Are you looking to become a locksmith in Texas but don’t know what things you should consider before applying for a Locksmith License?
In this article, we will discuss the licensing requirements for the State of Texas and how to apply for your Locksmith License via a simple 4-step process.
To become a locksmith in Texas, follow a four-step process – (1) Enrol to get trained as a locksmith (2) Determine the License type you need to apply for – Individual or Business (3) Submit License application Texas government website and (4) Undergo a criminal history background check through FBI (includes Fingerprint scanning via Identogo)
In older times, the locksmith trade was limited to residential locks and key duplication. But that’s not the case anymore. Now locksmiths are considered hardware and software security professionals who handle a lot of related services.
The services that are part of the locksmith trade include residential and commercial locks, camera installations, badge readers, fingerprint readers, car keys, and complex remote programming.
Related Post: How To Become a Locksmith in California
Step-by-Step process to become a Locksmith in Texas
Texas Locksmithing Licenses are provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Regulatory Services Division – Private Security Bureau (PSB). Only licensed individuals can operate as a Locksmith in Texas.
Let’s go through a step-by-step process on how to become a Licensed Locksmith in Texas.
Step1 – Enrol for Training as a Locksmith
Getting enrolled in a training program is the first step. Join a course that provides you with hands-on experience as a Locksmith. If you already have hands-on experience and sufficient knowledge of the trade, enrolling for training is optional.
Step2 – Determine the License Type to apply, and ensure you meet the requirements
Types of Locksmith Licenses
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 Texas as a locksmith should have a valid 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 business/company.
Let’s have a look at the different types of Locksmith Licenses:
| License Type | Description | Who should apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Locksmith Employee | Apply for an Individual License if you want to become a Locksmith Employee |
| Business | Locksmith Company/Business | Apply for a Business License if you want to start a Locksmith Company |
1. Locksmith Individual License
Eligibility and Pre-requisites
If you decide to apply for a Locksmith Individual License, take note of the eligibility and prerequisites listed below.
- Minimum 18 years of age.
- A criminal background check by the FBI and PSB.
- Prepare to download and fill out an application form, along with a License fee.
- And once you become a Licensed Locksmith, you should complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years, in order to maintain your Locksmith License.
2. Locksmith Business License (Company/Business)
Eligibility and Pre-requisites
If you decide to apply for a Locksmith Business License, take note of the eligibility and prerequisites listed below.:
- Minimum 18 years of age.
- A criminal background check by the FBI and PSB.
- Two options to qualify for a Locksmith Business License application:
| Option | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Option1 | Have 2 consecutive years of full-time locksmith-related experience |
| Option2 | Is a combination of 4 requirements: 1) Complete a 48-hour basic Locksmith course, (plus) 2) Attend an approved Locksmith trade school with 600 hours of Locksmith course, under a stipulated curriculum (plus) 3) Pass a Locksmith Proficiency Exam that covers 12 Locksmith subjects (plus) 4) Have one-year full-time Locksmith experience. |
- Prepare to download and fill out an application form, along with a License fee.
- And once you become a Licensed Locksmith, you should complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years, in order to maintain your Locksmith License.
Step3 – Submit the Application
You will need to apply for a License from the DPS (Texas Department of Public Safety) – Regulatory Services Division – Private Security Bureau (PSB), which grants these licenses.
Since you are now familiar with the types of locksmith licenses, and the eligibility conditions, you can now proceed to download the application form from PSB, fill it up and submit it with the stipulated fee either online via TOPS.
Follow the below steps to apply for your license.
1. Locksmith Individual License
Fill out and Submit Application Form for Texas Locksmith Individual License
To apply for your locksmith employee license, go to the online portal TOPS (Texas Online Private Security).
a) Click on “Start Individual Application”
b) Select “Unarmed” and click “Next”
c) Select “Locksmith” and click “Next”
d) Continue to fill up the application form, and submit once completed.
