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Every state has different licensing requirements for the locksmithing industry. In some states, every locksmith must pass a certification exam and/or show proof of so many hours apprenticing under a licensed locksmith. In other states, one simply needs to apply for a business permit. In states like Florida, which does not require a specific license to practice, there are other ways to check for legitimacy.

Start by looking for membership with the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) or another of the major locksmith associations. Membership is generally only granted after testing and verification that an individual knows their craft, so it’s a good gauge of a locksmith’s commitment. You can also ask for other accreditations, as well as proof of insurance/bonding. Again, these measures show that a locksmith company is committed to providing quality service.

In a time that reviews can be misleading, and reviews platforms allow companies to “buy” negative review removal, it may feel like a waste of time to read online reviews. However, when it comes to the locksmith industry, those reviews can help you sort out the trustworthy companies from the scammers. Start with a trustworthy reviews platform like Google or Top Rated Local; this is a good way to find reviews on verified companies.

Once you find a company that looks promising, give them a call and pay attention to how they answer the phone. If they answer with a generic “locksmith services” or something similar, this may be another warning of a scam. Ask for the company’s legal business name and address; this is a good way to verify that they are a legitimate business and, if you run into issues, you have details to check against a business registry database.

When a locksmith arrives, it’s natural to want some way to verify who they are. Any legitimate locksmith will have no problem showing you proof of licensing, business registration, proof of insurance, membership with a locksmith association, and so on. It’s also a good idea to take note of their name and driver’s license number. If a technician claims to have “forgotten” their proof of credentials, you may want to send them on their way and find a different locksmith service.

At the same time, you should also expect to show your identification. We want to make sure we are keeping you safe, and protecting your property. Identification will show us that you are who we spoke with on the phone, and that you’re allowed to access the property in question. If you’ve just moved into a new home and your address isn’t updated on your license, we may want to see a piece of mail or something else that shows your name and the new address. In lockout situations, we know that you may not be able to get to your identification. In those cases, we’ll need to see that immediately after popping the lock for you.

When it comes to locksmith services, word of mouth is one of the most valuable ways to find a trustworthy service. Ask family and friends who live in the area, so you can be sure you’re being directed to a local service who knows the region. Good locksmiths take the time to build relationships with our customers because we understand how important it is for you to trust the technician/company providing you with locksmith services.

When you find a locksmith company you like, save our contact information! This will help reduce a lot of worry in the event that you ever get locked out of your home or vehicle. Ideally, you won’t need to call us again, but it’s a great safety net in the event of a locksmith emergency. Plus, if you move to a new home, you will already have someone you trust to swing by and rekey the locks and otherwise make sure your new home is secure.