---
title: "Nevada locksmith license requirements · LockCommand"
description: "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."
url: https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license/nevada
---

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

# Nevada locksmith license requirements

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.

**Issued by**

[The sheriff of the county where your business is (Nevada Revised Statutes chapter 655)](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-655.html)

**The law**

[NRS chapter 655 (Locksmiths and Safe Mechanics), NRS 655.070](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-655.html)

**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](http://www.washoesheriff.com/administrative_bureau/administrative-services-division/records/work-permits.php)
- **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](https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/business/doing_business_with_clark_county/divisions/regulated_business/regulated-license-guide)
- **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](https://files.lasvegasnevada.gov/business-licensing/Locksmith-Checklist-PL059.pdf)

### 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

- [NRS 655.070 (current text)](https://nevada.public.law/statutes/nrs_655.070)
- [NRS chapter 655](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-655.html)
- [Washoe County Sheriff: work permits](http://www.washoesheriff.com/administrative_bureau/administrative-services-division/records/work-permits.php)
- [Clark County: regulated business license guide](https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/business/doing_business_with_clark_county/divisions/regulated_business/regulated-license-guide)
- [City of Las Vegas: locksmith license checklist](https://files.lasvegasnevada.gov/business-licensing/Locksmith-Checklist-PL059.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) · [Nebraska](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license/nebraska) · [New Hampshire](https://lockcommand.com/tools/locksmith-license/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.

### Who needs a locksmith license in Nevada?

Every person who works as a locksmith or safe mechanic (a sheriff's permit).

### What does it take to get a locksmith license in Nevada?

What the source states: 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.

### 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.

## 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) .
