Locksmith license in Montana

Montana has no statewide locksmith license, and its security law leaves locksmiths out of the electronic security firm rules. Sources inside.

The short answer

No statewide license

No statewide locksmith license. Montana's security law says a business whose main work is locksmithing isn't an electronic security firm, and the state's list of licensing boards has no locksmith program.

Where to check: Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Business Standards Division
The law: MCA 37-60-101 (locksmiths excluded from electronic security firms)

What to do in Montana

We found no statewide locksmith license in Montana. 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 Montana. 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 If something here is out of date, tell us through the contact page.

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Questions

Do I need a locksmith license in Montana?

No statewide locksmith license. Montana's security law says a business whose main work is locksmithing isn't an electronic security firm, and the state's list of licensing boards has no locksmith program.

Are there city or county locksmith rules in Montana?

We didn't find a city or county locksmith license in Montana, 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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