Alabama locksmith license
Yes. Alabama licenses locksmiths through the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure. A locksmith company needs a company license, and an individual locksmith needs a locksmith license, which requires a board-approved class and a proctored exam.
Last checked October 13, 2026 · 37 quoted facts from official pages
Alabama at a glance
- State license
- Yes, a statewide license
- License types
- 6
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- City and county rules
- See the notes below
License types
As the agency names them.
Company
Company license (locksmith company)
Required for any business offering locksmith services; must have at least one licensed Qualifying Agent and $250,000 general liability insurance. Branch offices need a separate branch license.
Manager
Qualifying Agent - Locksmith
Licensed individual in a management/supervisory position with the company (statute: not less than 33 hours per week). Must complete a Board-approved locksmith certification class and pass the proctored or a Board-approved exam.
Individual
Locksmith (individual license, classification L)
Each individual performing locksmith work for a licensed company holds an individual license through that company; self-employed persons need both a company and an individual license (AESBL FAQ).
Apprentice / trainee
Trainee
Locksmith applicants may be granted six months to complete required certification training and pass the proctored exam; must work under direct on-the-job supervision.
Apprentice / trainee
Helper (locksmith helper)
Limited classification for applicants without training certification; works under direct supervision of a licensed locksmith; may not change safe combinations or access key codes. Max two helpers per licensed individual.
Other
Vehicle Security Professional
Automotive technicians (e.g. dealership or mechanic shop) who create/program transponder keys and fobs exclusively for vehicles; not a locksmith and may not advertise as one.
Requirements
Only what the official pages state. A blank means we could not confirm it.
- Training or experience
- Board-approved locksmith certification class plus passing the proctored exam (Ala. Admin. Code 304-X-1-.05(4)); trainees get six months to complete it. Approved locksmith courses on the AESBL list (dated 01/02/2020) include the Alabama Locksmith Association Locksmith Test and ALOA courses (PRP, CLL Alabama exam).
- Exam
- Proctored exam (or Board-approved exam for Qualifying Agents) required to obtain a locksmith license.
- Background check
- State and federal (ALEA and FBI) criminal background check with two fingerprint cards and a copy of a current driver's license; fingerprint cards are required at every renewal. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or legally present.
- Insurance
- Company must carry at least $250,000 general liability insurance.
Fees
From the agency's fee rules. Fees change, so check before you apply.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| First-time administrative fee (company) or company name change fee | $150 |
| Company license, incorporated/LLC/LP (two-year) | $400 |
| Company license, sole proprietorship or non-incorporated partnership (two-year) | $300 |
| Company branch office fee | $400 |
| Qualifying Agent - Locksmith only (two-year) | $60 |
| Individual Locksmith/Access Control/CCTV Installer license (two-year) | $60 |
| Helper license (two-year) | $60 |
| State/federal background check processing fee (paid to AESBL) | $37 |
| Late renewal fee (company, renewal submitted after December 31 deadline) | $500 |
| Incomplete renewal fee (company/Qualifying Agent applications incomplete after December 31) | $350 |
Renewal and continuing education
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing education
- Locksmiths and locksmith Qualifying Agents: 8 hours of Board-approved CE per year, proven at renewal as 16 hours per two-year cycle (maximum 24 units for multiple classifications). Licenses expire December 31 of the second year of the licensing period; AESBL states there is no grace period.
Working without a license
Class A misdemeanor (Code of Ala. 34-1A-7(c)); the Board may also impose administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation, issue cease-and-desist orders and seek injunctions, with a court fine of up to $5,000 per offense plus costs and attorney fees.
City and county rules in Alabama
Each entry is backed by the official sources quoted below.
Alabama cities and counties
Alabama cities and counties may not require their own locksmith certification beyond proof of the state license from the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (Code of Alabama § 34-1A-8).
What the official sources say
Each line is a short quote from the official page it links to, with the date we read it.
Alabama classifies licensees by type, and locksmith is a statewide license classification issued by the AESBL (Code of Ala. 34-1A-4(a)).
“Licensees shall be classified as administrative employee, salesperson, locksmith, burglar alarm installer, electronic access control system installer, closed circuit television system installer, qualifying agent”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
The statutory definition of locksmith includes creating automotive transponder keys and electronic vehicle keys (Code of Ala. 34-1A-1(11), history through Act 2025-333).
“creates transponder keys and any other automotive keys and electronic operating devices connected to motor vehicles.”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
Engaging in a regulated business (including locksmithing) without a current license is unlawful (Code of Ala. 34-1A-7(a), effective January 1, 1998).
“unlawful for any individual or business entity to engage in a business regulated by this chapter in this state without a current valid license”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
Violating the chapter is a Class A misdemeanor (Code of Ala. 34-1A-7(c)).
