Locksmithing is a broad terminology; it’s no longer simply residential locks and key duplication. Locksmiths nowadays are hardware and software security professionals handling a wide array of services.
In today’s age, locksmiths do residential and commercial locks, camera installations, badge readers, fingerprint readers, car keys, and complex remote programming. They also install and sell residential and commercial safes and service them.
To become a locksmith in California, follow a four-step process – (1) Enrol to get trained as a locksmith (2) Determine the License type you need to apply – LOC (Locksmith employee) or LCO (Locksmith company/sole-proprietorship) (3) Apply for Locksmith License via the California government website and (4) Undergo a criminal history background check through DOJ and FBI
In this article, we will discuss the licensing requirements for the State of California and how to apply for your license via a simple 4-step process.
Related Post: How To Become a Locksmith in Texas
Step-by-Step Process to Become a Locksmith in California
California Locksmithing Licenses are provided by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Only licensed individuals or companies can operate as locksmiths in California.
Let’s go through a step-by-step process on how to become a Licensed Locksmith in California.
Step1 – Enrol for Training as a Locksmith
The first step is to get enrolled in a training program to learn the trade. Join a course that provides you with hands-on experience as a Locksmith. If you already have hands-on experience and sufficient trade knowledge, enrolling for training is optional.
Step2 – Determine the License Type you need to apply
Types of Locksmith Licenses
It’s critical to familiarize yourself with the types of licenses before you start your application process and understand the eligibility requirements for your license type.
Anyone who wants to work in California as a locksmith should have a valid CA Locksmith License.
But, which locksmith license should you apply for?
The locksmithing licenses you apply will vary depending on whether you want to work as a Locksmith employee or as a sole-proprietorship business/company.
Let’s have a look at the different types of Locksmith Licenses:
| License Type | Description | Who should apply? |
|---|---|---|
| LOC | Locksmith Employee | Apply for LOC if you want to become a Locksmith Employee |
| LCO | Locksmith Company | Apply for LCO if you are starting a sole-proprietorship business or company. |
| Contractor’s License | Locksmith Company | If your company is doing work at a single site that exceeds $500, then in addition to LCO, you will also need a Contractor’s License. |
1. Locksmith Employee License – LOC
Eligibility and Pre-requisites
If you decide to apply for a Locksmith Employee License (LOC), take note of the eligibility and prerequisites listed below.
- Minimum 18 years of age
- A criminal background check by the FBI and California DOJ (Department of Justice).
- Prepare to download and fill out an application form and a License fee.
2. Locksmith Business License (Company/Sole-Proprietorship) – LCO
Eligibility and Pre-requisites
If you decide to apply for a Locksmith Company License (LCO), take note of the eligibility and prerequisites listed below.:
- Minimum 18 years of age
- A criminal background check by the FBI and California DOJ (Department of Justice).
- Specify in your application the individual who will be managing the Locksmith business.
- Prepare to download and fill out an application form, along with a License fee and passport photos.
3. Contractor’s License
If your company performs work for less than $500 at a single site, you only need an LCO (Locksmith Company License).
But if your company performs work for more than $500 at a single site, then in addition to LCO, you will also need to apply for a Locksmith Contractor License.
Step3 – Apply for Locksmith License
You must apply for a California Locksmith License from the BSIS (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services), which grants these licenses.
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the different Locksmithing Licenses decide on the License type you will need to apply for – either LOC or LCO or (LCO + Contractor’s License).
You can now proceed to download the application form from BSIS, fill it up and submit it with the stipulated fee either online or via post. Follow the below steps:
Locksmith Employee License – LOC
- Application Form – Download the LOC License application form from BSIS (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services)
- License Fee – As of this article date, the LOC application license fee is $55. Check out the latest fee details at BSIS (License Fee for LOC Locksmith Application).
- Submit Application – Submit your application online through Breeze. You can also submit by post. Online submission is the recommended method, though because the application bypasses the cashiering office and reduces the processing time by 2 weeks.
