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.

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California locksmith license rules (BSIS)

Source: California Locksmith Help (californialocksmithhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 3, 2026.

BSIS licenses locksmiths in California. A locksmith operates a business that installs, repairs, opens or modifies locks, or that makes original keys for locks. Someone who only duplicates existing keys is not a locksmith and does not need a BSIS license. (source: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services) (source: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services)

No one may do locksmith work in California without a valid locksmith license or registration unless they are exempt. Pretending to be licensed, or falsely claiming to work for a licensee, is a misdemeanor punishable by a $10,000 fine, up to one year in county jail, or both (B&P 6980.10). (source: California Legislature)

The application names the person who will manage the business day to day; an owner, partner or corporate officer may do it, or the company may hire someone.
Each owner, partner, corporate officer and person in active charge goes through a California DOJ and FBI Live Scan background check.
Applicants submit two recent passport quality photos and, for a fictitious business name, a certified copy of the county filing.
The Locksmith Company license is valid for two years.

(source: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services) (source: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services) (source: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services)

Per FBI guidelines, BSIS says you must submit the application before doing the Live Scan. Applying online through BreEZe can cut processing time by up to two weeks. (source: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services)

BSIS may deny a license for a crime or act only if it is substantially related to the duties of the license. A denied applicant may request a hearing within 30 days, and may reapply one year after the denial. (source: California Legislature) (source: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services)

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

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 6980.10 (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 6980.71 (denial of a license) (checked November 3, 2026)

Last updated: November 3, 2026