New Jersey locksmith license

Yes. New Jersey licenses locksmiths through the Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee in the Division of Consumer Affairs. Each locksmith needs an individual license, a locksmith business needs a business license, and licenses run for three years.

Last checked October 13, 2026 · 41 quoted facts from official pages

A lock cylinder taken apart for rekeying on a porch table, with pins in a tray and a follower tool

New Jersey at a glance

State license: Yes, a statewide license
Issued by: Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee (NJ Division of Consumer Affairs)
The law: N.J.S.A. 45:5A-23 to 45:5A-36
License types: 3
Renewal: Every 3 years
City and county rules: See the notes below

License types

As the agency names them.

Individual

Locksmith license (individual; license numbers prefixed 34LS)

Required to provide locksmithing services (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-25(b)). Issued for a three-year period. Employees of a locksmith business may themselves hold locksmith licenses (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-26(a)(2), 45:5A-32(b)).

Company

Locksmith business license (LX), or combined Burglar Alarm and Locksmith (BL), Fire Alarm and Locksmith (FL), or Burglar Alarm, Fire Alarm and Locksmith (AL) business license

Any business firm providing locksmithing services needs a business license and must designate a licensed locksmith as its business qualifier; needs $500,000 general liability insurance plus $10,000 additional insurance or a $10,000 surety bond.

Other

Employees of a licensee (notification, not a separate license)

Within 30 days of hiring a person as a locksmith, the licensee must notify the board and submit the employee's photo, fingerprints and conviction list (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-35(b)).

Requirements

Only what the official pages state. A blank means we could not confirm it.

Minimum age: 18
Training or experience: Good moral character; high school diploma or equivalency (or a waiver based on experience); immediately before applying, at least 3 years (36 months, 20 working days/month) of full-time hands-on locksmithing experience equal to 5,040 hours, or a 2-year apprenticeship approved by the US DOL Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training; plus, within the past three years, 2 hours each in Barrier Free Subcode, NJ Uniform Construction Code, ADA Code, Industrial Safety, and NJ laws and rules for alarm and locksmith services (N.J.A.C. 13:31A-2.1, per the Committee's Application Process Overview).
Exam: Must pass a written locksmithing examination approved by the board (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-27(b)(4)).
Background check: Fingerprinting and a criminal history background check through the NJ State Police and FBI, at the applicant's cost; no conviction of a first-, second- or third-degree crime within 10 years before applying (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-26(b), 45:5A-27(b)(2)).
Insurance: Locksmith business: certificate of general liability insurance of $500,000 listing the Committee as certificate holder ($1,000,000 if the business also does alarm work), plus additional insurance of $10,000 payable to the State or a $10,000 surety bond.
Bond: $10,000 surety bond in favor of the State of New Jersey (or equivalent additional insurance coverage), required of licensees by N.J.S.A. 45:5A-32(a)(4).

Fees

From the agency's fee rules. Fees change, so check before you apply.

Fee	Amount
Individual license application fee, nonrefundable (Application Process Overview)	$150
Application fee when applying for a second Committee-issued license	$100
Individual license triennial renewal fee ('currently $120' per the Application Process Overview)	$120
Late renewal fee (renewal within 30 days after expiration)	$50
Business license application fee, nonrefundable	$150
Business license fee if licensed in the first year of the triennial period	$75
Business license fee if licensed in the second year of the triennial period	$50
Business license fee if licensed in the third year of the triennial period	$25
Triennial business license renewal fee (N.J.A.C. 13:31A-1.4, as amended effective December 17, 2007)	$75
Replacement license/business license fee (N.J.A.C. 13:31A-1.4, as amended effective April 3, 2017)	$25

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal: Every 3 years
Continuing education: 24 continuing education credits per triennial registration period for one Committee-issued license, including 10 credits in five mandatory subject areas (N.J.A.C. 13:31A-1.12); not required in the period in which the license was first issued. Renewal application due at least 45 days before expiration; a license not renewed within 30 days of expiration is automatically suspended.

Working without a license

Providing or offering locksmithing services without a license violates N.J.S.A. 45:5A-25(b). Under the Uniform Enforcement Act, N.J.S.A. 45:1-25, a violator is liable to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for the first violation and up to $20,000 for each subsequent violation; unlicensed-practice actions are brought under that section or, for injunctions, in Superior Court. Working on a license suspended for non-renewal is treated as unlicensed practice.

City and county rules in New Jersey

Each entry is backed by the official sources quoted below.

New Jersey cities and counties

Any city or county rule on licensing or registering locksmiths is superseded by the state locksmith law (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-36).

