What Does Texas Require to Become a Locksmith?

Locksmiths in Texas must obtain a license from the state.

Prospective locksmiths in Texas must obtain a license from the Private Security Bureau of the Department of Public Safety. Additional requirements exist for applicants who will own a locksmith company. One-person locksmith company applicants must obtain both a locksmith license and company license.

Qualifications

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age with no convictions of a Class A misdemeanor (or an equivalent or greater offense), except where a full pardon has been issued based on a wrongful conviction. They must also have no convictions of a Class B misdemeanor (or an equivalent or greater offense) occurring within the previous five years, except where a full pardon has been issued based on a wrongful conviction. Applicants must not suffer from mental incompetency, habitual drug or alcohol addiction or dependence, and must not have been discharged from the armed forces under less-than-honorable conditions.

Background Check & Application Fees

Applicants for a license must pay a fee of $25 for an FBI fingerprint background check and pay an application fee of $20 (as of Nov. 1, 2010).

Owner-Manager Examination

Managers must complete training courses and take a 200-question examination.

Liability Insurance Requirements

Owner applicants must provide proof of liability insurance with limits of at least $100,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage, and $50,000 per occurrence for personal injury with an aggregate minimum of $200,000 for all occurrences.

References

• Texas Locksmiths Association (TLA): Locksmith Licensing in Texas
• Texas Locksmiths Association (TLA): Locksmith License Requirements & Application