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Frequently asked questions
Source: California Locksmith Help (californialocksmithhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 3, 2026.
Do locksmiths need a license in California?
Yes. Locksmith companies need a BSIS Locksmith Company license and their employees need BSIS registration, unless exempt (B&P 6980.10). People who only duplicate keys do not need one.
How long is a California locksmith license good for?
Two years, BSIS says.
Does a locksmith employee need a license in California?
Yes. Each employee of a licensed Locksmith Company needs a BSIS registration or temporary registration, carried with photo ID.
How much is a California locksmith company license?
$550 to start: a $275 application fee and a $275 license fee, for applications on or after October 1, 2025. Renewal is $550.
Why does a locksmith ask for my ID at a lockout in California?
State law requires a work order with your name, address, phone, date of birth, driver license or ID number and signature when a locksmith opens a home or business (B&P 6980.55).
Can a locksmith copy a Do Not Duplicate key in California?
No, if the key is marked that way and includes the originator's company name and phone number (B&P 6980.54).
Does a tow truck driver need a locksmith license to open my car?
Not if they only open vehicles and do not make original keys (B&P 6980.12).
Does my California landlord have to install a dead bolt?
Yes. Civil Code 1941.3 requires a working dead bolt on each main swinging entry door, with at least a 13/16 inch throw (existing bolts of half an inch still count).
How fast must a California landlord change locks for a domestic violence victim?
Within 24 hours of a written request with documentation, at the landlord's expense (Civil Code 1941.5).
How do I check a locksmith license in California?
Search the Department of Consumer Affairs License Search for the Locksmith Company or Locksmith Employee license. Licensed locksmith ads must show the license number.
Does a California locksmith need a contractor license to install door hardware?
For larger jobs, yes. BSIS points to the C-28 and C-61/D-16 classes. CSLB says jobs of $1,000 or more, or jobs needing a permit, need a contractor license.
Do I need a permit to replace an entry door in California?
It depends on the city. Sacramento County requires one, Los Angeles and Long Beach offer quick permits for same size doors, and San Diego exempts some home door replacements.
What dead bolt does Los Angeles require on a replaced exterior door?
LADBS door replacement rules call for a dead bolt with hardened inserts and, for a straight bolt, at least a 1 inch throw and 5/8 inch embedment.
Do I need a permit to replace an entry door in San Diego?
Often not at a single family home, duplex or townhouse if the door goes in the existing opening and no fire rating or high fire zone rule applies. Otherwise a No-Plan Building Permit covers same size and type doors.
Are double keyed dead bolts allowed in San Jose apartments?
No, for properties in San Jose's Multiple Housing Inspection Program: double keyed locks must be replaced with a standard dead bolt.
Can a door used to exit a San Francisco building need a key from the inside?
San Francisco says doors used to evacuate a building should be easy to open without needing a key or special knowledge.
Who licenses locksmiths working in Sacramento?
The state Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Local government may also require a business permit.
Do I need a permit to replace an entry door in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Yes. The county says its window replacement permit rule, in place since January 1, 2010, includes door replacement.
Is there a fast permit to replace a door in Long Beach?
Yes. Long Beach offers an Express Building Permit, form APP-011, for doors of the same size, type and location. Glass doors are excluded.
Is door replacement exempt from a permit in Oakland?
It is not on Oakland's published list of work exempt from a building permit. Ask Oakland Planning and Building before you start.
On this site: California locksmith license rules (BSIS) · California locksmith employee registration · California locksmith license fees · What a California locksmith must ask for at a lockout · California key duplication rules · Who does not need a California locksmith license · California landlord dead bolt and window lock rules · Lock changes for California tenants facing abuse or violence · How to check a California locksmith and complain · When a California locksmith also needs a contractor license · Door replacement permits in California cities · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 6980.10 (locksmith license required) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS): Information About Licensing: Locksmith Company (PDF) (checked November 3, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 6980.53 to 6980.69 (locksmith conduct of business) (checked November 3, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Civil Code 1941.3 (landlord dead bolt and window lock duties) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS): Locksmith Company and Locksmith Employee Fact Sheet (revised July 2020) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS): Frequently Asked Questions: Locksmith Company (LCO) (checked November 3, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 6980.71 (denial of a license) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS): Application for Locksmith Employee Registration, 31A-28B (PDF, Rev. 10/2025) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS): BSIS Licensing Fees (PDF, fees on or after October 1, 2025) (checked November 3, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 6980.12 (who the Locksmith Act does not cover) (checked November 3, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Civil Code 1941.5 (lock changes for tenants who are victims of abuse or violence) (checked November 3, 2026)
- California Department of Consumer Affairs: DCA License Search (checked November 3, 2026)
- Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS): Complaints (checked November 3, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): Industry Bulletin #24-07: License Requirement for Minor Work Increases from $500 to $1,000 (PDF, December 31, 2024) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): Get Licensed to Build: A Guide to Becoming a Licensed Contractor (PDF) (checked November 3, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 7048 (minor work exemption) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS): Replace Door(s) (LADBS e-Permit system) (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of San Diego Development Services: Information Bulletin 203: No-Plan Building Permit (checked November 3, 2026)
- City and County of San Francisco, Department of Building Inspection: Replace a door (checked November 3, 2026)
- Sacramento County Building Permits and Inspection: Building Permits and Inspection: Frequently Asked Questions (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of Long Beach Building and Safety: APP-011 Express Building Permit Application (PDF) (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of Oakland Planning and Building: Work Exempt from a Building Permit (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of San Jose Code Enforcement: Preparing for Inspection (Multiple Housing Inspection Program) (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of San Jose Development Services Permit Center: When Is a Building Permit Required? (updated 06/12/2025) (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of Sacramento Community Development: Permit Services (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of Long Beach Building and Safety: Do I Need A Permit? (checked November 3, 2026)
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