“Any individual or business entity who violates this chapter or any order or rule of the board shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
For unlicensed work the Board may impose an administrative fine of up to $5,000 per violation (Code of Ala. 34-1A-7(g)(1)).
“Impose an administrative fine up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation.”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
After a permanent injunction a court may fine the offender up to $5,000 per offense plus costs and attorney fees (Code of Ala. 34-1A-7(i)).
“the court may fine the offending party up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) plus court costs and attorney fees, for each offense.”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
Licenses are issued for a two-year period (Code of Ala. 34-1A-5(e); section history through Act 2023-300, eff. May 30, 2023).
“Any license granted pursuant to this chapter shall be issued for a two-year period, but may be staggered for renewal as otherwise provided.”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
Statute caps the two-year license fee at $300 for an individual and $1,500 for a business entity (Code of Ala. 34-1A-5(b)(1), effective January 1, 2014).
“shall not exceed three hundred dollars ($300) for an individual and one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) for a business entity.”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
Show 29 more facts
Every licensed company must have at least one licensed Qualifying Agent (Code of Ala. 34-1A-5(p)).
“each licensed company, corporation, firm, and business entity is required to have at least one licensed employee designated as a qualifying agent.”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legally present in Alabama (Code of Ala. 34-1A-3(2)).
“Qualifications for licensure shall include the requirement that the applicant is a United States citizen or legally present in this state.”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
Locksmith applicants must complete a Board-approved certification class and pass the proctored exam (Ala. Admin. Code 304-X-1-.05(4)(b); rule last amended effective January 10, 2026).
“an applicant must have completed a Board approved certification class and passed the proctored exam in order to obtain or renew a license.”
Source: admincode.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
Trainees (including locksmith applicants) get six months to complete certification training and pass the proctored exam (Ala. Admin. Code 304-X-1-.01(38)).
“A registrant who applies as an alarm system installer, locksmith or salesperson and is granted six (6) months to complete the required certification training”
Source: admincode.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
Locksmiths and locksmith Qualifying Agents need 8 hours of Board-approved CE per year, shown at each two-year renewal (Ala. Admin. Code 304-X-1-.05(4)(c)).
“eight (8) hours of Board approved continuing education units, annually. The demonstration of completion will be done at the time of renewal every two years”
Source: admincode.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
The AESBL CEU reporting form (updated 2026) requires 16 hours of CE at each renewal for locksmiths.
“All applicants, including Qualifying Agents, Installers, Locksmiths, VSP, and Salespersons, must submit 16 hours of continuing education upon license renewal.”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Registrants licensed in multiple classifications need at most 24 CE units per renewal cycle (Ala. Admin. Code 304-X-1-.05).
“continuing education units that total a maximum of twenty-four (24) units for their renewal cycle.”
Source: admincode.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
AESBL states there is no grace period after the December 31 renewal deadline (2026/2027 application packet, amended June 1, 2026).
“the AESBL does NOT have a grace period beyond the December 31st deadline for renewals.”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Fingerprint cards must be submitted every time a background check is run, including at renewal (AESBL FAQ).
“all individuals—both new and renewals—must submit fingerprint cards every time a background check is run.”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
AESBL-approved locksmith certification courses (list updated 01/02/2020) include the Alabama Locksmith Association Locksmith Test and ALOA's PRP and CLL Alabama exam.
“Proficiency Registration Program (PRP) ATC Certified Licensed Locksmith Alabama Exam (CLL)”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Licenses for companies and individuals expire December 31 of the second year of the licensing period (Ala. Admin. Code 304-X-1-.03(1)(k)).
“The expiration date for both companies and individuals is December 31st of the second year of its licensing period.”
Source: admincode.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
A company license requires proof of at least $250,000 general liability insurance (AESBL How to Get Licensed page).
“Proof of at least $250,000 general liability insurance (company’s physical address must be on the declaration page)”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Qualifying Agent and individual applicants submit ALEA background forms, two fingerprint cards, a current driver's license copy and a $37 fee (AESBL How to Get Licensed page).
“The ALEA forms required for a state/federal background check, two fingerprint cards, copy of your current driver’s license (not expired), and a fee of $37.00”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
2026/2027 AESBL fee schedule (application packet amended June 1, 2026): first-time administrative fee $150.
“First Time Administrative Fee or Company Name Change Fee $150.00”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
2026/2027 AESBL fee schedule (two-year column): incorporated/LLC/LP company license $400.
“Company (Incorporated, LLC, or LP) License Fee and Annual Fee $400.00”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
2026/2027 AESBL fee schedule (two-year column): sole proprietorship/non-incorporated partnership company license $300.
“Company (Sole Proprietorship or non-incorporated partnership) License Fee and Annual Fee $300.00”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
2026/2027 AESBL fee schedule: company branch office fee $400 (no administrative fee).