Official page

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 Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee is created within the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, under the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-23).
“There is created within the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, under the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
The Committee licenses individuals and also licenses locksmith businesses (Committee home page, last modified 4/28/2025).
“The Advisory Committee also issues licenses to alarm and locksmith businesses.”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
No person may provide, or hold themselves out as qualified to provide, locksmithing services unless licensed as a locksmith (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-25(b)).
“No person shall represent himself as qualified to provide, or otherwise provide locksmithing services unless he is licensed as a locksmith”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
Statutory definition of locksmithing services excludes installing a prefabricated lock set and door knob in a residence door (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-2(n), amended 2021).
“except that "locksmithing services" shall not include the installation of a prefabricated lock set and door knob into a door of a residence”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
A locksmith license applicant must be at least 18 years old (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-27(b)(1)).
“b. An applicant seeking licensure as a locksmith shall: (1) Be at least 18 years of age;”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
A locksmith applicant must be of good moral character and not convicted of a first-, second- or third-degree crime within 10 years before applying (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-27(b)(2)).
“not have been convicted of a crime of the first, second or third degree within 10 years prior to the filing of the application”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
A locksmith applicant must pass a written examination approved by the board (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-27(b)(4)).
“Successfully complete a written examination approved by the board, in consultation with the committee to determine the applicant's competence to engage in locksmithing services”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
Applicants submit a passport photo, a list of convictions, and fingerprints taken by law enforcement; the board runs State Police/FBI checks (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-26(b)).
“fingerprints of his two hands taken on standard fingerprint cards by a State or municipal law enforcement agency”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026

