New York City locksmith license
Yes. New York City's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection licenses locksmiths and locksmith apprentices. A new city law replaces these licenses on May 31, 2027 with a locksmith business license, and applications for it open in February 2027.
Last checked October 13, 2026 · 37 quoted facts from official pages
New York City at a glance
- Local license
- Yes
- State rules
- New York locksmith license rules
License types
Individual
Locksmith License
Current DCWP license for anyone who repairs, services, installs, inspects, or opens and closes locks by mechanical means. DCWP stops licensing individual locksmiths and lock manufacturers on May 31, 2027.
Individual
Locksmith Apprentice License
For a person employed by, and learning the trade under the supervision of, a DCWP-licensed locksmith. The apprentice period may not exceed 36 months. Ends with the individual license on May 31, 2027.
Company
Locksmith Business License (from May 31, 2027)
New category created by Local Law 183 of 2025. From May 31, 2027 a person may perform locksmith services only as an owner, employee or agent of a licensed locksmith business. DCWP says it will post the checklist and begin accepting applications in February 2027. The business must show its license number on its website and on workers' kits and vehicles.
Requirements
Only what the official pages state.
- Training or experience
- Proof of qualifications, one of: two Certificates Recommending an Applicant signed by DCWP-licensed locksmiths; a letter from Local Union No. 74 SEIU showing completion of a locksmithing course plus one certificate; a school certificate for a locksmithing course; Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) professional certification; or proof of locksmith licensure in another US jurisdiction.
- Exam
- No routine exam. If the documentary proof is not satisfactory, the commissioner may require an examination by at least two licensed locksmiths named by the commissioner (Admin Code § 20-306(a)).
- Background check
- Admin Code § 20-306(b) requires applicants to be fingerprinted for state criminal history records, with the applicant paying the state processing fee. DCWP may refuse, suspend or revoke a license over a related criminal conviction. Local Law 183 of 2025 removes the fingerprinting requirement for locksmiths when the new subchapter takes effect on May 31, 2027.
Fees
Fees change, so check with the office before you apply.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Locksmith License, application filed June 1 to November 30 of an odd year (valid up to 24 months) | $100 |
| Locksmith License, application filed December 1 of an odd year to May 31 of an even year (valid up to 18 months) | $75 |
| Locksmith License, application filed June 1 to November 30 of an even year (valid up to 12 months) | $50 |
| Locksmith License, application filed December 1 of an even year to May 31 of an odd year (valid up to 6 months) | $25 |
| Locksmith Apprentice License, application filed June 1 to November 30 of an odd year (valid up to 24 months) | $20 |
| Locksmith Apprentice License, application filed December 1 of an odd year to May 31 of an even year (valid up to 18 months) | $15 |
| Locksmith Apprentice License, application filed June 1 to November 30 of an even year (valid up to 12 months) | $10 |
| Locksmith Apprentice License, application filed December 1 of an even year to May 31 of an odd year (valid up to 6 months) | $5 |
| Locksmith Business License, biennial fee (from May 31, 2027, Local Law 183 of 2025) | $100 |
Renewal
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Working without a license
Administrative: DCWP may fine an unlicensed person $100 per violation per day (Admin Code § 20-105(b)(1)) and order the activity stopped. Criminal, first offense: a fine of $25 to $500, up to 15 days' imprisonment, or both, plus a civil penalty of the greater of twice the license fee or $100 (§ 20-106(b)(1)). Repeat offenders and those with lapsed, suspended or revoked licenses face higher fines and jail terms (§ 20-106(b)(2)-(3)).
What the official sources say
Each line is a short quote from the official page it links to, with the date we read it.
DCWP requires a Locksmith license for anyone who repairs, services, installs, inspects, or opens and closes locks by mechanical means.
“You must have a Locksmith license to repair, service, install, inspect, and open and close locks by mechanical means.”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The Administrative Code makes it unlawful to carry on the business of a locksmith without a license (§ 20-299, in force until May 31, 2027).
“It shall be unlawful for any person to carry on the business, trade or occupation of a locksmith”
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com · checked October 13, 2026
The code publisher marks Subchapter 15 as repealed and replaced by Local Law 2025/183, effective May 31, 2027. The code site was current through Local Law 2026/147.
