Do you need a locksmith license in Michigan?
No. Michigan has no state locksmith license. A search of the Michigan Compiled Laws for locksmith finds nothing, and the only section that names locksmiths allows them to carry motor vehicle master keys. A locksmith who installs, services or monitors security alarm systems needs a security alarm system contractor license from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Last checked October 13, 2026 · 9 quoted facts from official pages
Michigan at a glance
- State license
- No statewide license
What the official sources say
Each line is a short quote from the official page it links to, with the date we read it.
The Michigan Legislature's full-text search of the Michigan Compiled Laws (complete through PA 103 of 2026) returns 0 results for 'locksmith' (also 0 for 'locksmithing' and 'lock smith').
“Key Words: locksmith (0 results found)”
Source: legislature.mi.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The only MCL section containing 'locksmiths' is MCL 750.414a (Michigan Penal Code). It bans possession of a motor vehicle master key but exempts locksmiths, key makers and others in the business of making, altering, duplicating or repairing locks or keys.
“Keys in the possession of locksmiths, key makers or other persons engaged in the business of making, altering, duplicating or repairing locks or keys.”
Source: legislature.mi.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Under MCL 750.414a, possessing a motor vehicle master key outside the listed exceptions is a misdemeanor.
“Violation of the provisions of this section shall be a misdemeanor.”
Source: legislature.mi.gov · checked October 13, 2026
LARA's Licensing Division regulates 14 occupational professions under the Michigan Occupational Code (accountancy, appraisal management companies, real estate appraisers, architects, barbers, collection agencies, cosmetology, professional engineers, hearing aid dealers, landscape architects, personnel agencies, real estate brokers/salespersons, professional surveyors); none is locksmithing.
“regulates 14 occupational professions in Michigan under the Michigan Occupational Code”
Source: michigan.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Separately, Michigan's Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act (1968 PA 330) requires a license to engage in the business of security alarm system contractor; this is relevant to a locksmith who installs, services or monitors security alarm systems, not to lock work.
“Unless licensed under this act ... shall not engage in the business of security alarm system contractor”
Source: legislature.mi.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Under MCL 338.1053(3), violating that license requirement is a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
“A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony ... not more than 4 years or a fine of not more than $1,000.00”
Source: legislature.mi.gov · checked October 13, 2026
MCL 338.1052 defines a security alarm system contractor (installation, maintenance, alteration, monitoring or servicing of security alarm systems). The act's 'security alarm system' is built around alarms that are remotely monitored; it excludes fire alarm systems and systems that are neither monitored by a central station nor set off an audible alarm.
“"Security alarm system contractor" means a person engaged in the installation, maintenance, alteration, monitoring, or servicing of security alarm systems”
Source: legislature.mi.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The department that issues licenses under 1968 PA 330 (other than for private security police and private college security forces) is LARA.
“"Department" means the department of licensing and regulatory affairs”
Source: legislature.mi.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Show 1 more fact
An April 14, 2023 Illinois Governor's Office of Management and Budget sunset review listed the states that license locksmiths; Michigan is not among them.
“At least thirteen states license locksmiths, including Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia.”
Source: budget.illinois.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Sales tax on locksmith work in Michigan
Rates, local taxes and how Michigan treats labor and repair charges: sales tax facts for Michigan.
Running a locksmith business in Michigan 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
Add your rates under Settings → Tax Rates, then choose each shop’s default rate under Settings → Outlets, so every shop charges its own local rate.
All featuresRecords kept digitally
Invoices, receipts, signatures and photos are kept digitally for your records, and you can send a receipt to the customer by email or text.
Payment-link evidencePayment links through your own account
Text or email a payment link through your own QuickBooks Payments, Square or Stripe account. On a payment-link sale the record keeps the customer’s signature, the terms they accepted, IP address and device, photos, and location when their browser shares it.
Payment processingStock by shop and van
Each shop, and each van you set up as its own location, keeps its own stock, with reorder points, counts and exact transfers between locations.
InventoryYour team, hours and commission
Time clock, timesheets, pay rates and per-technician commission reporting, with role permissions and staff limited to their own shop.
WorkforceQuickBooks Online, when you choose
Push sales and payments from IntelliDrive OS to QuickBooks Online. It is a one-way push that you start yourself.
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.
Michigan locksmith license questions
Do you need a license to be a locksmith in Michigan?
No. Michigan has no state locksmith license. A search of the Michigan Compiled Laws for locksmith finds nothing, and the only section that names locksmiths allows them to carry motor vehicle master keys. A locksmith who installs, services or monitors security alarm systems needs a security alarm system contractor license from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
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.
Run your Michigan locksmith business on IntelliDrive OS
$79/month per business, billed monthly, with unlimited users.
The first 30 days are free. A card is required at signup and the first charge is on day 31; cancel in Settings → Billing before then and you pay nothing.