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Locksmith license in Minnesota

Minnesota doesn't license or bond locksmiths, says the Attorney General, though some cities have rules. Failed licensing bills and sources.

The short answer

No statewide license

No statewide locksmith license. The Minnesota Attorney General's consumer guide says state law doesn't require locksmiths to be licensed or bonded, and bills to create a license in 2017 and 2019 didn't pass. The same guide says some cities have their own rules.

What to do in Minnesota

We found no statewide locksmith license in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota. 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 gives you a signed record for the file.

Sources

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 If something here is out of date, tell us through the contact page.

All 50 states and DC · Michigan · Mississippi

Questions

Do I need a locksmith license in Minnesota?
No statewide locksmith license. The Minnesota Attorney General's consumer guide says state law doesn't require locksmiths to be licensed or bonded, and bills to create a license in 2017 and 2019 didn't pass. The same guide says some cities have their own rules.
Are there city or county locksmith rules in Minnesota?
We didn't find a city or county locksmith license in Minnesota, 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.

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.

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