“Editor's note: this subchapter has been repealed and replaced by L.L. 2025/183, 12/12/2025, eff. 5/31/2027.”
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com · checked October 13, 2026
The NYC Administrative Code on American Legal Publishing was current through Local Law 2026/147 when checked.
“Current through Local Law 2026/147, enacted September 12, 2026,”
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com · checked October 13, 2026
The license period is 2 years and licenses expire on May 31 of odd years.
“License Period: 2 years Expiration Date: May 31 in Odd Years”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
A new Locksmith license filed June 1 to November 30 of an odd year costs $100.
“$100: License fee for new applications from June 1 of odd-numbered years to November 30 of odd-numbered years”
Source: nyc-business.nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
A new Locksmith license filed December 1 of an odd year to May 31 of an even year costs $75.
“$75: License fee for new applications from December 1 of odd-numbered years to May 31 of even-numbered years”
Source: nyc-business.nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
A new Locksmith license filed June 1 to November 30 of an even year costs $50.
“$50: License fee for new applications from June 1 of even-numbered years to November 30 of even-numbered years”
Source: nyc-business.nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Show 29 more facts
A new Locksmith license filed December 1 of an even year to May 31 of an odd year costs $25.
“$25: License fee for new applications from December 1 of even-numbered years to May 31 of odd-numbered years”
Source: nyc-business.nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Paying by credit card adds a non-refundable 2% convenience fee.
“Non-refundable 2% convenience fee for paying with a credit card”
Source: nyc-business.nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The code sets the locksmith license fee at fifty dollars; Chapter 1 reads a stated fee as a one-year fee, consistent with DCWP's $100 for a full 2-year term.
“The fee for a locksmith's license shall be fifty dollars.”
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com · checked October 13, 2026
Admin Code § 20-107(c) treats a fee stated in Chapter 2 as the fee for one year.
“reference to fees, license fees or any other word of similar import shall be deemed to be the license fee for one year”
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com · checked October 13, 2026
Proof of qualifications can be two recommendation certificates signed by DCWP-licensed locksmiths.
“Two (2) Certificates Recommending an Applicant for a Locksmith License signed by DCWP-licensed locksmiths”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Proof of qualifications can be a Local 74 SEIU letter showing a completed locksmithing course (plus one recommendation certificate).
“A letter from Local Union No. 74 Service Employees International Union indicating successful completion of a locksmithing course at a school”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Proof of qualifications can be a school certificate for a completed locksmithing course.
“A certificate from a school indicating successful completion of a locksmithing course”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Proof of qualifications can be ALOA professional certification or a locksmith license from another US jurisdiction.
“Professional certification from the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) OR Proof of licensure as a locksmith from another jurisdiction within the United States”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
If documentary proof is not satisfactory, the commissioner may require an examination by two licensed locksmiths (§ 20-306(a)).
“the commissioner may require the applicant to submit to any examination by at least two licensed locksmiths to be named by the commissioner”
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com · checked October 13, 2026
The current code requires applicants to be fingerprinted for state criminal history records (§ 20-306(b)).
“The commissioner shall require that applicants for licenses issued pursuant to this subchapter be fingerprinted for the purpose of securing criminal history records”
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com · checked October 13, 2026
The applicant pays the state processing fee for fingerprinting (§ 20-306(b)).
“The applicant shall pay a processing fee as required by the state division of criminal justice services.”
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com · checked October 13, 2026
A Locksmith Apprentice license is required for someone employed by and learning under a licensed locksmith.
“You must have a Locksmith Apprentice license if you are employed by and learning the trade of locksmithing under the supervision of a licensed locksmith.”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The apprentice training period may not exceed 36 months.
“The apprentice training period cannot exceed 36 months”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
An apprentice license filed June 1 to November 30 of an odd year costs $20.
“Pay $20 for a license expiring May 31 of the next odd year. (Valid for at most 24 months.)”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
An apprentice license filed December 1 of an odd year to May 31 of an even year costs $15.
“Pay $15 for a license expiring May 31 of the soonest odd year. (Valid for at most 18 months.)”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
An apprentice license filed June 1 to November 30 of an even year costs $10.
