--- title: "Illinois locksmith license requirements · LockCommand" description: "Illinois licenses locksmiths and locksmith agencies through IDFPR: exam, fingerprints and $1 million insurance. The law sunsets in 2029 unless renewed." url: https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license/illinois --- [Last checked October 2026](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license) # Illinois locksmith license requirements Illinois licenses locksmiths and locksmith agencies through IDFPR: exam, fingerprints and $1 million insurance. The law sunsets in 2029 unless renewed. ## The short answer Statewide license Yes. Illinois licenses individual locksmiths and locksmith agencies through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The law is set to end on January 1, 2029 unless the legislature renews it. **Issued by** [Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation](https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/lock.html) **The law** [225 ILCS 447 (Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004)](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2474&ChapterID=24) **Who needs it** - Individual locksmiths - Locksmith agencies and their branch offices - Employees, with a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) **What the source says it takes** - At least 18 years old - Pass the state locksmith exam - Fingerprint background check - Proof of at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance - Renew every 3 years ## What to do in Illinois Apply with IDFPR 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 Illinois. 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 - [IDFPR: locksmith](https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/lock.html) - [IDFPR: locksmith exam application packet](https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/renewals/apply/forms/loc-ex.pdf) 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) · [Idaho](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license/idaho) · [Indiana](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license/indiana) ## Questions ### Do I need a locksmith license in Illinois? Yes. Illinois licenses individual locksmiths and locksmith agencies through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The law is set to end on January 1, 2029 unless the legislature renews it. ### Who issues locksmith licenses in Illinois? Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, under 225 ILCS 447 (Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004). Its website has the current forms and fees. ### Who needs a locksmith license in Illinois? Individual locksmiths. Locksmith agencies and their branch offices. Employees, with a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC). ### What does it take to get a locksmith license in Illinois? What the source states: At least 18 years old; pass the state locksmith exam; fingerprint background check; proof of at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance; renew every 3 years. ### Are there city or county locksmith rules in Illinois? We didn't find a city or county locksmith license in Illinois, 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) .