs.gov)
- Virginia: Department of Criminal Justice Services — DCJS License Lookup (dcjs.virginia.gov)
Step 3: Check Better Business Bureau and Google Reviews
Search the company name on BBB.org and Google. Scam locksmith operations often have a pattern of complaints about price-switching (quoting $15 on the phone and charging $200+ on arrival), damage to locks, and high-pressure tactics. Multiple 1-star reviews about pricing are a red flag.
Step 4: Verify the company name matches the truck
Scam operations sometimes use generic or borrowed company names that look legitimate in Google search results, but send unmarked vans or vehicles with a different name on the door. The company name you called should match what’s on the vehicle.
Red Flags That Indicate an Unlicensed or Scam Locksmith
- Extremely low quote on the phone ($15–$25 service call) — Licensed locksmiths have real costs. This is bait-and-switch pricing.
- No vehicle signage or unmarked vehicle
- No company ID or business card
- Immediately claims the lock needs replacement when it doesn’t
- Pressure to pay cash only
- Can’t name the license number when asked
- Price dramatically increases after starting the work
How GotLocked Handles Verification
Every locksmith in the GotLocked network passes a background check and licensing verification before they’re allowed to accept jobs. Their license status, star rating, and completed job count are visible in the booking flow before you confirm. You know exactly who is coming before they arrive. This eliminates the verification uncertainty that comes with calling a random search result.
Frequently Asked Questions — Locksmith Licensing
Does every locksmith need a license?
In states with locksmith licensing requirements, yes. In states without explicit requirements, a general contractor’s license or business license may be sufficient. Check your state’s specific requirements — see the list above.
What’s the difference between a licensed and bonded locksmith?
Licensed means the locksmith has passed state-required background checks and competency standards. Bonded means they carry a surety bond — if they cause damage to your property, you can file a claim against the bond. Ideally, hire someone who is licensed, bonded, and insured.
What should I do if an unlicensed locksmith damaged my lock?
File a complaint with your state attorney general’s consumer protection office and the Better Business Bureau. If you paid by credit card, initiate a chargeback. If the damage was significant, consider small claims court. In the future, document the locksmith’s name, vehicle plate, and company name before allowing them to start work.
Skip the verification guesswork. All GotLocked locksmiths are pre-vetted and licensed — see their credentials before you confirm. Call (888) 351-2810 24/7.
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