When a locksmith works on your property, you want assurance that any damage or theft is covered, and that they are legally licensed to do the work in your state. Here is what to check before hiring a local locksmith.
| State | License Required? | Issuing Agency |
|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | BSIS |
| Texas | Yes | TDLR |
| Nevada | Yes | PILB |
| Virginia | Yes | DPOR |
| New Jersey | Yes | DCA |
Many other states have no statewide locksmith licensing requirement, which makes verifying insurance and bonding even more important. See our full guide to verifying a locksmith is licensed and legitimate.
When a locksmith works on your property, you want assurance that any damage or theft is covered.
It depends on the state. States including California (BSIS), Texas (TDLR), Nevada (PILB), Virginia (DPOR), New Jersey (DCA), and Alabama require locksmith licensing. Always verify your local locksmith's license with the issuing state agency before hiring.
Ask for at least $1M in general liability coverage. This protects you if a locksmith accidentally damages your property or door hardware during a job.
A surety bond, typically around $10,000 for small locksmith operations, is a financial guarantee that compensates you if the locksmith fails to complete a job properly or acts fraudulently. Ask to see a certificate of insurance and bond before work begins — it only takes about two minutes to request and review.
Request service — tell us what you need and we will help you find a genuinely local locksmith with a straight answer and an honest estimate.