“Pay $10 for a license expiring May 31 of the soonest odd year. (Valid for at most 12 months.)”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
An apprentice license filed December 1 of an even year to May 31 of an odd year costs $5.
“Pay $5 for a license expiring May 31 of the soonest odd year. (Valid for at most 6 months.)”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
DCWP may fine anyone doing licensed work without a license $100 per violation per day (§ 20-105(b)(1)).
“to impose fines upon any person in violation of subdivision a of this section of one hundred dollars per violation per day”
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com · checked October 13, 2026
A first conviction for unlicensed activity carries a $25 to $500 fine, up to 15 days' imprisonment, or both (§ 20-106(b)(1)).
“a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding fifteen days, or both”
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com · checked October 13, 2026
A first conviction also carries a civil penalty of the greater of twice the license fee or $100 (§ 20-106(b)(1)).
“a civil penalty in the sum of the greater of twice the applicable license fee or one hundred dollars”
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com · checked October 13, 2026
DCWP stops licensing individual locksmiths and lock manufacturers on May 31, 2027 (page updated 09/10/2026).
“DCWP will no longer license individual locksmiths and manufacturers of locks on May 31, 2027.”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
DCWP will create a Locksmith Business license and begin accepting applications in February 2027.
“DCWP will post license application checklist for a Locksmith Business, a new category, and begin accepting applications in February 2027.”
Source: nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Local Law 183 of 2025 sets a $100 biennial fee for a locksmith business license.
“There shall be a biennial fee of $100 for a license to conduct a locksmith business.”
Source: legistar.council.nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Under Local Law 183 of 2025, a locksmith must be an owner, employee or agent of a licensed locksmith business.
“unless the person is an owner, employee of, or is otherwise engaged by or operating on behalf of, a locksmith business that is duly licensed”
Source: legistar.council.nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Under Local Law 183 of 2025, DCWP may require individual employees of a locksmith business to register.
“The commissioner may require individual employees of a locksmith business to register with the department.”
Source: legistar.council.nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Under Local Law 183 of 2025, a licensed locksmith business must show its license number on its website.
“A locksmith business shall also display its license number on its website to the extent such locksmith business maintains a website.”
Source: legistar.council.nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The locksmith section (section ten) of Local Law 183 of 2025 takes effect May 31, 2027.
“section ten of this local law takes effect May 31, 2027”
Source: legistar.council.nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The Council's plain-language summary says the law ends individual locksmith licensing and the fingerprinting requirement for locksmiths.
“The fingerprinting requirement would be eliminated for process servers, dealers in secondhand goods and locksmiths.”
Source: legistar.council.nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Int. No. 1308-A became Local Law 183 of 2025, enacted December 12, 2025.
“Status: Enacted Committee: Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection On agenda: 6/11/2025 Enactment date: 12/12/2025 Law number: 2025/183”
Source: legistar.council.nyc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
New York City locksmith license questions
Do locksmiths need a license in New York City?
Yes. New York City's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection licenses locksmiths and locksmith apprentices. A new city law replaces these licenses on May 31, 2027 with a locksmith business license, and applications for it open in February 2027.
Who issues locksmith licenses in New York City?
NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, under NYC Administrative Code §§ 20-298 to 20-307.
How much does a New York City locksmith license cost?
Locksmith License, application filed June 1 to November 30 of an odd year (valid up to 24 months): $100. Locksmith License, application filed December 1 of an odd year to May 31 of an even year (valid up to 18 months): $75. Locksmith License, application filed June 1 to November 30 of an even year (valid up to 12 months): $50. Locksmith License, application filed December 1 of an even year to May 31 of an odd year (valid up to 6 months): $25. Fees change, so check the office's fee page before you apply.
How often do you renew a New York City locksmith license?
Every 2 years.
What happens if you work as a locksmith without a license in New York City?
Administrative: DCWP may fine an unlicensed person $100 per violation per day (Admin Code § 20-105(b)(1)) and order the activity stopped. Criminal, first offense: a fine of $25 to $500, up to 15 days' imprisonment, or both, plus a civil penalty of the greater of twice the license fee or $100 (§ 20-106(b)(1)).
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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