---
title: "District of Columbia locksmith license requirements · LockCommand"
description: "Washington, DC doesn't license locksmiths as an occupation, but you still need a Basic Business License from DLCP. Sources and where to check."
url: https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license/district-of-columbia
---

[Last checked October 2026](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license)

# District of Columbia locksmith license requirements

Washington, DC doesn't license locksmiths as an occupation, but you still need a Basic Business License from DLCP. Sources and where to check.

## The short answer

No statewide license

No locksmith license. The D.C. Code's list of regulated occupations doesn't include locksmiths. You still need a Basic Business License from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection to do business in DC.

**Where to check**

[DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection](https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/what-kind-license-do-i-need)

**The law**

[D.C. Code §47-2853.04 (regulated occupations; locksmiths not listed)](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/47-2853.04)

## What to do in District of Columbia

We found no statewide locksmith license in District of Columbia. That doesn't mean no rules: you still need whatever general business registration and local business license your city or county asks of any trade, and some cities and counties license locksmiths on their own. Call the city or county clerk where you're based before you open, and check again if you start working in a new county.

### Local rules

We didn't find a city or county locksmith license in District of Columbia. 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

- [D.C. Code §47-2853.04](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/47-2853.04)
- [DLCP: what kind of license do I need?](https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/what-kind-license-do-i-need)

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 If something here is out of date, tell us through the [contact page](https://lockcommand.com/contact).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) · [Delaware](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license/delaware) · [Florida](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license/florida)

## Questions

### Do I need a locksmith license in District of Columbia?

No locksmith license. The D.C. Code's list of regulated occupations doesn't include locksmiths. You still need a Basic Business License from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection to do business in DC.

### Are there city or county locksmith rules in District of Columbia?

We didn't find a city or county locksmith license in District of Columbia, 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) .