Locksmith Company License – LCO
- Application Form – Download the LCO License application form from BSIS (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services)
- License Fee – As of this article date, the LCO application license fee is $250. Check out the latest fee details at BSIS (License Fee for LOC Locksmith Application).
- Passport Photo – Submit 2 recent passport-size quality photos.
- Submit Application – Submit your application online through Breeze. You can also submit by post. However, online submission is recommended because the application bypasses the cashiering office and reduces the processing time by 2 weeks.
Step4 – Undergo Criminal History Background Check
Once you submit your application online or via post, there’s one more step to finish the process.
You must apply for a criminal history background check through DOJ and FBI. This can be done via Live Scan.
Livescan is an electronic fingerprint submission system that triggers an automated background check and scanning.
California residents can follow the below process to complete a criminal history background check:
- Livescan Application Form – Download and fill out the Livescan application form from the BSIS website. It’s the same form for both LOC (Locksmith Employee) and LCO (Locksmith Company)
- Locate Nearest Livescan Site – You must visit the Livescan center in person. Locate the nearest Livescan center in your county.
- Submit Livescan Application – Go to your selected Livescan center with your completed Livescan application form and Application Fees, then submit the application.
- Check Status – When you submit the Livescan application, the customer service rep will write an ATI number in the form. Retain a copy of your form, and using the ATI number, you can go to the California DOJ website to check the status of your Livescan.
To become a Locksmith in California, follow this 4-step simple process detailed in the article.
Locksmith FAQs
Who is a Locksmith?
An individual who installs, repairs, opens, or modifies locks is a locksmith. Someone who duplicates an existing key is not considered a locksmith.
- A locksmith makes and installs keys and changes and adjusts lock combinations.
- Provides home security advice and recommends alarms and security systems
- They mostly spend their day unlocking and adjusting locks in residential units or in company offices.
- And they might also offer key duplication services.
What’s the Average Salary for Locksmiths?
The 2021 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that, for California, the hourly mean salary for Locksmiths is $25.45 and the annual salary is $52,930
- Employment Stats – California is also the state with the highest level of employment for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers.
- High-demand Industries – Industries with the highest demand for Locksmiths are schools, hospitals, municipal buildings, data centers, and high-tech firms.
What’s the Future of Locksmithing?
Locksmithing is a field with ever-increasing potential. In earlier days, this trade was just about hardware locks and key replication. In today’s age, the field is highly complex, with electronic locks and digital security systems.
- High Demand – Security professionals with knowledge and experience in electronic lock systems are highly sought after, with increasing demand
- Electronic Locking Systems – If you are starting out or in mid-career and do not have exposure to electronic locking systems, get trained in electronic security systems because that’s the future of Locksmithing.
Are There Any Local Locksmith Schools in California?
California has several local locksmith schools, each offering unique and comprehensive training. Here are just some of the top-rated programs in the state:
1. The California Institute of Locksmithing, Agoura Hills, CA
They offer 3-course options :
- 2-week Basic course
- 10-week Professional Day Course
- 15-week Professional Evening Course
- Course fees are in the range of $1000 to $2500
2. Golden Gate School of Lock Technology, Oakland, CA
- The course takes less than two years to complete and get certified.
- You will acquire skills to make, repair, maintain, modify, and open locks and keys; lock and safe combinations; and install and repair safes,
These schools are only a few options available for those looking to become professional locksmiths in California or set up their own locksmith business. There are many others across the state offering different types of training programs tailored to your specific needs!
Final Thoughts
If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith
Albert Einstein
I hope you found the tips and step-by-step process detailed in this article useful while applying for your Locksmith License in California.
A locksmith is a security professional, and to be able to practice as a locksmith and serve the community, you will need to follow the laws of the land.
Follow the steps and tips outlined in this article, and you will be on your way to becoming a Licensed Locksmith in California.
