--- title: "California locksmith license requirements · LockCommand" description: "California licenses locksmith companies and registers every employee through BSIS, and requires job records for openings and car keys. Details and sources." url: https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license/california --- [Last checked October 2026](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license) # California locksmith license requirements California licenses locksmith companies and registers every employee through BSIS, and requires job records for openings and car keys. Details and sources. ## The short answer Statewide license Yes. California licenses locksmith companies and registers every locksmith employee through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. The law also requires a record of each home or business you open and each car key you make. **Issued by** [Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (California Department of Consumer Affairs)](https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/locksmith.shtml) **The law** [Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §6980 et seq. (Locksmith Act)](https://www.bsis.ca.gov/about_us/laws/locksmith_law.shtml) **Who needs it** - Locksmith companies (company license) - Branch offices (branch registration) - Every employee who does locksmith work (employee registration) **What the source says it takes** - DOJ and FBI background check for owners, partners, officers and every employee - A named manager in charge of the business day to day - Fees from October 1, 2025: company $275 application plus $275 license; employee registration $60 - The license displayed at the business, at each branch and in each service vehicle - Records of each opening and each car key made (name, date of birth, ID number, signature and more), kept for 2 years ## What to do in California Apply with BSIS before you take paid work, and keep the license current. The agency's own page has the forms, the fees and the latest rules, so start there rather than with a third-party summary, this one included. Once you have a number, put it where customers and Google can see it: on invoices, estimates, the van and your Google Business Profile. Some customers ask for it, and it shows you're a real local shop. ### Local rules We didn't find a city or county locksmith license in California. Local rules change more often than state law, so ask your city or county clerk. ### Every state: ID and proof on every lockout Whatever the license rules, check a photo ID and proof that the caller lives there or owns the car before you open anything, and keep a record of it. Our [lockout authorization form](https://lockcommand.com/tools/lockout-authorization-form) gives you a signed record for the file. ### Sources - [BSIS: locksmith industry page](https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/locksmith.shtml) - [BSIS: locksmith fact sheet](https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/locksmith_fact.shtml) - [BSIS: Locksmith Act](https://www.bsis.ca.gov/about_us/laws/locksmith_law.shtml) - [BSIS: fees from October 1, 2025](https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/newfees.pdf) - [Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §6980.55, job records](https://california.public.law/codes/business_and_professions_code_section_6980.55) Last checked October 2026. This page is a summary to help you find the right agency, not legal advice. If something here is out of date, tell us through the [contact page](https://lockcommand.com/contact). [All 50 states and DC](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license) · [Arkansas](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license/arkansas) · [Colorado](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license/colorado) ## Questions ### Do I need a locksmith license in California? Yes. California licenses locksmith companies and registers every locksmith employee through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. The law also requires a record of each home or business you open and each car key you make. ### Who issues locksmith licenses in California? Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (California Department of Consumer Affairs), under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §6980 et seq. (Locksmith Act). Its website has the current forms and fees. ### Who needs a locksmith license in California? Locksmith companies (company license). Branch offices (branch registration). Every employee who does locksmith work (employee registration). ### What does it take to get a locksmith license in California? What the source states: DOJ and FBI background check for owners, partners, officers and every employee; a named manager in charge of the business day to day; fees from October 1, 2025: company $275 application plus $275 license; employee registration $60; the license displayed at the business, at each branch and in each service vehicle; records of each opening and each car key made (name, date of birth, ID number, signature and more), kept for 2 years. ### Are there city or county locksmith rules in California? We didn't find a city or county locksmith license in California, but local rules change. Ask the clerk in each city or county where you work. ### Do I still need to check ID and proof of ownership? Yes, in every state. Check a photo ID and proof that the person lives there or owns the car before you open anything, and keep a record of it. ## More for your shop - [Locksmith license by state Which states license locksmiths, who issues the license, and local rules, with sources.](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license) - [Lockout authorization form Make a printable lockout authorization form in English or Spanish, with ID, proof of ownership and signature lines, with your shop's details.](https://lockcommand.com/tools/lockout-authorization-form) - [Phone script builder Questions to ask on every kind of locksmith call, in English and Spanish, with your greeting.](https://lockcommand.com/tools/phone-script-builder) - [Google verification checklist Step by step: Google Business Profile, Local Services Ads advanced verification and suspension appeals.](https://lockcommand.com/tools/google-verification-checklist) - [ID & proof ID and proof of ownership photos, a customer signature and before and after photos on every job.](https://lockcommand.com/features/id-and-proof) ## Keep the paperwork on every job LockCommand saves the customer's ID, proof of ownership photos and signature with each job, next to the invoice and the call recording. [Create your account](https://app.lockcommand.com/sign-up?from=tool-locksmith-license) [See pricing](https://lockcommand.com/pricing) Already have an account? [Log in](https://app.lockcommand.com/sign-in). Questions first? Email [support@lockcommand.com](mailto:support@lockcommand.com) .