License Fee for Texas Locksmith Individual License
As of this article date, the LOC application license fee is $37, for a new application. Check out the latest fee details at Texas PSB Licensing and Registration Fee Schedule.
1. Locksmith Business License
Fill out and submit Application Form for Texas Locksmith Business License
To apply for your locksmith employee license, go to the online portal TOPS (Texas Online Private Security).
a) Click on “Start Business Application”
b) Select “Unarmed” and click “Next”
c) Select “Locksmith” and click “Next”
d) Continue to fill up the application form and submit once completed.
License Fee for Texas Locksmith Business License
As of this article date, the Business License application fee is $412. Check out the latest fee details at Texas DPS Fee Schedule.
Step4 – Undergo Criminal History Background Check
After you submit the Locksmith License application, schedule a criminal history background check through the FBI website.
Follow this 3-step process:
- Submit an application for criminal history background checks on the FBI website.
- Schedule an appointment for fingerprint scanning at Identogo. Identogo is an electronic system for fingerprint submission.
- Pay application fees
When submitted online, normally it takes around 3-5 days to process your application, after the FBI receives your fingerprint card.
To become a Locksmith in Texas, follow the 4-step simple process detailed in the article.
Locksmith FAQs
What are the duties of a Locksmith?
At the bare minimum, a locksmith is required to install, adjust, repair, and open locks. In this section, let’s go through the duties of a Locksmith in today’s world.
- Rekeying – As a locksmith, you might be doing a lot of rekeying, which means changing the combination of locks. So instead of replacing the entire lock, you will just pull the lock apart and rekey to a new key, and make the lock reusable. Rekeying is quite popular now.
- Real Estate – When tenancy changes, the owner would rekey the locks, so the old keys don’t work anymore. Also, install hardware (like door locks), or other interior fixtures
- Lock Filing for jammed locks – When a lock is broken or jammed, it won’t open. You might need to do lock filing.
- Automotive – Make keys for vehicles, mostly cars. For instance, when the key gets stuck in the ignition or when the car gets locked and can’t get in.
- Safes – Repair and adjust safes, vault doors, and vault components.
- Alarms and Electronics – Install alarms and electronic access systems.
How to Own a Locksmith Business?
Owning a locksmith business can be a rewarding way to make a living. But there are certain things you should absolutely do in order to be successful.
- License & Qualification – First and foremost, obtain appropriate licenses and qualifications for the region where you plan to operate your business.
- Research Competition – Research your local competition in and around the area where you plan to operate.
- Shop/Location – Initially, it’s a good idea to start servicing from home or as a mobile service to reduce cost, and eventually, you could move to your own shop when the time is right.
- Purchase Tools – Purchase all the necessary tools you need, such as cylinders, keys, clamps, drills, shims, etc.
- Online website – Create your website and social media accounts to build online visibility and helps with marketing.
- Market your services – Don’t forget to market your services to generate more customers and do a very good job of servicing your existing customers. Your customers should leave extremely satisfied with the experience you provided them.
Can you do a Locksmith Course Online?
Online locksmith training is increasingly becoming a popular route for those interested to learn the skills and techniques of this profession.
Many locksmithing online courses focus on teaching basic skills, such as :
- Understanding how locks work
- Learning lockpicking techniques like installation, repair, key cutting, and duplication.
- Navigating access control systems
- Safe maintenance and servicing
- Covering laws associated with the trade
With online locksmith training and a bit of practice, anyone can become equipped with the necessary knowledge and qualification to pursue a rewarding career or side business in the field.
Final Thoughts
“If you are constantly faced with closed and locked doors in life, maybe life wants you to develop a locksmith skill!”
Mehmet Murat ildan
Hope you found the tips and step-by-step process detailed in this article useful while applying for your Locksmith License in Texas.
A locksmith is a security professional, and to be able to practice as a locksmith and serve the community, you will want to follow the laws of the land.
Follow the step-by-step process outlined here, and you will be on your way to becoming a Licensed Locksmith in Texas.