“Company Branch Office Annual Fee (No Administrative Fee Required) $400.00”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
2026/2027 AESBL fee schedule (two-year column): Qualifying Agent - Locksmith only $60.
“(2) Qualifying Agent—Locksmith only $ 60.00”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
2026/2027 AESBL fee schedule (two-year column): individual Locksmith/Access Control/CCTV Installer license $60.
“(4) Locksmith/Access Control/CCTV Installer $ 60.00”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
2026/2027 AESBL fee schedule (two-year column): Helper license $60.
“(6) Helper $ 60.00”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The 2026/2027 individual license application states the individual fee is $60 for two years.
“Fees for Individual - $60.00 for 2 years”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
2026/2027 AESBL fee schedule: late company renewal fee $500 (in addition to the license fee).
“Late Renewal Fee for companies submitted after 12/31/2025 $500.00”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
2026/2027 AESBL fee schedule: incomplete renewal fee $350 for company/Qualifying Agent applications (in addition to the license fee).
“Incomplete Renewal Fee for Company/QA apps after December 12/31/2025 $350.00”
Source: aesbl.alabama.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Municipalities and counties may not require their own certification beyond proof of the AESBL license (Code of Ala. 34-1A-8(a)).
“A municipality or county shall not enact an order, ordinance, rule, or regulation requiring a person or business entity to obtain a certification”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
Locksmith Qualifying Agents must complete a Board-approved locksmith certification class and pass the proctored exam or a Board-approved exam (Ala. Admin. Code 304-X-1-.05(4)(a)).
“completed a Board approved locksmith certification class and passed the proctored exam or a Board approved exam in order to obtain a license”
Source: admincode.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
For unlicensed work the Board may also issue a cease and desist order (Code of Ala. 34-1A-7(g)(3)).
“Issue a cease and desist order.”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
A Qualifying Agent must work in a management and supervisory position at least 33 hours per week (Code of Ala. 34-1A-5(p)).
“an individual applicant shall serve in a management and supervisory position with a company for not less than 33 hours per week.”
Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
No more than two Helpers may be assigned to one licensed individual (Ala. Admin. Code 304-X-1-.01(20)).
“No more than two (2) Helpers may be assigned to a licensed individual.”
Source: admincode.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
Vehicle Security Professionals (automotive technicians making keys and fobs for vehicles) are a separate classification and are not locksmiths (Ala. Admin. Code 304-X-1-.03).
“A vehicle security professional is not considered to be a locksmith.”
Source: admincode.legislature.state.al.us · checked October 13, 2026
Sales tax on locksmith work in Alabama
Rates, local taxes and how Alabama treats labor and repair charges: sales tax facts for Alabama.
Running a locksmith business in Alabama on IntelliDrive OS
What the software does today, nothing more. It does not apply for licenses, file returns or give legal or tax advice.
One tax rate per shop
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All featuresRecords kept digitally
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Payment-link evidencePayment links through your own account
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InventoryYour team, hours and commission
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WorkforceQuickBooks Online, when you choose
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QuickBooks integrationScheduling and dispatch (add-on)
Scheduling, dispatch, live GPS and ETA texts come with the GetTimePad add-on at $199/month. It is not part of the $79 plan.
SchedulingMore for locksmiths: IntelliDrive OS for locksmiths.
Alabama locksmith license questions
Do you need a license to be a locksmith in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama licenses locksmiths through the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure. A locksmith company needs a company license, and an individual locksmith needs a locksmith license, which requires a board-approved class and a proctored exam.
Who issues locksmith licenses in Alabama?
Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, under Code of Alabama § 34-1A-1 and following.
How much does a Alabama locksmith license cost?
First-time administrative fee (company) or company name change fee: $150. Company license, incorporated/LLC/LP (two-year): $400. Company license, sole proprietorship or non-incorporated partnership (two-year): $300. Company branch office fee: $400. Fees change, so check the agency's fee page before you apply.
How often do you renew a Alabama locksmith license?
Every 2 years. Locksmiths and locksmith Qualifying Agents: 8 hours of Board-approved CE per year, proven at renewal as 16 hours per two-year cycle (maximum 24 units for multiple classifications).
What happens if you work as a locksmith without a license in Alabama?
Class A misdemeanor (Code of Ala. 34-1A-7(c)); the Board may also impose administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation, issue cease-and-desist orders and seek injunctions, with a court fine of up to $5,000 per offense plus costs and attorney fees.
Can a city or county in Alabama require its own locksmith license?
Alabama cities and counties may not require their own locksmith certification beyond proof of the state license from the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (Code of Alabama § 34-1A-8).
This guide summarizes the official pages linked next to each fact. Rules and fees change, so check with the licensing agency before you apply or take work. This is not legal advice.
Last checked October 13, 2026.
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