Every state in the US has regulations on who is allowed to work as a locksmith. A “locksmith” is defined under Texas law as anybody who sells, services, installs, or maintains mechanical security systems, such as deadbolts and locks, and who either represents themselves to the public as a locksmith or promotes or provides their services to the public.
In the same way, any individual or organization that promotes locksmith services, sells, services, installs, or maintains locks and mechanical security systems, or whose name includes the word “locksmith,” is deemed to be a locksmith company.
The Texas Private Security Bureau issues locksmith licenses in the state of Texas. Private security work in Texas is governed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Companies and people are equally subject to the licensing requirement.
A contractor license or registration is also required by businesses. In Texas, an individual or business must meet the following qualifying conditions before applying for a locksmith license:
Requirements to Get a Locksmith License in Texas
- Age restriction: 18 minimum
- The Department of Justice and the FBI will conduct a criminal history check
- A Class B misdemeanor must not have been committed within the previous five (5) years.
- Ability to think clearly
- Not abusing drugs or alcohol
- Must have been honorably discharged from the military if a member
- Must have two years of experience as a locksmith, or two years of training (a forty-eight-hour basic locksmith course and a six hundred-hour basics of locksmithing course recognized by the department), pass a locksmith proficiency test, and have one year of full-time experience as a locksmith.
- If you have a criminal history, inquire with the State to see if the Private Security Board may overlook your conviction (PSB). The PSB disregards a few convictions.
If a person installs, maintains, or fixes an electronic access control device, they are acting in the capacity of an installer. Alarm systems cannot be installed by someone registered as an installer of electronic access control devices unless that person is also registered under this chapter as an installer of alarm systems and vice versa.
How Can I Get a Texas Locksmith License?
Before being awarded a license to work as a locksmith in Texas, prospective locksmiths must satisfy a minimal set of requirements. Except for some teachers, all individuals—including locksmiths and installers—must hold a license and be connected to a business or other entity that has a license from the Department.
Only those who meet the requirements can submit an application for a locksmith license or for a locksmith business (in which case the owner has to qualify). You should look for an apprenticeship with a nearby locksmith business if you are just starting out.
Before you apply for your license, you must have worked two or more years at a full-time job. The simplest and least expensive method is to locate a reputable locksmith business and spend a few years working as an apprentice there. In order to operate as an apprentice lawfully, your locksmith company will register you with the state and issue you a locksmith’s pocket card.
Alternately, you can finish the required locksmith training programs—a 48-hour introductory course, a 600-hour course in locksmith fundamentals at a recognized trade school, and the locksmith competence test—instead. Work a full year at a certified locksmith business.
You can apply for a locksmith license in Texas once you have finished the required training, passed the exam, and accrued one year of full-time experience.
Here at https://tops.portal.texas.gov/, you may choose a reputable trade school where you can receive your locksmith training. To look for training or trade schools, click on the Search Licensees page. Be careful to pick the training option while searching for your city in the database.
Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website and click the Texas Online Private Security link to begin the process of applying for a locksmith license (TOPS).
In Conclusion,
Choosing a career as a locksmith in a state with a thriving market might just be the right choice for you but you must obtain the required locksmith license. It is interesting to note that getting access to the education needed to become a locksmith is simple and can even be done online.
Ad0ditionally, the job is in demand and pays high on average. The work is flexible, and you can opt to do it only from a mobile location or from a storefront.