Show 33 more facts

The applicant pays for the criminal history record check (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-26(b)).
“The applicant shall bear the cost for the criminal history record check.”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
Committee FAQ (last modified 2/26/2024): applicants must be 18 and of good moral character.
“must be at least 18 years of age and be of good moral character”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalency, or a waiver based on experience (Committee FAQ).
“an applicant must hold a high school diploma or equivalency certificate or request a waiver of the requirement based upon the applicant's experience”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
All applicants are fingerprinted and background-checked (Committee FAQ).
“All applicants must be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal history background check.”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Experience requirement for a locksmith license under N.J.A.C. 13:31A-2.1 (Committee's Application Process Overview, undated).
“At least 3 years (36-month) hands on experience with at least 20 working days per month engaging in full-time locksmithing services”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The experience must equal 5,040 hours, or the applicant may instead complete a 2-year apprenticeship approved by the US DOL Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (Application Process Overview).
“equal to 5040 hours or complete a 2 year apprenticeship program in locksmithing services approved by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Within the past three years, locksmith applicants must complete 2 hours each in Barrier Free Subcode, NJ Uniform Construction Code, ADA Code, Industrial Safety, and NJ laws and rules for alarm/locksmith services (N.J.A.C. 13:31A-2.1(a)7, per the Application Process Overview).
“Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:31 A-2.1(a)7, in the past three years have successfully completed:”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The individual license application fee is $150, or $100 when applying for a second license (Application Process Overview, undated).
“Non Refundable Application Fee: $150 ($100 if you are applying for a second license)”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Licenses are valid for 3 years and the renewal fee is currently $120 (Application Process Overview, undated).
“Renewals are done online and require a renewal fee (currently $120)”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Licenses are issued, and renewed, for three-year periods (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-31(a)).
“Licenses shall be issued to qualified applicants seeking licensure to engage in the alarm business or as a locksmith for a three-year period”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
A renewal application must be filed at least 45 days before the license expires (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-31(a)).
“A renewal application shall be filed with the board at least 45 days prior to expiration of a license.”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
Continuing education: 24 credits per triennial period for one license, including 10 mandatory credits (Committee FAQ).
“In each triennial registration period, the holder of one Committee-issued license shall obtain 24 C.E. credits, including 10 credits as specified in N.J.A.C. 13:31A-1.12(b).”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
A $50.00 late fee applies to renewals during the 30-day late renewal period (Committee FAQ).
“a late renewal fee of $50.00 will be charged if you renew your license during the 30-day late renewal period”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
A license not renewed within 30 days of expiration is automatically suspended, and practicing on it is unlicensed practice (Committee FAQ).
“A license that is not renewed within 30 days of its expiration shall be automatically suspended”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Practicing on a suspended license counts as unlicensed practice (Committee FAQ).
“An individual who continues to practice with a suspended license shall be deemed to be engaged in unlicensed practice.”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Continuing education is not required for the triennial period in which the license was first issued (Committee FAQ).
“Continuing education credits are not required of licensees for the triennial registration period in which their license was initially issued.”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
A business license is required for any business firm providing locksmithing services (Committee FAQ).
“A business license is required for any business firm wishing to provide alarm and/or locksmithing services.”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The business license application fee is $150.00, nonrefundable (Application for a Business License).
“The nonrefundable application fee of $150.00 must be paid in the form of a check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey.”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Business license fee is $75.00 if licensed in year one and $50.00 if licensed in year two of the triennial period (Application for a Business License).
“first year of the triennial licensing period - $75.00 If licensed in the second year of the triennial licensing period - $50.00”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Business license fee is $25.00 if licensed in year three of the triennial period (Application for a Business License).
“If licensed in the third year of the triennial licensing period - $25.00”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
A locksmith business needs a $500,000 certificate of liability insurance ($1,000,000 for an alarm business) naming the Committee as certificate holder (Application for a Business License).
“The Certificate of Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 for an Alarm Business, and $500,000 for a Locksmith Business”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
A combined alarm and locksmith business needs $1,000,000 of general liability insurance (Application for a Business License).
“Alarm and Locksmith Business General liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000;”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
In addition to liability insurance, a locksmith business provides $10,000 additional insurance payable to the State or a $10,000 surety bond (Application for a Business License).
“A surety bond payable to the State of New Jersey in the sum of $10,000.”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Licensees must keep general liability insurance and $10,000 insurance coverage or a surety bond in favor of the State (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-32(a)(4)).
“insurance coverage or a surety bond in favor of the State of New Jersey in the sum of $10,000”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
Triennial business license renewal fee of $75.00 (N.J.A.C. 13:31A-1.4(a)6 as amended, 39 N.J.R., effective December 17, 2007; New Jersey Register adoption posted by the Division).
“6. Triennial business license renewal fee … $ 75.00”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Replacement license/business license fee of $25.00 (N.J.A.C. 13:31A-1.4(a)17, readoption with amendments, 49 N.J.R., April 3, 2017).
“17. Replacement license/business license fee … $ 25.00”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
N.J.A.C. 13:31A was readopted effective December 28, 2023 and now expires December 28, 2030 (56 N.J.R. 215(a), February 5, 2024).
“Effective Date: December 28, 2023. New Expiration Date: December 28, 2030.”
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Licensees must notify the board within 30 days of hiring a person as a locksmith and submit the employee's photo, fingerprints and convictions (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-35(b)).
“Within 30 days of employing a person in connection with an alarm business or as a locksmith, a licensee shall notify the board”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
Exemption: plain key duplication is exempt, except keys marked 'do not duplicate' or 'master key' (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-28(e), amended 2015).
“The activities of any person using any key duplicating machine or key blanks, except for keys marked "do not duplicate" or "master key;"”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
Exemption: automotive service dealers and lock manufacturers (and their agents/employees) working on locks from their own product line (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-28(c)); other exemptions cover government emergency services, sales demos to licensed locksmiths, union installers on new construction/renovation, and licensed alarm businesses working on alarm-controlled locks.
“any automotive service dealer or lock manufacturer, or their agent or employee, while servicing, installing, repairing, or rebuilding locks from a product line”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
Municipal and county locksmith licensing or registration rules are superseded by the state act (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-36(b), amended 2021).
“relating to the licensing or registration of locksmiths or alarm businesses are superseded by the provisions of this act.”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
Penalty (Uniform Enforcement Act, N.J.S.A. 45:1-25(a)): civil penalty up to $10,000 for a first violation and up to $20,000 for each subsequent violation of an act administered by a board.
“civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for the first violation and not more than $20,000 for the second and each subsequent violation”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026
Unlicensed-practice actions are brought under N.J.S.A. 45:1-25 (or in Superior Court for injunctive relief).
“Any action alleging the unlicensed practice of a profession or occupation shall be brought pursuant to this section”
Source: lis.njleg.state.nj.us · checked October 13, 2026

Sales tax on locksmith work in New Jersey

Rates, local taxes and how New Jersey treats labor and repair charges: sales tax facts for New Jersey.

Running a locksmith business in New Jersey on IntelliDrive OS

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New Jersey locksmith license questions

Do you need a license to be a locksmith in New Jersey?

Who issues locksmith licenses in New Jersey?

Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee (NJ Division of Consumer Affairs), under N.J.S.A. 45:5A-23 to 45:5A-36.

How much does a New Jersey locksmith license cost?

Individual license application fee, nonrefundable (Application Process Overview): $150. Application fee when applying for a second Committee-issued license: $100. Individual license triennial renewal fee ('currently $120' per the Application Process Overview): $120. Late renewal fee (renewal within 30 days after expiration): $50. Fees change, so check the agency's fee page before you apply.

How often do you renew a New Jersey locksmith license?

Every 3 years. C.

What happens if you work as a locksmith without a license in New Jersey?

A. 45:5A-25(b).

Can a city or county in New Jersey require its own locksmith license?

Any city or county rule on licensing or registering locksmiths is superseded by the state locksmith law (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-36).

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.

Locksmith license rules for every state

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