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Last checked October 2026

Locksmith license in Nevada

Nevada requires a locksmith permit from your county sheriff under NRS 655, plus Clark County and Las Vegas business rules. What each one asks for.

The short answer

Statewide license

Yes, under state law, but it's a permit from the sheriff of the county where your business is, not a state board. Each county sets its own qualifications and fees, and Clark County and Las Vegas add business license rules on top.

Who needs it
  • Every person who works as a locksmith or safe mechanic (a sheriff's permit)
What the source says it takes
  • A permit from the sheriff of the county where your main place of business is
  • A sheriff's investigation, and approval under the county's own rules
  • Fees set by each county
  • The permit lasts 5 years and must be carried at all times
  • Tell the sheriff about a change of business address within 10 days

What to do in Nevada

Apply with County sheriff 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

  • Washoe County: The Sheriff's Office issues locksmith work permits, with fingerprints for state and national checks, an employer authorization form and a photo card good for 5 years. Official page
  • Clark County (unincorporated): Locksmith and mobile locksmith are regulated business licenses, with a background investigation of the owners by Las Vegas Metro Police. Official page
  • City of Las Vegas: A locksmith business license with a suitability review of the owners, vehicles marked with the business name and license number, and uniforms showing the business name. Official page

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 If something here is out of date, tell us through the contact page.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 · Nebraska · New Hampshire

Questions

Do I need a locksmith license in Nevada?
Yes, under state law, but it's a permit from the sheriff of the county where your business is, not a state board. Each county sets its own qualifications and fees, and Clark County and Las Vegas add business license rules on top.
Who issues locksmith licenses in Nevada?
The sheriff of the county where your business is (Nevada Revised Statutes chapter 655), under NRS chapter 655 (Locksmiths and Safe Mechanics), NRS 655.070. Its website has the current forms and fees.
Are there city or county locksmith rules in Nevada?
Yes. We found local rules in Washoe County, Clark County (unincorporated) and City of Las Vegas. Check with each one before you work there.
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.

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